Butterflies in Malta
There are few butterflies in the island country of Malta. Notable species include the Comma, the Cleopatra, and the Pea Blue.
Butterflies in Malta
List of Different Butterfly Species of Malta
Brush-Footed (Nymphalidae)
- Comma (Polygonia c-album)
- Glanville Fritillary (Melitaea cinxia)
- Hedge Brown (Pyronia tithonus)
- Large Tortoiseshell (Nymphalis polychloros)
- Large Wall Brown (Lasiommata maera)
- Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina)
- Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui)
- Peacock Butterfly (Aglais io)
- Plain Tiger (Danaus chrysippus)
- Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta)
- Small Heath (Coenonympha pamphilus)
- Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae)
- Southern Comma (Polygonia egea)
- Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria)
- Spotted Fritillary (Melitaea didyma)
- Violet Frillitary (Boloria dia)
- Wall Brown (Lasiommata megera)
- Hipparchia blachieri
Gossamer-Winged (Lycaenidae)
- Brown Argus (Aricia agestis)
- Green Hairstreak (Callophrys rubi)
- Holly Blue (Celastrina argiolus)
- Pea Blue (Lampides boeticus)
- Lang’s Short-tailed Blue (Leptotes pirithous)
- Small Copper (Lycaena phlaeas)
- Adonis Blue (Lysandra bellargus)
- Silver-studded Blue (Plebejus argus)
- European Common Blue (Polyommatus icarus)
- African Grass Blue (Zizeeria knysna)
Whites and Sulphurs (Pieridae)
- Black-veined White (Aporia crataegi)
- Clouded Yellow (Colias croceus)
- Pale Clouded Yellow (Colias hyale)
- Green-striped White (Euchloe belemia)
- Cleopatra (Gonepteryx cleopatra)
- Common Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni)
- Wood White (Leptidea sinapis)
- Cabbage White (Pieris brassicae)
- Green-veined White (Pieris napi)
- Small White (Pieris rapae)
Swallowtail (Papilionidae)
- Scarce Swallowtail (Iphiclides podalirius)
- Old World Swallowtail (Papilio machaon)
Skipper (Hesperiidae)
- Pygmy Skipper (Gegenes pumilio)
The best time to see butterflies in Malta is in the summer, when they are most active.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common butterfly families found in Malta?
The most common butterfly families in Malta include Brush-Footed (Nymphalidae), Gossamer-Winged (Lycaenidae), and Whites and Sulphurs (Pieridae). Species like the Painted Lady, European Common Blue, and Small White are representatives of these widespread families, contributing to the biodiversity found across the Maltese islands.
When is the best time of year to see butterflies in Malta?
The best time to see butterflies in Malta is during the summer months. Their activity levels peak in the warmer weather when flowering plants are most abundant. This season provides the greatest opportunity to observe various species, from the Cleopatra to the Red Admiral, in their natural habitats.
Are there swallowtail butterflies in Malta?
Yes, two species of swallowtail butterflies are found in Malta. The list of local species includes the Old World Swallowtail (Papilio machaon) and the Scarce Swallowtail (Iphiclides podalirius). These large, distinctive butterflies are part of the Papilionidae family and are notable sightings in the Maltese countryside.
What types of ‘Blue’ butterflies live in Malta?
Malta is home to several ‘Blue’ butterflies from the Gossamer-Winged family. Notable species include the Pea Blue (Lampides boeticus), Lang’s Short-tailed Blue (Leptotes pirithous), the European Common Blue (Polyommatus icarus), and the African Grass Blue (Zizeeria knysna), all contributing to the island’s lepidopteran diversity.
Is the Painted Lady butterfly found in Malta?
Yes, the Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui) is a butterfly species found in Malta. It belongs to the Brush-Footed (Nymphalidae) family and is known for its impressive migratory patterns. It is one of several Nymphalidae species recorded on the islands, alongside the Red Admiral and the Peacock Butterfly.
What are some examples of Brush-Footed butterflies in Malta?
Malta hosts a variety of Brush-Footed butterflies (Nymphalidae). Common examples include the Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta), Peacock Butterfly (Aglais io), Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae), and the Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria). This family is one of the most diverse groups of butterflies found on the islands.
Which ‘White’ butterfly species are native to Malta?
Several species from the Whites and Sulphurs family (Pieridae) are native to Malta. These include the Cabbage White (Pieris brassicae), Small White (Pieris rapae), and Green-veined White (Pieris napi). The family also includes yellow-hued species like the Clouded Yellow and the Cleopatra butterfly.
