A golden birdwing butterfly, a nationally protected species, was found in Shennongjia National Park in Hubei province recently during field research.

Scientifically known as Troides aeacus, the butterfly is one of the most beautiful in the world. Its body is yellow with black accents, and its wings shift between purple and green in different light. The largest butterfly in China, the birdwing seems to enjoy gliding and flies slowly.

Research was being conducted by a group from Huazhong Agricultural University. Similar field research about biological diversity in the province was also conducted in Danjiangkou city, Badong county and five other places.