The green birdwing (Ornithoptera priamus) butterfly, aka "a beautiful reason to rush to our rainforest." Our canopy is currently lush with them thanks to our new butterfly-emergence exhibit; if you're as dazzled as we are by this big, iconic, rainforest species, we recommend planning to visit within the next few weeks! (Video by Tim Wong.) | California Academy of Sciences

The female Cairns Birdwing. This one is huge and she really shows just how rhythmic and fluid a butterflies wings ride the air.  | Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory

Ornithoptera priamus (The Cairns Birdwing) from Australia. These two are quite different looking, but they are male and female. The female is larger and black and white, the male is iridescent green. These butterflies are doing a courtship dance where the male shows his stature by mirroring the female's flight closely. If she is interested then the persistence pays off. If not, they go their separate ways. These butterflies eat a plant called aristolochia, which is poisonous and makes these butt