description Bhutan Glory Overview
Long hindwing tails and fine pale yellow lines across dark wings give the Bhutan Glory, Bhutanitis lidderdalii, a distinctive appearance within the swallowtail family Papilionidae. Red markings near the hindwing bases add another identifying feature. The species occurs in Bhutan, northeastern India, and parts of Myanmar and neighboring Asia, where it is associated with mountain forests rather than open lowland habitats. Its slow, drifting flight can resemble the movement of a falling leaf.
The larvae depend on host plants in the birthwort family, linking the butterfly's presence to particular forest conditions. Often described as rare, it has attracted the attention of butterfly specialists for its unusual wing shape and pattern. Observers interested in Himalayan butterflies can distinguish it from Ludlow's Bhutan Glory, Bhutanitis ludlowi, the separate species designated as Bhutan's national butterfly.
help Bhutan Glory FAQ
Where can you find the Bhutan Glory butterfly in the wild?
The Bhutan Glory (*Bhutanitis lidderdalii*) is native to the eastern Himalayas, specifically found in Bhutan, northeastern India, and parts of Myanmar. It typically flies at high altitudes in dense, forested mountain regions.
What does the Bhutan Glory butterfly look like?
This rare swallowtail butterfly is distinguished by its distinctive black and yellow wing patterns. It also features unique, elongated hindwings with multiple tails, giving it a striking and somewhat erratic flight pattern.
Is the Bhutan Glory an endangered species?
While its exact conservation status varies by region, the Bhutan Glory is considered rare and is heavily dependent on its specific forest habitat. The species is protected by law in India under the Wildlife Protection Act to prevent over-collecting by enthusiasts.
How did the Bhutan Glory butterfly get its name?
The butterfly was named after the Kingdom of Bhutan, where it was first documented by a British entomologist named Robert Lidderdale in the 19th century. Its scientific name, *Bhutanitis lidderdalii*, directly honors both the country and its discoverer.
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