Butterflies are one of the most beautiful and fascinating creatures in the world. They serve as essential pollinators, fertilizing plants while they feed and preserve countless other species’ habitats and food sources.
While butterflies of every shape and size are delightful to see while they flutter from one flower to the next, it’s often the largest and most colorful ones that catch our eyes! So, just how large can the biggest and most impressive butterflies get?
Today, we’ll be looking at 10 of the largest butterfly species in the world and ranking them according to their wingspans.
| Rank | Species | Size |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Queen Alexandra’s Birdwing | 25 cm to 28 cm (9.8 inches to 11 inches) |
| 2 | Goliath Birdwing | 28 cm (11 inches) |
| 3 | African Giant Swallowtail | 18 and 23 centimetres (7.1 and 9.1 in) |
| 4 | Buru Opalescent Birdwing | 20 cm (7.9 inches) |
| 5 | Rippon’s Birdwing | 20 cm (7.9 inches) |
| 6 | Palawan Birdwing | 19 cm (7.5 inches) |
| 7 | Wallace’s Golden Birdwing | 19 cm (7.5 inches) |
| 8 | Chimaera Birdwing | 18 cm (7.1 inches) |
| 9 | Magellan Birdwing | 19 cm (7.5 inches) |
| 10 | New Guinea Birdwing | 18 cm (7.1 inches) |
1. Queen Alexandra’s Birdwing
Queen Alexandra’s Birdwing (Ornithoptera alexandrae) is the largest butterfly in the world, with females reaching wingspans slightly in excess of 25 cm to 28 cm (9.8 inches to 11 inches).
This birdwing is restricted to the forests of the Oro Province in eastern Papua New Guinea.
The species is endangered and is one of only three insects (the other two being butterflies) to be listed on Appendix I of CITES, making international trade illegal.
2. Goliath Birdwing
Goliath Birdwing (Ornithoptera goliath) is a birdwing butterfly found in New Guinea. It is the second largest butterfly in the world with wingspan of around 28 cm (11 inches), after Queen Alexandra’s birdwing.
The males have black, yellow, and green wings and a yellow and black body, while the females are larger, with brown wings featuring white markings.
3. African Giant Swallowtail
African Giant Swallowtail (Papilio antimachus) is a butterfly in the family Papilionidae. With a wingspan between 18 and 23 centimeters (7.1 and 9.1 in), it is the largest butterfly in Africa and among the largest butterflies in the world.
The wings are long and narrow, and the ground color is orange-brown with black markings.
The species is found in Angola, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone.
4. Buru Opalescent Birdwing
Buru Opalescent Birdwing (Troides prattorum) is a species of butterfly in the family Papilionidae. This butterfly has a wingspan reaching up to 20 cm (7.9 inches).
It is endemic to Buru in the Maluku Islands of Indonesia.
It is commercially bred, but supplies of this butterfly are sporadic, so it is still very rare in collections.
5. Rippon’s Birdwing
Rippon’s Birdwing (Troides hypolitus) is a birdwing butterfly endemic to the Moluccas and Sulawesi. It can grow up to up to 20 cm (7.9 inches).
It is not significantly threatened, but it is protected.
6. Palawan Birdwing
Palawan Birdwing (Trogonoptera trojana) is a birdwing butterfly of the family Papilionidae. It is endemic to Palawan in the Philippines. Its wingspan can reach up to 19 cm (7.5 inches).
It is one of only two species in its genus, the other being the more widespread Rajah Brooke’s birdwing, where the male has larger green markings on the hindwings.
7. Wallace’s Golden Birdwing
Wallace’s Golden Birdwing (Ornithoptera croesus) is a species of birdwing butterfly that can grow up to 19 cm (7.5 inches). It is found in northern Maluku in Indonesia.
It is a member of the Ornithoptera priamus species group, including Croesus, only found east of the Wallace Line.
The larval food plants are species of the genus Pararistolochia.
8. Chimaera Birdwing
Chimaera Birdwing (Ornithoptera chimaera) is a birdwing butterfly of the family Papilionidae.
The wingspan of these birdwings can reach up to 18 cm (7.1 inches).
It is found in mountain areas of New Guinea, 1000 meters above sea level.
9. Southern Birdwing
Southern Birdwing (Troides minos) – This species in India has a wingspan reaching up to 19 cm (7.5 inches).
10. New Guinea Birdwing
New Guinea Birdwing (Ornithoptera paradisea) – This species can be found on mainland New Guinea and several nearby islands and has a wingspan that can reach up to 18 cm (7.1 inches).
Conclusion
Butterflies are beautiful and play an important role in our ecosystem.
The largest butterflies in the world are truly impressive creatures, with wingspans that can reach up to 11 inches!
These magnificent creatures are a testament to the beauty and diversity of nature, and it is our responsibility to protect them and their habitats for future generations to enjoy.
FAQs
What is the largest butterfly in the world?
The largest butterfly in the world is the Queen Alexandra’s Birdwing (Ornithoptera alexandrae), with females reaching wingspans slightly in excess of 25 cm to 28 cm (9.8 inches to 11 inches).
Where can I find the largest butterfly in the world?
The Queen Alexandra’s Birdwing is restricted to the forests of the Oro Province in eastern Papua New Guinea.
What is the second largest butterfly in the world?
The second largest butterfly in the world is the Goliath Birdwing (Ornithoptera goliath), which can be found in New Guinea.
What is the largest butterfly in Africa?
The largest butterfly in Africa is the African Giant Swallowtail (Papilio antimachus), with a wingspan between 18 and 23 centimetres (7.1 and 9.1 in).
Are any of these butterflies endangered?
Yes, some of these butterflies are endangered or threatened. For example, the Queen Alexandra’s Birdwing is endangered and international trade in this species is illegal.
What is the difference between a butterfly and a moth?
Butterflies and moths are both insects in the order Lepidoptera, but there are several differences between them. For example, butterflies typically have slender bodies and brightly colored wings, while moths tend to have thicker bodies and duller colored wings. Butterflies are also active during the day, while most moths are active at night.
How long do butterflies live?
The lifespan of a butterfly varies depending on the species. Some butterflies only live for a few days, while others can live for several months.
What do butterflies eat?
Adult butterflies primarily feed on nectar from flowers. Some species may also feed on tree sap, rotting fruit, or other sources of sugar.
How do butterflies help the environment?
Butterflies play an important role in pollinating plants, which helps to fertilize them and produce seeds. They also serve as a food source for other animals, such as birds and spiders.
