​ Ornithoptera goliath live in the rainforests of New Guinea and adjacent smaller islands.
   They are the second largest butterfly in the world, behind the Queen Alexandra's birdwing.
   They are also the second most poisonous butterfly in the world, a defense mechanism that ensures their survival against predation.
   Their poison is potent enough to be fatal to small animals, emphasizing the delicate balance between beauty and danger.
   The adult stage of the Goliath Birdwing exhibits a striking sexual dimorphism. Males and females display vastly different color patterns, making them easy to distinguish.
   Males have an iridescent green on their dorsal wing surfaces, with distinctive black and tan orange markings.
   Females, on the other hand, are adorned with a chocolate brown, complemented by cream blotches and dots. This contrast is not just a display of beauty but serves various functions, including mate attraction and predator avoidance.
   The male’s ventral side features cryptic coloration, making it nearly invisible when resting with wings folded, a critical adaptation for evasion from predators. 

  Females are larger and less colorful. They tend to be predominantly brown or black with white or cream spots across the wings.

   Their flight is both leisurely and powerful, a testament to its strength and agility, enabling it to navigate through dense rainforests with ease.

   Males are known for their highly competitive mating rituals.This typically involves a compelling aerial display designed to impress and win over a potential female mate.

   These displays are very competitive and quite demanding for the male, as he must maintain a high level of energy throughout.

   During courtship, the male establishes various strategies. In one, he releases pheromones which attract females. This strategy is very effective and plays a crucial role in his successful mate selection. 

   Another aspect of the mating ritual of the Goliath        Birdwing butterfly is a process known as ‘mate guarding’.

   The male, after successfully courting a female, will monitor and protect her, preventing any other potential suitors from approaching. This bold behavior ensures the continuation of the male’s lineage.

   They also have a peculiar behavior called puddling.

   Puddling is a practice where butterflies drink from wet soil or mud puddles to take in salts and minerals crucial for their reproductive processes.

   It is a common behavior exhibited primarily by male butterflies.

   This species only has one brood per year.

    Amazingly, they have a lifespan of approximately one year, as opposed to most species, which have life spans of 1 - 2 wks.