1. Palos Verdes Blue

Once thought to be extinct, this is one of the world's rarest butterflies, found only on the Palos Verdes Peninsula in California.

2. Queen Alexandra's Birdwing

World's largest butterfly with a wingspan reaching nearly 30 cm, this species is found only in a small area of Papua New Guinea. It is critically endangered

3. Saint Francis’ Satyr

Considered one of the rarest in the world, it is found exclusively in a few restricted military training areas at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where its habitat is maintained by regular, controlled fires.

4. Kaiser-i-Hind

A majestic, iridescent green swallowtail found in the high altitudes of the Himalayas, recently named the state butterfly of Arunachal Pradesh.

5. Island Marble

Known for the unique green marbling on its underwings, this species survives exclusively on San Juan Island in Washington state.

6. Richmond Birdwing

One of Australia’s largest and most vibrant butterflies, it is currently the focus of massive conservation efforts in Queensland to restore its specific host vines.

7. Schaus Swallowtail

Found only in the tropical hardwood hammocks of the Florida Keys, this butterfly nearly disappeared following Hurricane Andrew.

8. Sapho Longwing

A striking blue-and-white species from Central America that is famous for its mutualistic relationship with specific tropical plants.

9. Bhutan Glory

An exotic, multi-tailed swallowtail that lives in the remote forests of Bhutan and Northeast India, prized by collectors for its high-altitude rarity.