Taigan Fetch Magazine by Taigan

The Goliath Birdwing is the world’s largest male butterfly. His wingspan is so wide–up to eleven inches—that it takes him almost fifteen minutes to emerge from his chrysalis. Though the female Goliaths are larger–and not nearly as pretty–the males pursue them for long distances, flying high above the tree canopy of the Indonesian rainforest that is their habitat. In order to mate (an act that often causes hindwing damage to the male from the sharp tarsal claws of the female), the males fold their wings and dive down to tree level.

The natives of Papua, New Guinea also farm the Goliath Birdwing, an activity that is legal and does not endanger the butterflies. Because they’re an internationally protected species, only those specimens that are products of the licensed propagation programs are allowed to be sold for collections or as works of art. We love the magnificent framed versions found at Atlanta’s Lush Life.

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