Teinopalpus aureus (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae) is a large rare species of butterfly and also the national butterfly of China as a Class I national protected animal. It is surely one of the world’s most gorgeous butterflies and thus commonly named the golden Kaiser-i-Hind.

Protection Class

It is the only butterfly species counted in Class I of national protected animal. It is also listed as CITES Class I protected species.

Morphological characteristics

The golden Kaiser-i-Hind is about 30 mm long with a wingspan of 81-93 mm. The scales on its wings shine with faint green light. There is an arc-shaped golden-green patch on each of its fore wings, several golden patches in the center of the hind wings, as well as a crescent-shaped golden patch on the rear edge. The protrusions of the hind wings are long and thin, with a small part of the end in golden color. The shimmering greens and gold urogomphus make the large swallowtail even more attractive. The black front wings are approximately 55 mm long, covered with dense and shiny green scales, as well as a black band with bright yellow-green edges. There is a large gold spot on the hind wing, with some dark blue, orange and green straps across the spot.

Habits

The golden Kaiser-i-Hind is only found in the evergreen broad-leaved forests in tropical and sub-tropical mountainous areas about 1,000 meters above sea level, and it is most difficult to observe and capture on account of its habit of resting on high trees, from which it seldom flies to the ground for water. This makes scientific research an almost-impossible task. Adult butterflies like to suck nectar from a species of the family Ericaceae. This graceful and gorgeous butterfly often flies high in the forest canopy. Sometimes it rushes down for water or holds still in the flowers, but soon it will rise up into the sky.

Distribution

The golden Kaiser-i-Hind is a unique species of China and also the world’s rarest butterfly. It is discovered in only a few areas such as Hainan, Guangdong, Fujian and Guangxi.

Reproduction

The golden Kaiser-i-Hind breeds twice a year. Adults are active in a short period. The mating and reproduction of this butterfly is greatly affected by the climate. The ratio of females to males stands at 1:50-200, which means female butterflies are rarely seen. Adults mostly mate in August. As more male butterflies fly in sky, females would be attracted to mate with them, before which the couples would chase each other and soar overhead together. This insect lives through the winter in the form of pupa, which turns into butterfly in late April to early May of the second year. However, the adulthood only lasts more than 20 days, during which female and male butterflies need to mate. The life circle of the butterfly has four stages: eggs, larvae or baby caterpillars (in the middle of May), chrysalises (July), and adults (in early August). The caterpillars often transform into chrysalises in September and October for wintering.