Ulysses butterfly Coloring Pages

Glowing Blue Jewels on Huge Wings!

The Ulysses butterfly is a giant swallowtail butterfly that lives in places like Queensland, Australia, and is even said to be the second-largest butterfly in the world after the birdwing butterfly. Its wings shine in a glossy, bright blue, and because of its beauty, it is called the "blue gem".

The English name of the Ulysses butterfly is Papilio ulysses. It was named after Ulysses, a hero from Greek mythology (the Latin name for Odysseus in Homer's epic poems). The Japanese name "Ooruri Ageha" means a large (Oo) swallowtail butterfly with wings that shine in a beautiful lapis lazuli blue (Ruri).

Where do they live?

The Ulysses butterfly lives in specific areas of Australia and Papua New Guinea.

• Habitat: They live in tropical places, mainly in the rainforests of northeastern Queensland, Australia, and the islands of Papua New Guinea.
  • It does not live naturally in Japan.

What do the patterns on its body look like?

The patterns on the wings of the Ulysses butterfly are very simple, making its blue glow stand out even more.

• Front of the wings: The base is black, and the center of the wings shines in a bright metallic blue. This blue area is very big, so it really stands out when the Ulysses butterfly is flying.
• Back of the wings: Unlike the flashy blue on the front, the back is a plain brown or black color. This helps the Ulysses butterfly camouflage so enemies cannot find it easily when it rests with its wings closed.
• Size: With its wings open (wingspan), it is very big. Some Ulysses butterflies can even grow bigger than 14 centimeters across!

What do they eat?

The Ulysses butterfly changes what it eats as it grows.

• Caterpillar: Eats the leaves of a specific tree in the citrus family called White Doughwood. Where this tree grows is very important for where the Ulysses butterfly can live.
• Adult: Drinks flower nectar for food. It especially loves bright flowers like bougainvillea.

How long does it live?

In warm areas, the Ulysses butterfly appears several times a year.

• They live for only a short time as adults, just a few weeks.

How to Choose Colors: Create a Shiny Blue Gradient!

The key to this Ulysses butterfly coloring page is making a beautiful contrast between the black color and the shiny blue.

• Black parts of the wings: Color the edges of the wings clearly with a deep black or dark blue.
• Blue shine: Use a bright blue (like cobalt blue) or light blue for the blue parts in the middle of the wings.
  • To make it look shiny, use a gradient! Color the center of the blue part with the brightest light blue, and make it a darker blue as you go toward the edges. It will look like it is reflecting light!
• Patterns on the underside: If you color the underside, use dark brown or black as the base. Add lighter and darker shades with gray to make it look like real camouflage!

Coloring Tips: Smooth Texture and Bold Colors!

• How to make it look metallic: Color evenly without pressing too hard with your colored pencils or crayons. Then layer a slightly lighter blue on top to give it a sparkly, shiny look!
• Make it look 3D: Color the base of the wings (the parts close to the body) with a darker color, and use a lighter color as you go toward the tips of the wings. This will make the wings look 3D!

Tips to Enjoy Your Coloring Page!

• Express yourself freely!
• You do not have to stick to real colors. You can color it however you like! How about a butterfly with a golden shine or a pink body? Making your very own special butterfly is lots of fun, too!
• Try adding a background!
• Where do you think the Ulysses butterfly is flying? Add bright tropical flowers, a blue sky, or large tree leaves to make your picture come alive even more!