Butterflies in Uruguay
Uruguay is home to several butterflies like the Polydamas Swallowtail, the Aega Morpho, and the Broad-banded Swallowtail.
Butterflies in Uruguay
List of Different Butterfly Species of Uruguay
Brush-Footed (Nymphalidae)
- Aega Morpho (Morpho aega)
- Banded Longwing (Dryadula phaetusa)
- Brazilian Painted Lady (Vanessa braziliensis)
- Claudina Crescent (Tegosa claudina)
- Gray Cracker (Hamadryas februa)
- Ithra Crescent Butterfly (Ortilia ithra)
- Juno (Dione juno)
- Queen Butterfly (Danaus gilippus)
- Red Cracker (Hamadryas amphinome)
- Ruddy Daggerwing (Marpesia petreus)
- Syma Sister (Adelpha syma)
- Tropical Buckeye (Junonia evarete)
- Turquoise Emperor (Doxocopa laurentia)
- Vivid Painted Lady (Vanessa myrinna)
- White-spotted Prepona (Archaeoprepona amphimachus)
Gossamer-Winged (Lycaenidae)
- Gold-bordered Hairstreak (Rekoa palegon)
- Hanno Blue (Hemiargus hanno)
- Lantana Scrub-hairstreak (Strymon bazochii)
Whites and Sulphurs (Pieridae)
- Apricot Sulphur (Phoebis argante)
- Tailed Sulphur (Phoebis neocypris)
Metalmark (Riodinidae)
- Calephelis braziliensis
- Chalodeta theodora
- Euselasia hygenius occulta
- Stichelia bochorissuavis
Swallowtail (Papilionidae)
- Agavus Cattleheart (Parides agavus)
- Broad-banded Swallowtail (Heraclides astyalus)
- Polydamas Swallowtail (Battus polydamas)
Skipper (Hesperiidae)
- Broad Banded-skipper (Autochton neis)
- Falcate Skipper (Spathilepia clonius)
- Fiery Skipper (Hylephila phyleus)
- Glassy-winged Skipper (Xenophanes tryxus)
- Mys Skipper (Zariaspes mys)
- Plain Longtail (Urbanus simplicius)
- Sharp Banded-skipper (Autochton zarex)
- Teleus Longtail (Urbanus teleus)
- Variegated Skipper (Gorgythion begga)
- Veined White Skipper (Heliopetes arsalte)
While there aren’t any designated locations to go butterfly watching in Uruguay, they can often be spotted in local parks and gardens.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common butterfly families found in Uruguay?
The most common butterfly families in Uruguay include Brush-Footed (Nymphalidae), Swallowtail (Papilionidae), and Skipper (Hesperiidae). The country is also home to Gossamer-Winged (Lycaenidae), Whites and Sulphurs (Pieridae), and Metalmark (Riodinidae) species, showcasing a diverse population across several prominent scientific families of butterflies.
Where are the best places to see butterflies in Uruguay?
The best places to see butterflies in Uruguay are generally local parks and gardens, as there are no officially designated butterfly watching locations. These natural, flora-rich areas provide the ideal habitat and food sources that attract diverse species like the Aega Morpho and various Swallowtails for observation.
Which species of Swallowtail butterflies live in Uruguay?
Several species of Swallowtail butterflies from the family Papilionidae live in Uruguay. Notable examples identified in the region include the Polydamas Swallowtail (Battus polydamas), the Broad-banded Swallowtail (Heraclides astyalus), and the Agavus Cattleheart (Parides agavus). These large butterflies are a significant part of local fauna.
What does the Aega Morpho butterfly in Uruguay look like?
The Aega Morpho (Morpho aega) is a type of Brush-Footed butterfly known for its brilliant, iridescent blue wings, which is its key identifying feature. While specific patterns can vary, its large size and distinct metallic sheen make it one of the more recognizable and striking species found within Uruguay.
How can you identify Skipper butterflies in Uruguay?
Skipper butterflies (family Hesperiidae) in Uruguay can be identified by their stout, moth-like bodies and hooked antennae tips. Species like the Fiery Skipper and Plain Longtail exhibit the family’s characteristic rapid, darting flight pattern. Their wings are also typically smaller in proportion to their bodies than other butterflies.
Are there designated butterfly watching tours in Uruguay?
No, there are no designated or official butterfly watching tours available in Uruguay. Enthusiasts looking to observe native species like the Tropical Buckeye or Red Cracker should plan visits to local parks and public gardens, as these locations offer the best opportunities for spotting them in their natural habitats.
What are the characteristics of the Polydamas Swallowtail in Uruguay?
The Polydamas Swallowtail (Battus polydamas) is characterized by its lack of tails, which is unusual for a swallowtail butterfly. Its wings are primarily black with a distinctive pattern of yellow or cream-colored spots along the margins. This species is commonly found in open, sunny areas like gardens and parks.
