1. Teinopalpus imperialis (Kaisar-i-Hind): The Kaisar-i-Hind, scientifically known as the Teinopalpus imperialis, is a butterfly endemic to the mountainous regions of India and Southeast Asia. With its brilliant wingspan and iridescent blue color, it is considered a symbol of nobility and royalty. (Photo: Wikipedia) 

However, due to over-exploitation and hunting, the number of this butterfly is decreasing rapidly, making it one of the rarest butterflies in the world. (Photo: knowledgebase) 

2. Papilio homerus (Homerus Swallowtail): The Papilio homerus, also known as the Homerus Swallowtail, is the largest butterfly in the Western Hemisphere, found only in Jamaica. With a wingspan of up to 15 cm and a brilliant yellow-black color, this butterfly is a symbol of the island nation’s biodiversity. (Photo:Wikipedia) 

But today, only a few hundred individuals survive in the wild, mainly due to the destruction of tropical forests and the use of agricultural chemicals. (Photo:Earth.com) 

3. Parnassius apollo butterfly (Apollo): The Apollo butterfly, Parnassius apollo, is one of Europe’s most beautiful and rarest butterflies. This species lives in high mountain regions from Western Europe to Central Asia, where it faces habitat loss due to climate change and urbanization. (Photo:Wikipedia) 

With its pure white wingspan and striking red spots, the Apollo is a symbol of the fragile beauty of nature, but its numbers are plummeting and are at risk of disappearing in many areas. (Photo:(Photo:wilderness) 

4. Ornithoptera alexandrae Butterfly (Queen Alexandra’s Birdwing): Considered the largest butterfly in the world , the Queen Alexandra’s Birdwing (Ornithoptera alexandrae) is a natural wonder of Papua New Guinea. With a wingspan that can reach 30 cm, this butterfly has brilliant colors with blue, yellow and black bands. (Photo:iNaturalist)

 However, they are seriously threatened by habitat loss and illegal hunting, making them rare and valuable butterflies on the black market.