Let’s have a little fun, a little learning and a little YIKES! today with the QUEEN ALEXANDRA BIRDWING BUTTERFLY:

The Queen Alexandra Birdwing Butterfly, with its 10 – 12 inch wingspan, is a rare butterfly that looks as beautiful and as regal as its name.  It is known to be the largest butterfly in existence.

(That’s a 10 – 12 inch wingspan… larger than many birds. Do you see why this creature is called a birdwing butterfly?  I’d call that a beautiful YIKES!)

Native to the lowland forests of northern Papua New Guinea, the Queen Alexandra Birdwing Butterfly is named for Queen Alexandra, the Danish wife of England’s King Edward VII, who reigned from 1901 – 1910.

Sadly, the lovely Queen Alexandra Birdwing Butterfly is considered an Endangered Species due to the clearing of forests, human settlement, commercial expansion of oil palm plantations and pesticide use.

And that’s not all that threatens this beautiful butterfly.  The Queen Alexandra Birdwing Butterfly is sought by collectors who mount them as prized treasures.  Collectors are willing to pay high prices for the capture of one of the most regal creatures on earth… and hunters are willing to capture them, all for money.

The female Queen Alexandra Birdwing Butterfly is a bit larger than the male, but both are powerful fliers.

Introduce your kids and grandkids to the beautiful, regal Queen Alexandra Birdwing Butterfly.  Tell of its Endangered status, and perhaps begin a conversation about man vs. nature.  Tell of the Queen’s powerful wings… wings that cannot escape the greed of man.  Research ways to become involved in animal rescue…

Join me here each day in June for JUNE BUGS on 365 Days of Literacy for Kids! – a little fun, a little learning and a little YIKES!