More than 4,000 butterfly wings were used to construct this art piece on show at the Butterflies Up-Close exhibition at the Science Centre Singapore.

The colourful, delicate wings are from some 28 butterfly species including the green birdwing (Ornithoptera priamus), common birdwing (Troides Helena) and clipper (Parthenos sylvia).

Resembling a galaxy, the art work is meant to show the diversity of forms and shapes among butterflies, as well as the large number- estimated to be 20,000 - of butterfly species that can be found all over the world.

The specimens used in the art piece were raised on butterfly farms and bred from sustainable sources, according to Science Centre Singapore.

The winged insects are bred and then preserved by butterfly farms after their lifespan of about 30 days is over.