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FanboyPhilosopher — Altjira

Published: 2015-06-30 00:04:12 +0000 UTC; Views: 743; Favourites: 22; Downloads: 3
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Description This picture is not to scale. each of the butterflies are the same size.

This is the Altjira (Aepypapilio altjira), a huge swallowtail named after the Aboriginal god of creation. It is very similar to the present day Queen Alexandra's birdwing in many respects, such as both living in the rainforests of New Guinea (though during the Neocene New Guinea has fused with Australia). Another similarity is size: both butterflies are the largest of their respective time periods, with the birdwing having a wingspan of 25 centimeters (~10 inches), and the Altjira being even larger at 30 centimeters (~12 inches). The caterpillar feeds on legumes and is also large at 20 centimeters (~8 inches) and implements several defensive measures; when frightened it can retract its head, showing its bright second thoracal segment and making it appear to be an open-mouthed snake. If that fails, it can use its yellow odor glands or spit regurgitated plant material at its enemies. The imagos are more passive in defense: they hang on the undersides of foliage, impersonating a dead leaf.
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