7 Beautiful Butterfly Species of the Daintree Rainforest

Covering roughly 1200 square kilometres of lush greenery, wild scenery, it’s one of the  most breath-taking rainforests in the entire world.

Its luxurious micro-climate fosters the perfect habitat for a number of native Australian animals and plants, including a whopping 3,000 plant varieties, a staggering 13 mammals species that cannot be found anywhere else in the world, more than a quarter of the country’s frog species, and over half of bird species in all of Australia.

It’s also home to a huge number of butterflies from all walks of life. You’ll find big ones, small ones, colourful ones, and plain ones. If you’re interested in seeing these beautiful creatures for yourself, your best bet is to visit the lowlands of the rainforest during the hottest and wettest times of the year.

The Butterflies of the Daintree Rainforest

• Birdwing Butterfly

  Also known as the Cairns Birdwing, this species is a striking pearlescent green and black colour and is one of the biggest butterfly varieties in the whole of Australia.

• Grey Albatross

  You can find the Grey Albatross, seeking out vibrant plant varieties in the wet tropics. It boasts a yellow streak across its wings and is less resplendent than many other butterfly species in this area.

• Ulysses Butterfly

  One of the more recognisable butterfly varieties is the Ulysses Butterfly. It has electric blue wings fringed with velvet black edges. You’re best option to spot them is in upland areas. Thanks to its memorable markings it has become a tourism symbol of Northern Queensland.

• Cruiser Butterfly

  Another of Australia’s more recognisable butterflies is the Cruiser. It exhibits a vibrant orange body with bright orange-yellow wings edged with intricate black detailing.

• Red-Bodied Swallowtail

  Commonly found in the Wet Tropics, the Red-Bodied Swallowtail displays unique markings. It’s recognisable by its jet-black body and wings that are illustrated with bright red and white markings.

• Union Jack

  Union Jack is an eye-catching butterfly species is almost completely white save for bright splashes of red and yellow that decorate its underside, contrasted between thick lines of smudgy black.

• Orchard Swallowtail

  This Orchard Swallowtail species is easy to spot with its cape-like markings that begin in jet-black at its neck and smooth out into vibrant white and then black with bright red spots at the tips of the wings.

Cameron Ward

Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia

Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.