Also known as the Mountain Blue Butterfly, this large swallowtail is native to the tropical rainforests of Australia, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, and the Solomon Islands. With a wingspan reaching 4 to 5 inches, its spectacular electric-blue wings are hard to miss.

Interestingly, those brilliant blue wings don't actually contain blue pigment. Instead, microscopic structures on the wing scales reflect light, creating an almost impossibly vibrant blue. Apparently, Mother Nature has been experimenting with optical illusions for millions of years.

Despite their flashy appearance, Ulysses Butterflies are notoriously difficult to photograph. They fly quickly and erratically through the rainforest, making them look like tiny, caffeinated pieces of blue confetti. When their wings are closed, their muted brown undersides help them blend into their surroundings. Even the showiest butterflies know when to keep a low profile.

Fun Facts:

• Its common name is “Mountain Blue Butterfly” and is a large swallowtail butterfly.
• The Ulysses wing span is between 100 and 130 mm.
• The Ulysses caterpillar is green and white which is the same colour as the plants they feed on. This provides excellent camouflage from predators.

All insects and Butterflies vary slightly in size and shape. You will receive a high quality specimen of the selected item but not the exact one pictured. All insect parts are guaranteed to be top quality; sourced from ethical vendors around the world.