birdwings
Large ornate butterflies
Birdwings are the largest butterflies in the world, found in Southeast Asia and Australasia.
Named for their elongated, angular wings and powerful flight, they include species prized by collectors for their vivid colors—males often display iridescent greens, blues, and golds.
Several species are endangered and protected under international law.
The term also refers simply to the wings of birds.
Butterfly with forked hindwings
- LepidopteraButterfly and moth order
- wingspanTip-to-tip extent
- iridescentShowing shifting spectral colors
- scalesPlates or weighing devices
chrysalis · caterpillar · metamorphosis · pupa · larvae · nectar · proboscis · entomology
Tip-to-tip extent
- membraneThin tissue sheet
- veinsBlood-return tubes
- thoraxCentral body cavity
- abdomenTorso's lower cavity
antennae · forewing · hindwing · scales · fragile · delicate · gossamer · diaphanous
swallowtail
Butterfly with forked hindwings
- LepidopteraButterfly and moth order
- wingspanTip-to-tip extent
- iridescentShowing shifting spectral colors
scales · chrysalis · caterpillar · metamorphosis · pupa · larvae · nectar · proboscis · entomology · conservation
wingspan
Tip-to-tip extent
abdomen · antennae · forewing · hindwing · scales · fragile · delicate · gossamer · diaphanous · translucent
glide
Move with effortless continuity
thermals · canopy · aerial · graceful · drift · airborne · weightless
iridescent
Showing shifting spectral colors
emerald · velvet · black · yellow · green · shimmer · pattern · markings · eyespot · hues
- Lepidopterabutterflies, moths, monarch, cocoons, chrysalis
- Butterfly Groupsmonarchs, swallowtails, admirals, fritillaries, skippers