Butterflies can grow to have wingspans of up to 12 inches.
While butterfly size varies greatly across different species, the largest butterflies belong to the birdwing family found in New Guinea. Specifically, some birdwing butterflies, such as Ornithoptera alexandrae, can reach a wingspan of approximately 12 inches (30 cm). On the other end of the spectrum, the eastern pygmy blue (Brephidium isophthalma) has a wingspan of only about 5/8 of an inch. This demonstrates the significant range in size among different butterfly species.
Here's a table summarizing the size extremes:
| Butterfly Species | Wingspan (approximate) |
|---|---|
| Ornithoptera alexandrae | Up to 12 inches |
| Brephidium isophthalma | 5/8 inch |
