The world of lepidoptera is riddled with patterns and defense mechanisms that border on the sublime. Vibrant colors arranged in patterns, giving them the opportunity to blend into their natural environments, is what makes butterflies the most beautiful insects in all of nature. These little animals have stolen the hearts of many and no wonder, there are all colors, even with transparent wings. In addition, their forms are so angelic that they seem to come out of a fairy tale. But even among butterflies, there are some that stand out more than others and these are perhaps the most beautiful species in the entire world.
1. Crystal butterfly
Called Greta oto, the glass butterfly is one of the most beautiful of all thanks to its transparent wings that resemble crystals. Its size ranges between 5.5 and 6 centimeters in wingspan and it is endemic to Central America. Its wings are painstakingly constructed by evolution using hydrocarbon nanopillars that give them their crystalline appearance.
2. Queen Alexandra’s Birdwing Butterfly
This butterfly receives a very sophisticated name that honors its physical appearance of great beauty. Its scientific name is Ornithoptera Alexandrae and it is the largest day butterfly in the world with a wingspan that is close to 31 centimeters. It is for this reason that the name ‘bird wings’ comes in handy, as it is sometimes confused with a bird due to its large size. It is endemic to New Guinea, however, it is under threat due to the extension of palm monocultures in that region.
3. Machaon
With the scientific name Papilio machaon, this butterfly is one of the most beautiful in Europe. On its wings it keeps intricate patterns that are intermingled with shades ranging from iridescent blues to pastel yellows. Unfortunately, it is in danger of extinction and has been no longer seen in some temperate areas of the Old Continent. It also inhabits Northeast Africa, the Middle East, and parts of North America.
4. Zebra Butterfly
Unlike many other butterfly species that tend to make long-distance migratory journeys, the Heliconius charithonia, also known as the zebra butterfly, is a sedentary species. As its name suggests, this lepidoptera has developed zebra-like patterns that mix black colors with white stripes. It lives in some areas of North America such as Florida or southern Texas.
5. Morpho Butterfly
If there is a butterfly that refers to fairy forests, it is the Morpho butterfly. Our sight captures its colors as a vibrant intense blue and litmus, which is what makes it so beautiful. However, it is an illusion because the color of this lepidoptera is not of such a hue, but it acquires its hue thanks to the reflection of light, a phenomenon known as ‘structural coloration’. Morpho butterflies inhabit from Mexico all the way down to America. Unfortunately, its beauty has been an important factor for which it is in danger of extinction, since it is used as a manufacturing for jewelry and joinery.
6. Elizabethan Butterfly
Its scientific name is Graellsia isabellae given by its discoverer, Mariano de la Paz Graells, who named it in honor of Queen Isabella II of Spain. It is a mostly nocturnal butterfly that reaches a wingspan of 9 centimeters and lives in the Iberian Peninsula. The patterns present on its wings, which also have a different shape from most butterflies, place it among the most beautiful butterflies in the world.
7. Monarch Butterfly
Monarch butterflies have earned the respect of biologists thanks to their long migratory journeys that they undertake for months to shelter from the cold of the northernmost regions of America. But in addition to this, they also attract attention for their colorful wings dotted with orange and black colors that form intricate patterns that make anyone fall in love.
8. Green Butterfly
This species is like the peacock of butterflies, it has iridescent green colors that transform as direct light hits its wings. With the scientific name Papilio palinurus, it is a relatively small butterfly as it barely reaches 8 centimeters in wingspan. However, it is so beautiful that it flashes emerald tones that make it one of the most beautiful butterflies in the world.
9. Marblewing Butterfly
As its name suggests, the beauty of this lepidoptera is due to the fact that its wings seem to be carved from marble. With colors ranging from cream to gold, patterns in both shades intermingle for a gemstone effect. It lives in North America from southern Alaska to central California, although in recent years it has seen a dramatic decline in its populations.
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