10 Most Beautiful Butterfly Species

Butterflies are perhaps the most iconic species of insects on God’s green planet. It’s from a beautiful cycle of events that they majestically break out from their cocoons. It’s no wonder why this symbolism has been used time and again to express the process of progress. Before we get to it, there are unique facts about these beautiful creatures that you ought to know. For instance, did you know that butterflies taste with their feet? Yes, you heard that right! Also, most butterfly species will live on a liquid diet and will never fly in cold weather. If you think that these are a hoax, then it’s time you subscribed to a Nat Geo kind of channel. These visually captivating creatures have left many entomologists in awe. Not for their transparent wings, existence, or survival but the mere fact that they are just beautiful and captivating. That having been said, below are 10 of the most beautiful butterfly species.

1. Large White Butterflies (Cabbage Butterfly), Pieris Brassicae

As you can tell from the descriptive name, these butterflies are white in color. They are mostly found in agricultural areas, meadows, and parklands. White butterflies have for the longest time been involved in mythical folk tales and various belief systems. They are also considered a symbol of purity and like the white doves, the symbolism of a white butterfly cannot be ignored. In addition to purity, they have often been associated with good riddance, with some cultures considering them messengers or carriers of dreams. While some are pure white, you’ll also find some with black marginal markings on their wings. So why the name cabbage butterfly? Most species will be associated with their environments or their places of origin. In this case, and as you can tell, the cabbage butterflies feed on cabbages and other related plants.

2. The 88 Butterfly – Diaethria Clymena

Now, you have all the reasons to get surprised by this butterfly’s name, but the sight of it will even fascinate you (more). As you may have guessed from the name, the butterfly has number 88 markings on its wings. However, these markings can be found on 12 other species of butterflies. What makes The 88 Butterfly even more fascinating is its thicker and more attractive wings. Their habitations include near mineral-rich soil locations and near trema plants. Full-grown adults have a wingspan of 40mm.

3. The Blue Morpho Butterfly

Apart from being one of the most beautiful butterfly species in the world, the blue morpho butterfly is also one of the largest butterflies. It is among the most popular options tattoo lovers pick when getting butterfly tattoos, thanks to its amazing beauty and the overall symbolism of the life of the butterfly. The bright and blue wings are not only fluttering but will also reflect light as a result of infinitesimal scales on their wings. On a bright shiny day, the deep blue color comes alive and you can tell by the way the butterfly carries itself with pride.

4. The Peacock Butterfly

Peacocks are known for one thing and that’s beauty. You can, therefore, relate when an insect is given such a title. These butterflies have peacock-like decorations on their wings. They are extremely beautiful, Which is why artificial versions are popular for living room and bedroom decoration these days. These butterflies have a wingspan of about 63mm. They live in temperate regions of Asia and Europe, primarily in woody areas, gardens, and meadows. If the eyespots on their wings are not intimidating enough, peacock butterflies will generate a hiss to deter any predators.

5. The Bhutan Butterfly – Bhutanitis Lidderdalii

As earlier mentioned, various species will be named after their places of origin. With so many butterfly species around the world, this makes it easier to easily identify each species. Now, the Bhutan butterfly and all its glory has its origins in Bhutan, a south Asian country in the Eastern Himalayas. Also known as the Bhutan Glory, this butterfly has long rounded wings on the front and tailed hindwings. The wings have a spectacular display of bright colors that include yellow and cream patches. Surprisingly, the species is considered rare in places such as India, where strict laws have been implemented to protect it.

6. The Scarce Swallowtail – Iphiclides Podalirius

This is another one of a kind butterfly species that inhabit most parts of Europe but one that is slowly becoming rare especially due to poor farming practices such as the use of harmful pesticides. The butterfly is large with a wingspan of about 3.5 inches in full-grown adults. They live in open woodlands, meadows, and gardens.

7. The Glass Winged Butterfly

For those who like winged fairy tales, you’ll definitely fall in love with this butterfly. As the name suggests, it has transparent wings, which makes it hard to track for predators. They inhabit parts of Colombia and Mexico and when it’s time, will migrate to Florida! They have a specific diet that consists of lantana flowers.

8. The Dead Leaf Butterfly

For butterfly species that have camouflage armor, this one outdid them. On a dried-up plant, you’ll mistake the butterfly for a dead leaf. The camouflage display is only exhibited on the underside of the butterfly’s wings, the upper part consisting of brilliant orange, brown, white, and blue colors. They rarely fly and when they do, it’s in slow motion. This means that they’ll spend most of their time on plants and perhaps the reason being this creative display of camouflage.

9. The Giant Forest Owl Butterfly

These butterflies have owl-like eyespots on their wing’s underside. As the name suggests, they are large in size, having a wingspan of about 16 centimeters in full-grown adults. They’ll be preyed on by carnivorous bats, lizards, and frogs. They rarely fly making them an easy target by predators.

10. The Zebra Longwing Butterfly

These are large butterflies with black and white zebra-like stripes on their wing’s upper side. They’ll mainly feed on pollen and have a longer lifespan when compared to other butterfly species. They’ll mainly be found in Florida but can also be found in central and southern parts of the United States. They move in large groups and can scare predators with a creaking sound.

 

Despite their plummeting populations, there are thousands of butterfly species across the globe but not all will match the beauty of the aforementioned butterfly species. You’ll never miss at least two or three butterfly species when you venture into the great outdoors. But always remember, it’s rare to find butterflies during the wet and cold seasons of the year.