Butterflies in Fiji
Despite its small size, several species of butterflies can be seen in the island nation of Fiji, with new ones discovered all the time. For instance, the Netawa Swallowtail was discovered in 2018 and is endemic to the Natewa Peninsula of Vanua Levu. Other notable butterflies include the Yellow Admiral, the White Albatross, and the Papuan Line-blue.
Butterflies in Fiji
List of Different Butterfly Species of Fiji
Brush-Footed (Nymphalidae)
- Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus)
- Yellow Admiral (Vanessa itea)
- Acraea andromacha polynesiaca
- Anosia menippe
- Danaus archippus
- Doleschallia bisaltide vomana
- Euploea boisduvalii boisduvalii
- Euploea helcita escholtzii
- Euploea intermedia
- Euploea jessica
- Euploea leucostictos macleayii
- Euploea lewinii eschscholtzii
- Euploea proserpina
- Euploea tulliolus forsteri
- Hypolimnas antilope lutescens
- Hypolimnas bolina pallescens
- Hypolimnas eriphile
- Hypolimnas inopinata
- Hypolimnas octocula octocula
- Hypolimnas tracta
- Junonia villida villida
- Melanitis leda levuna
- Melanitis leda solandra
- Polyura caphontis caphontis
- Polyura caphontis excellens
- Polyura caphontis nambavatua
- Taenaris phorcas
- Tirumala claribella
- Tirumala hamata mellitula
- Tirumala hamata neptunica
- Tirumala moderata
- Tirumala protoneptunia
- Vagrans egista vitiensis
- Xois fulvida
- Xois sesara
- Ypthima vitiensis
Gossamer-Winged (Lycaenidae)
- Green Hairstreak (Callophrys rubi)
- Long-tailed Blue (Lampides boeticus)
- Opaque Six-line Blue (Nacaduba beroe)
- Papuan Line-blue (Catopyrops ancyra)
- Catochrysops taitensis taitensis
- Cupidohylax dampierensis
- Cupidohylax patala
- Deudorix epijarbas diovella
- Euchrysops cnejus samoa
- Famegana alsulus alsulus
- Famegana alsulus lulu
- Jamides candrena
- Jamides pulcherrima
- Nacaduba biocellata armillata
- Nacaduba dyopa
- Nacaduba gemmata
- Nacaduba samoensis
- Strymon bazochii gundlachianus
- Zizina communis
- Zizina hylax
- Zizina labradus labradus
- Zizina labradus mangoensis
Whites and Sulphurs (Pieridae)
- Lemon Migrant (Catopsilia pomona)
- White Albatross (Appias albina)
- Anaphaeis clarissa
- Anaphaeis vitiensis
- Appias athama
- Belenois java micronesia
- Catopsilia pyranthe lactea
- Catopsilia scylla gorgophone
- Cepora nabis
- Cepora perimale perithea
- Delias blanca nausicae
- Eurema briggata australis
- Eurema hecabe aprica
- Eurema hecabe hecabe
- Eurema hecabe sulphurata
- Pieris peristhene rapae
- Pieris peristhene vitiensis
Swallowtail (Papilionidae)
- Godeffroy’s Swallowtail (Papilio godeffroyi)
- Natewa Swallowtail (Papilio natewa)
- Papilio schmeltzi
Skipper (Hesperiidae)
- Badamia exclamationis
- Badamia atrox subflava
- Hasora chromus bilunata
- Hasora chromus khoda
- Oriens augustula
One of the most notable places to see butterflies in Fiji is the butterfly house in Vusaratu Village in the province of Cakaudrove. It was established as a means to protect the endemic Natewa Swallowtail.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of butterflies are commonly found in Fiji?
Fiji is primarily home to butterflies from the Brush-Footed (Nymphalidae) and Gossamer-Winged (Lycaenidae) families. Notable species include the Monarch Butterfly, the Yellow Admiral, and the Papuan Line-blue. The islands’ tropical environment supports a diverse range of these species, including many that are endemic to the region.
Are there any rare or endemic butterflies in Fiji?
Yes, Fiji has endemic butterfly species found nowhere else on Earth. A prime example is the Netawa Swallowtail (Papilio natewa), discovered in 2018. This rare butterfly is confined exclusively to the Natewa Peninsula on the island of Vanua Levu, making it a significant find for local biodiversity.
Which butterfly family is most prominent in Fiji?
The Brush-Footed butterfly family, Nymphalidae, is one of the most prominent and species-rich families in Fiji. This diverse group includes many of the islands’ most recognizable butterflies, such as the Monarch (Danaus plexippus), various Euploea species, and several types of Hypolimnas, also known as eggflies.
Can you find Monarch butterflies in Fiji?
Yes, the Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is found in Fiji. It is listed as a member of the Brush-Footed (Nymphalidae) family present on the islands. This well-known species, with its distinct orange and black wing pattern, is one of the more recognizable butterflies you can encounter in Fiji.
What are some examples of Gossamer-Winged butterflies in Fiji?
Fiji hosts several species of Gossamer-Winged butterflies (Lycaenidae), which are typically small and delicate. Common examples found on the islands include the Long-tailed Blue (Lampides boeticus), the Papuan Line-blue (Catopyrops ancyra), and the Opaque Six-line Blue (Nacaduba beroe), often seen in gardens and forests.
How recently was a new butterfly species discovered in Fiji?
A new butterfly species, the Netawa Swallowtail, was discovered very recently in 2018. This significant find occurred on the Natewa Peninsula of Vanua Levu, highlighting that Fiji’s remote ecosystems may still harbor undiscovered species. The discovery underscores the importance of ongoing biodiversity research in the region.
Is the Yellow Admiral butterfly native to Fiji?
Yes, the Yellow Admiral (Vanessa itea) is a butterfly species found in Fiji. It belongs to the Nymphalidae family, also known as brush-footed butterflies. This species is also native to Australia and New Zealand but has established populations on various Pacific islands, including the Fijian archipelago.
