Ornithoptera richmondia is the second smallest of the Birdwing species.      
   In the Yugambeh language of southeast Queensland, Australia, Jalngay Ngahriyan is the name given to the Richmond birdwing butterfly. Jalngay means light or bright, and Ngahriyan means dancing or playing, with the combination meaning dancing lights.
   Subtropical rainforests that support native birdwing butterfly vines are Pararistolochia praevenosa at lower elevations (below 600m) and Pararistolochia laheyana at higher elevations (above 600m).
   Once found from Grafton in New South Wales to Maryborough in Queensland, Richmond Birdwing butterfly populations declined in the early 1900s due to habitat loss and fragmentation. They are now only known to occur regularly in two areas, north of Brisbane from Caboolture to Cootharaba on the Sunshine Coast, and
from Wardell, in northeast New South Wales, to Ormeau and Mount Tamborine and inland on the Gold Coast.
   There is a green stripe on the dorsal thorax (between the head and abdomen) on males, 
a distinctive red patch on the body at the base of the wing, visible from below on males and females,
as well as a black dorsal forewing with a distinctive iridescent green leading edge.
   The dorsal hindwing is predominantly iridescent green with black spots on the males and two dark brown or black wings with extensive white, cream or, in the hindwing, yellowish markings on the females.
   This species flies from September to April in coastal areas and November to February in coastal ranges.
   Adults fly throughout the day but are more active during the early morning and late afternoon.
   Ants and mites prey on eggs and ants and spiders prey on the larvae. 
   Spiders and birds prey on pupae and adult butterflies.