Butterflies in Singapore
Around 300 butterflies have been recorded in Singapore. Some of the common species seen in the country include the Common Lascar, the Lemon Migrant, and the Lesser Dart.
Butterflies in Singapore
List of Most Common Butterfly Species of Singapore
Brush-Footed (Nymphalidae)
- Autumn Leaf (Doleschallia bisaltide)
- Banded Yeoman (Cirrochroa orissa)
- Common Evening Brown (Melanitis leda)
- Common Fourring (Ypthima huebneri)
- Common Lascar (Pantoporia hordonia)
- Common Leopard (Phalanta phalantha)
- Common Saturn (Zeuxidia amethystus)
- Common Tiger (Danaus genutia)
- Danaid Eggfly (Hypolimnas misippus)
- Dark Glassy Tiger (Parantica agleoides)
- Dot-dash Sergeant (Athyma kanwa)
- Gray Pansy (Junonia atlites)
- Great Eggfly (Hypolimnas bolina)
- Indian Dingiest Sailer (Neptis harita)
- Indian Red Admiral (Vanessa indica)
- Leopard Lacewing (Cethosia cyane)
- Magpie Crow (Euploea radamanthus)
- Malay Baron (Euthalia monina)
- Malay Viscount (Tanaecia pelea)
- Pachmarhi Bushbrown (Mycalesis perseoides)
- Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui)
- Palmking (Amathusia phidippus)
- Perak Lascar (Pantoporia paraka)
- Plain Tiger (Danaus chrysippus)
- Pointed Palmfly (Elymnias penanga)
- Striped Blue Crow (Euploea mulciber)
- Tawny Coster (Acraea violae)
- Tawny Palmfly (Elymnias panthera)
- Yellow Glassy Tiger (Parantica aspasia)
- Elymnias hypermnestra agina
- Discophora sondaica despoliata
- Danaus melanippus hegesippus
- Mycalesis visala phamis
- Lexias dirtea merguia
Gossamer-Winged (Lycaenidae)
- Apefly (Spalgis epius)
- Brown Tit (Hypolycaena thecloides)
- Common Red Flash (Rapala iarbus)
- Grand Imperial (Neocheritra amrita)
- Lesser Darkie (Allotinus unicolor)
- Pea Blue (Lampides boeticus)
- Scarlet Flash (Rapala dieneces)
- Nacaduba angusta kerriana
- Arhopala centaurus nakula
Whites and Sulphurs (Pieridae)
- Anderson’s Grass Yellow (Eurema andersonii)
- Indian Cabbage White (Pieris canidia)
- Lemon Migrant (Catopsilia pomona)
- White Migrant (Catopsilia pyranthe)
- Appias lyncida vasava
- Eurema hecabe contubernalis
- Hebomoia glaucippe aturia
Metalmark (Riodinidae)
- Harlequin (Taxila haquinus)
- Lesser Harlequin (Laxita thuisto)
- Malay Tailed Judy (Abisara savitri)
Swallowtail (Papilionidae)
- Banded Swallowtail (Papilio demolion)
- Blue Helen (Papilio prexaspes)
- Common Mime (Chilasa clytia)
- Great Helen (Papilio iswara)
- Green-spotted Triangle (Graphium agamemnon)
- Papilio polytes romulus
- Pachliopta aristolochiae asteris
Skipper (Hesperiidae)
- Banded Redeye (Gangara lebadea)
- Chequered Lancer (Plastingia naga)
- Chestnut Bob (Iambrix salsala)
- Coconut Skipper (Hidari irava)
- Common Awl (Hasora badra)
- Common Banded Awl (Hasora chromus)
- Common Redeye (Matapa aria)
- Contiguous Swift (Polytremis lubricans)
- Forest Hopper (Astictopterus jama)
- Full Stop Swift (Caltoris cormasa)
- Giant Redeye (Gangara thyrsis)
- Grass Demon (Udaspes folus)
- Great Orange Awlet (Burara etelka)
- Immaculate Snow Flat (Tagiades gana)
- Indian Palm Bob (Suastus gremius)
- Large Dart (Potanthus serina)
- Lesser Dart (Potanthus omaha)
- Paintbrush Swift (Baoris farri)
- Palm Redeye (Erionota thrax)
- Philippine Swift (Caltoris philippina)
- Plain Banded Awl (Hasora vitta)
- Rice Swift (Borbo cinnara)
- Ringed Lancer (Salanoemia tavoyana)
- Rounded Palm-redeye (Erionota torus)
- Small Branded Swift (Pelopidas mathias)
- White-banded Flat (Celaenorrhinus asmara)
- Yellow Flat (Mooreana trichoneura)
- Zema Banded Ace (Halpe zema)
- Cupha erymanthis lotis
Some of the best places to see butterflies in Singapore include the Insect Kingdom on Sentosa Island, the butterfly garden in Bukit Gombak Park, and the butterfly garden in the airport in Changi.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many butterfly species are found in Singapore?
Approximately 300 different butterfly species have been officially recorded in Singapore. This diverse population includes various families such as the Brush-Footed (Nymphalidae), Gossamer-Winged (Lycaenidae), and the Whites and Sulphurs (Pieridae), highlighting the island’s rich biodiversity despite its urban landscape and small size.
What are the most common butterflies in Singapore?
Some of the most common butterflies in Singapore include the Common Lascar, the Lemon Migrant, and the Plain Tiger. Species like the Tawny Coster and the Common Evening Brown are also frequently spotted in local parks, nature reserves, and gardens, making them familiar sights for residents.
Which butterfly families are prevalent in Singapore?
The most prevalent butterfly families in Singapore are the Brush-Footed (Nymphalidae), Gossamer-Winged (Lycaenidae), and the Whites and Sulphurs (Pieridae). The Nymphalidae family is particularly large and diverse, featuring well-known species such as the Common Tiger, Painted Lady, and the Autumn Leaf butterfly.
What is the scientific name for the Common Lascar butterfly?
The scientific name for the Common Lascar butterfly found in Singapore is Pantoporia hordonia. This species is a member of the Nymphalidae, or Brush-Footed butterfly family. It is one of the more frequently observed butterflies in the region, often seen fluttering in sunlit areas.
What does the Lemon Migrant butterfly look like?
The Lemon Migrant (Catopsilia pomona) is a medium-sized butterfly, typically with yellow or pale greenish-white wings. Males are often a distinct lemon-yellow, while females can be paler with faint markings. They belong to the Pieridae family and are known for their strong, migratory flight patterns.
Are Painted Lady butterflies found in Singapore?
Yes, the Painted Lady butterfly (Vanessa cardui) is found in Singapore. This species is listed among the Brush-Footed (Nymphalidae) butterflies recorded on the island. Known for its extensive migratory range, its presence in Singapore is part of its nearly worldwide distribution, making it a notable local sighting.
What is the Common Tiger butterfly in Singapore?
The Common Tiger butterfly (Danaus genutia) is a species of Brush-Footed butterfly commonly found in Singapore. It is recognized by its tawny orange wings intersected by black veins and white spots along the dark margins. This species is often seen in gardens and parks feeding on nectar.
