Butterflies in Portugal
Portugal is home to several butterfly species, including the Two-tailed Pasha, the Large Tortoiseshell, and the Small White.
Butterflies in Portugal
List of Most Common Butterfly Species of Portugal
Brush-Footed (Nymphalidae)
- American Lady (Vanessa virginiensis)
- Black Satyr (Satyrus actaea)
- Cardinal (Argynnis pandora)
- Comma (Polygonia c-album)
- Dorus Ringlet (Coenonympha dorus)
- European Nettle-tree Butterfly (Libythea celtis)
- Great Banded Grayling (Brintesia circe)
- Great Eggfly (Hypolimnas bolina)
- Hedge Brown (Pyronia tithonus)
- Iberian Marbled White (Melanargia lachesis)
- Ines Blue (Melanargia ines)
- Large Tortoiseshell (Nymphalis polychloros)
- Lesser Purple Emperor (Apatura ilia)
- Lulworth Skipper (Thymelicus acteon)
- Malachite (Siproeta stelenes)
- Mallow Skipper (Carcharodus alceae)
- Marsh Fritillary (Euphydryas aurinia)
- Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina)
- Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus)
- Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui)
- Paper Kite Butterfly (Idea leuconoe)
- Peacock Butterfly (Aglais io)
- Pearly Heath (Coenonympha arcania)
- Phoebe Fritillary (Melitaea phoebe)
- Plain Tiger (Danaus chrysippus)
- Queen of Spain Fritillary (Issoria lathonia)
- Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta)
- Red-underwing Skipper (Spialia sertorius)
- Sage Skipper (Muschampia proto)
- Scotch Argus (Hipparchia fidia)
- Silver-washed Fritillary (Argynnis paphia)
- Small Heath (Coenonympha pamphilus)
- Small Mallow (Carcharodus tripolina)
- Small Skipper (Thymelicus sylvestris)
- Southern Gatekeeper (Pyronia cecilia)
- Spanish Gatekeeper (Pyronia bathseba)
- Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria)
- Tree Grayling (Hipparchia statilinus)
- Two-tailed Pasha (Charaxes jasius)
- Wall Brown (Lasiommata megera)
Gossamer-Winged (Lycaenidae)
- African Grass Blue (Zizeeria knysna)
- Blue-spot Hairstreak (Satyrium spini)
- Brown Hairstreak (Thecla betulae)
- European Common Blue (Polyommatus icarus)
- False Ilex Hairstreak (Satyrium esculi)
- Geranium Bronze (Cacyreus marshalli)
- Green Hairstreak (Callophrys rubi)
- Holly Blue (Celastrina argiolus)
- Lang’s Short-tailed Blue (Leptotes pirithous)
- Long-tailed Blue (Lampides boeticus)
- Lorquin’s Blue (Cupido lorquinii)
- Melanops Blue (Glaucopsyche melanops)
- Moroccan Blue (Pseudophilotes abencerragus)
- Purple-shot Copper (Lycaena alciphron)
- Silver-studded Blue (Plebejus argus)
- Small Copper (Lycaena phlaeas)
- Southern Brown Argus (Aricia cramera)
Whites and Sulphurs (Pieridae)
- Bath White (Pontia daplidice)
- Cabbage White (Pieris brassicae)
- Cleopatra (Gonepteryx cleopatra)
- Clouded Yellow (Colias croceus)
- Common Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni)
- Green-striped White (Euchloe belemia)
- Green-veined White (Pieris napi)
- Orange Tip (Anthocharis cardamines)
- Small White (Pieris rapae)
- Western Dappled White (Euchloe crameri)
- Wood White (Leptidea sinapis)
Swallowtail (Papilionidae)
- Old World Swallowtail (Papilio machaon)
- Spanish Festoon (Zerynthia rumina)
- Iphiclides podalirius feisthamelii
Skipper (Hesperiidae)
- Southern Grizzled Skipper (Pyrgus malvoides)
One of the best places to see butterflies in Portugal is in the southernmost district of Algarve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common families of butterflies found in Portugal?
The most common butterfly families in Portugal are the Brush-Footed (Nymphalidae) and Gossamer-Winged (Lycaenidae). The Nymphalidae family is particularly diverse, including well-known species like the Red Admiral, Painted Lady, and the Monarch, making them a frequent sight across the country’s varied landscapes and gardens.
Can you find Monarch butterflies in Portugal?
Yes, the Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) can be found in Portugal. This iconic species is listed among the Brush-Footed butterflies present in the region. While famous for its North American migrations, populations of Monarchs have established themselves in parts of southern Europe, including Portugal’s coastal areas.
What makes the Two-tailed Pasha butterfly unique in Portugal?
The Two-tailed Pasha (Charaxes jasius) is unique due to its large size, striking pattern, and the two distinctive tails on each hindwing. It is one of Europe’s most impressive butterflies and is typically found in coastal regions where its larval food plant, the strawberry tree, grows abundantly.
What is the best time of year to see butterflies in Portugal?
The best time to see butterflies in Portugal is from late spring through summer, typically from May to September. During these warmer months, a higher diversity and abundance of species are active. Different species have varied flight periods, so observing throughout the season will reveal the most variety.
How many types of Fritillary butterflies are native to Portugal?
Several types of Fritillary butterflies are native to Portugal, primarily from the Nymphalidae family. The country is home to species such as the Marsh Fritillary, Phoebe Fritillary, Queen of Spain Fritillary, and the Silver-washed Fritillary. These species are known for their intricate orange and black checkered patterns.
Is the Painted Lady butterfly a common sight in Portugal?
Yes, the Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui) is a very common sight in Portugal. As a member of the widespread Brush-Footed family, this migratory butterfly is known for its long-distance travels. Its presence is frequently noted across the country, especially during its major migration periods in spring and autumn.
What are some common Skipper butterflies found in Portugal’s habitats?
Some common Skipper butterflies in Portugal include the Lulworth Skipper, Mallow Skipper, Red-underwing Skipper, and Sage Skipper. These small, fast-flying butterflies belong to the Hesperiidae family and are often found in grassy, sunny areas where their specific larval host plants are available for feeding and reproduction.
