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| Maprik, E Sepik Prov, Papua New Guinea Feb 1968 ssp borchi male (Leg: Straatman) |
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| Maprik, E Sepik Prov, Papua New Guinea Feb 1968 ssp borchi female (Leg: Straatman) |
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| Arfak Mtns, W. Irian Indonesia March 1998 ssp. arfakensis male (Specimen Miguel Serrano) |
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| Arfak Mtns, W. Irian Indonesia March 1998 ssp arfakensis female (Specimen Miguel Serrano) |
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| Sorong, Irian Jaja, Indonesia ssp. occidentalis male (Photo Courtesy Von Knotgen?) |
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| Sorong, Irian Jaja, Indonesia ssp. occidentalis female (Photo Courtesy Von Knotgen?) |
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| Etna Bay, Irian Jaya Indonesia ssp flavescens form confluenta (dwarf specimen) |
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| Huon Peninsula Papua New Guinea 1971 ssp paradisea |
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| Huon Peninsula Papua New Guinea 1971 ssp paradisea |
Confined to New Guinea, this beautiful insect is both rare
and local. Several populations have been destroyed in recent years through
habitat destruction. It is at home in primary rain forest; Several subspecies
have been described but are of questionable status (more likely forms).
Commercial breeding has been undertaken in Irian Jaya in the Arfak Mountains
where the ssp arfakensis seems to be relatively common, and large
numbers are exported each year to fund continued research and creation
of larger areas of protected land. The larvae seem to be quite vulnerable
to parasitism.. Several populations have become extinct in recent years,
including a dwarf race from Papua New Guinea.