The narrow forewings of the male Rothschild's birdwing are black with scattered yellowish-green scales. The oval hindwings are edged with black and have a central patch of yellow bordering a smaller area of lime green and a series of prominent black spots. The underside is similar but more golden. Females are largely dark brown, but have a series of pale spots on the forewings and the hindwings bear a large patch of yellow-brown colour enclosing a series of black spots. The abdomen is ringed with black. The caterpillar is black and spiky, with bright yellow horns. The pupa is black and yellow (3) (4) (5).