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| Arfak Mtns., Irian Jaya, Indonesia 5/97 male (Specimen from Ianni butterflies) |
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| Arfak Mtns., Irian Jaya, Indonesia 5/95 female (Specimen from Ianni butterflies) |
Until recently, considered to be one of the most prized of the
Ornithoptera (birdwings), it is found only in a small region of NW Irian
Jaya, Indonesia, in the Arfak Mountains at high elevations. In the right
place however, in can be quite abundant, and is now well protected and
commercially raised on government protected land. The species is gregarious
and hundreds even thousands can be seen at once in the trees of its native
rain forests - a sight to behold. Specimens now sell for less than 25 dollars
a pair US - 50 years ago specimens were auctioned off for hundreds (before
its location became more accessible!)