birdwing butterfly

i was near the bukit timah nature reserve when i spied this large butterfly. normally, i do not bother about butterflies but this was an exceptionally large butterfly. i first noticed it among the lantana flowers, then it flitted on to other flowers in the vicinity. after i had photographed it, i lost it - could not find it any more.

birdwings inhabit rainforests and adults are usually glimpsed along the forest periphery. they feed upon—and are important long-range pollinators of—nectar-bearing flowers of the forest canopy, as well as terrestrial flowers, such as lantana. they are strong flyers and seek sunlit spots in which to bask.