Butterflies in Ireland
Due to its isolated location, there aren’t many butterflies that call Ireland home. However, those who do live here have thrived due to the country’s temperate climate, making it hospitable to them. Not only does this include native species like the Dark Green Fritillary and the European Skipper, but even vagrants like the Old World Swallowtail have established a breeding population here.
Butterflies in Ireland
List of Different Butterfly Species of Ireland
Brush-Footed (Nymphalidae)
- Comma (Polygonia c-album)
- Dark Green Fritillary (Speyeria aglaja)
- Grayling (Hipparchia semele)
- Hedge Brown (Pyronia tithonus)
- Marsh Fritillary (Euphydryas aurinia)
- Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina)
- Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui)
- Peacock Butterfly (Aglais io)
- Pearl-bordered Fritillary (Boloria euphrosyne)
- Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta)
- Ringlet (Aphantopus hyperantus)
- Silver-washed Fritillary (Argynnis paphia)
- Small Heath (Coenonympha pamphilus)
- Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae)
- Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria)
- Common Ringlet (Coenonympha tullia)
- Wall Brown (Lasiommata megera)
- Mourning Cloak (Nymphalis antiopa)
- Map (Araschnia levana)
- Queen of Spain Fritillary (Issoria lathonia)
- Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus)
- American Lady (Vanessa virginiensis)
Gossamer-Winged (Lycaenidae)
- Brown Hairstreak (Thecla betulae)
- European Common Blue (Polyommatus icarus)
- Green Hairstreak (Callophrys rubi)
- Holly Blue (Celastrina argiolus)
- Purple Hairstreak (Neozephyrus quercus)
- Small Blue (Cupido minimus)
- Small Copper (Lycaena phlaeas)
- Short-tailed Blue (Cupido argiades)
- Geranium Bronze (Cacyreus marshalli)
Whites and Sulphurs (Pieridae)
- Berger’s Clouded Yellow (Colias alfacariensis)
- Cabbage White (Pieris brassicae)
- Clouded Yellow (Colias croceus)
- Common Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni)
- Green-veined White (Pieris napi)
- Orange Tip (Anthocharis cardamines)
- Pale Clouded Yellow (Colias hyale)
- Leptidea juvernica
- Small White (Pieris rapae)
- Wood White (Leptidea sinapis)
Swallowtail (Papilionidae)
- Old World Swallowtail (Papilio machaon)
Skipper (Hesperiidae)
- European Skipper (Thymelicus lineola)
- Small Skipper (Thymelicus sylvestris)
- Dingy Skipper (Erynnis tages)
The best places to see butterflies in Ireland include the Burren, the Bog of Allen, and the Raven Nature Reserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Ireland have a low number of butterfly species?
Ireland has a relatively low number of butterfly species primarily due to its geographic isolation as an island. This water barrier has historically limited the natural colonization by species from mainland Europe. However, the country’s temperate climate is very hospitable for the approximately 35 species that are established residents.
What are the most common butterfly families found in Ireland?
The most common butterfly families in Ireland are the Brush-Footed (Nymphalidae), Gossamer-Winged (Lycaenidae), and the Whites and Sulphurs (Pieridae). The Brush-Footed family is especially diverse, including familiar species like the Peacock, Red Admiral, and Small Tortoiseshell, which are widespread across various Irish habitats.
Can you find Monarch butterflies in Ireland?
Yes, the Monarch butterfly is occasionally found in Ireland, but it is considered a rare vagrant, not a resident. These North American butterflies are powerful flyers and are sometimes carried across the Atlantic Ocean by strong wind systems, with sightings most common along the southern and western coasts.
What is a common blue butterfly species in Ireland?
The European Common Blue (Polyommatus icarus) is a very common blue butterfly found throughout Ireland. A member of the Gossamer-Winged family, it thrives in grassy areas like meadows, dunes, and roadsides. The males display a vibrant blue color, while the females are typically a more subdued brown.
Are there any fritillary butterflies native to Ireland?
Yes, several fritillary species are native to Ireland, including the Dark Green Fritillary, Marsh Fritillary, and Silver-washed Fritillary. These butterflies are part of the Nymphalidae family and are recognized by their intricate orange and black checkered wing patterns. They inhabit woodlands, grasslands, and marshy areas.
What common white butterflies are seen in Irish gardens?
The most common white butterflies in Irish gardens are the Large White (Pieris brassicae), often called the Cabbage White, and the Small White (Pieris rapae). The Green-veined White is also frequently seen and can be identified by the distinct greenish lines marking the veins on its underwings.
Is the Peacock butterfly a native species in Ireland?
Yes, the Peacock butterfly (Aglais io) is a native species and one of the most recognizable butterflies in Ireland. Belonging to the Brush-Footed family, it is known for the large, distinctive eyespots on its wings, which are used to startle potential predators. It is commonly found nationwide.
