At the wing's leading edge (costa) there are basal yellow-gold spots.

There is a chain of larger white postdiscal spots with dark centres on the hindwing.

All segments have soft tubercles with stiff ends bearing black spines.

The abdomen has eight pairs of sharp dorsal processes, directed laterally.

[4] However, it is likely that O. p. miokensis is actually a hybrid between O. p. urvillianus and O. p. bornemanni from the neighbouring islands of New Britain and Bougainville.

Immigration may also explain its rarity, as Mioko is a small island and, as of 2001, its host plants had been reduced to a few Aristolochia tagala vines growing in a local village.

Several species currently recognised as distinct have previously been considered subspecies of O. priamus by different authors.

[2] There have been as many as 99 subspecies described (most of which are synonyms of O. p. poseidon), with many more named variants and forms described for both sexes.

Some list as few as six subspecies (including nominate),[6] but a taxonomic review is needed and most recognise more:[2] Overall this species remains widespread, but some subspecies are threatened by habitat destruction, with those endemic to smaller islands (e.g. O. p. miokensis and O. p. boisduvali) of greatest conservation concern.

Like all birdwing butterflies, O. priamus is listed on CITES appendix II,[7] which restricts international export to those in possession of a permit.