Rare Butterfly Pavilion exhibit is only open through December 31.

Some of the world's most spectacular butterflies have come to Denver just in time to brighten up your holidays! Rare and rather large Northern Birdwings, usually found in the rainforests of Southeast Asia and Oceania, are fluttering around the Butterfly Pavilion's Wings of the Tropics exhibit through December 31. 

The exhibit started in November, when the rare and giant butterflies were released into the exhibit, accompanied by a didgeridoo performance by Swallow Hill Music and a live acrylic painting of a Northern Birdwing created by Butterfly Pavilion Educator Burgundy Hanna.

While all the butterflies at the pavilion are worth visiting, these beauties are particularly special. Between their size and coloring, they are definitely eye-catching, to say the least. 

"Whether it be the nearly 9-inch wingspan of the brown and yellow females or the iridescent emerald scales and deep black borders of the males, these butterflies are a sight to behold," says the Butterly Pavilion's website.

Courtesy of Butterfly Pavilion (Facebook)

Unfortunately, it's also because of their beauty that they are threatened in their natural habitat. 

"Their gorgeous coloration makes them common victims of the illegal butterfly trade, and they also face threats related to habitat loss and climate change," says the attraction. "Visit Butterfly Pavilion to see these incredible animals up close and learn more about what you can do to protect them – even from right here in Colorado."

If you are looking for something to do with holiday house guests, or a way to keep the kids entertained during winter break, this exhibit just might be the activity you've been looking for. In addition to the Beauty of the Birdwing exhibit, you'll find an indoor tropical conservatory with over 1,600 free-flying butterflies, Rosie the famous tarantula, and sea stars, bees, beetles, spiders, and so much more at the pavilion. It's truly a fun time for all ages. 

For more information on the Butterfly Pavilion and the Birdwing exhibit, check out butterflies.org.