The birdwing butterfly is Australia's largest native butterfly.
Like all butterflies, the birdwing gets its striking pattern from thousands of tiny scales on its wings. The scales are so delicate they come off if you touch them, leaving a powdery smear on your hands.
For defence, the caterpillar of a birdwing has a row of large spines on its back. And it prefers to eat a vine that makes it poisonous to other animals.
Sadly, birdwing butterflies are becoming rarer because of the disappearance of their natural rainforest habitat and also their favourite vine.
Careful! Never harm a birdwing butterfly by trying to catch it. Just
enjoy the sight of this extraordinary creature in your backyard.
| Legal tender | Australia |
| Effigy | Queen Elizabeth II |
| Denomination | $1 |
| Weight | 13.30g |
| Diameter | 30.60mm |
| Thickness | 3.10mm |
| Metal | Al/Bronze |
| Mintage | Unlimited |
| Designer | Elise Martinson |
The coin is encased in a lavish album that also includes:
- 8 other Australian $1 Backyard Bugs coins
- Information and activity booklet
- Handy magnifying glass
- Cool bug stickers
- Colourful bug posters
The adult birdwing butterfly lives for around four to six weeks, feeding and mating before it dies.