The largest butterfly species in the world is the Queen Alexandra's birdwing (Ornithoptera alexandrae). This remarkable butterfly, native to the rainforests of Papua New Guinea, can have a wingspan that reaches up to 12 inches (30 centimeters), making it astonishingly large. The colorful patterns and size of this butterfly are distinctive features, with males showcasing iridescent shades of blue and green while females are generally larger and brownish in color. The Queen Alexandra's birdwing is significant not only for its size but also for its ecological role, as it helps pollinate various plants in its habitat, contributing to the biodiversity of the region.