Butterflies in the Maldives
Very few butterflies have been recorded in the Maldives, less than 100 total. Notable species include the Gram Blue, the Great Eggfly, and the Common Evening Brown.
Butterflies in the Maldives
List of Different Butterfly Species of the Maldives
Brush-Footed (Nymphalidae)
- Common Evening Brown (Melanitis leda)
- Great Eggfly (Hypolimnas bolina)
- Tamil Bushbrown (Mycalesis subdita)
- Plain Tiger (Danaus chrysippus)
- Danaid Eggfly (Hypolimnas misippus)
- Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui)
- Tawny Coster (Acraea terpsicore)
- Blue Pansy (Junonia orithya)
- Blue Tiger (Tirumala limniace)
- Common Palmfly (Elymnias hypermnestra)
- Dusky Bush-brown (Orsotriaena medus)
Gossamer-Winged (Lycaenidae)
- Gram Blue (Euchrysops cnejus)
- Dingy Lineblue (Petrelaea dana)
- Apefly (Spalgis epius)
- Lesser Grass-blue (Zizina otis)
- Dark Grass Blue (Zizeeria karsandra)
- Zizula hylax
Whites and Sulphurs (Pieridae)
- No-brand Grass-yellow (Eurema brigitta)
- Common Grass Yellow (Eurema hecabe)
- White Albatross (Appias albina)
- Lemon Migrant (Catopsilia pomona)
- Small Grass-yellow (Eurema smilax)
Swallowtail (Papilionidae)
- Common Mormon (Papilio polytes)
- Crimson Rose (Pachliopta hector)
Skipper (Hesperiidae)
- Indian Palm Bob (Suastus gremius)
- Rice Swift (Borbo cinnara)
- Paintbrush Swift (Baoris farri)
While there aren’t any noteworthy places to go butterfly watching in the Maldives, local gardens and parks might be home to some of them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many butterfly species are found in the Maldives?
The Maldives has a relatively low diversity of butterflies, with fewer than 100 species officially recorded. This limited number is attributed to the archipelago’s isolated oceanic geography. Prominent families represented include Nymphalidae (Brush-Footed), Lycaenidae (Gossamer-Winged), and Pieridae (Whites and Sulphurs), showcasing a unique but small population.
What are the most common butterflies in the Maldives?
Some of the most frequently observed butterflies in the Maldives include the Gram Blue (Euchrysops cnejus), the Great Eggfly (Hypolimnas bolina), and the Common Evening Brown (Melanitis leda). These species are relatively adaptable and can be found in various habitats across the islands, particularly in local gardens.
Are there any Swallowtail butterflies in the Maldives?
Yes, Swallowtail butterflies from the Papilionidae family are present in the Maldives, though they are not abundant. Recorded species include the Common Mormon (Papilio polytes) and the Crimson Rose (Pachliopta hector). These large, colorful butterflies are a notable, if uncommon, part of the local lepidopteran fauna.
What types of Brush-Footed butterflies live in the Maldives?
The Maldives is home to several species of Brush-Footed butterflies from the Nymphalidae family. Notable examples found across the islands include:
* Plain Tiger (Danaus chrysippus)
* Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui)
* Blue Pansy (Junonia orithya)
* Great Eggfly (Hypolimnas bolina)
Where is the best place to see butterflies in the Maldives?
There are no official butterfly sanctuaries or specific, noteworthy locations for butterfly watching in the Maldives. The best opportunities to spot various species are incidentally in local gardens, parks, and areas with flowering native plants. These environments provide the nectar sources and host plants necessary for their survival.
Is the Plain Tiger butterfly found in the Maldives?
Yes, the Plain Tiger butterfly (Danaus chrysippus) is one of the species recorded in the Maldives. This butterfly belongs to the Nymphalidae family, also known as Brush-Footed butterflies. It is recognized for its distinct tawny orange and black-and-white markings and is found across various islands.
What family does the Gram Blue butterfly belong to?
The Gram Blue butterfly (Euchrysops cnejus), a species found in the Maldives, belongs to the Lycaenidae family. This family is commonly known as the Gossamer-Winged butterflies. They are typically small to medium-sized, and the Gram Blue is a characteristic example found in the region’s habitats.
