The Common Birdwing is protected from collection from the wild in Malaysia and Singapore, and the Papua, New Guinea government require collectors to only acquire specimens from captive-bred populations. 
  This species is also protected in Hong Kong under the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance, where all Birdwings are additionally listed under Schedule 1 of the Animals and Plants (Protection of Endangered Species) Ordinance, which regulates the trading and possession of these butterflies.
   Male and females have slightly different appearances. The male has black wings with yellow on the hindwings, with one or more black spots in the yellow. It has a black body with a yellow belly. The female has more pronounced veins in the wings which are dark brown, and has oval black spots on the hind wings. 
   Common Birdwings live as adults, approximately six weeks.
   They prefer tropical and sub tropical forests, and gardens and parks.