Butterflies – photo id guide

The following is my personal collection of the butterflies I’ve seen and photographed to date in the provinces of Cadíz, neighbouring Malaga and Gibraltar; I will update the list as my collection grows and/or I take better pictures. All of the photographs used are my own and I have added the months and locations in which I took them. If anyone spots a mis-identification or can help id those I cannot, please let me know.

I have listed the butterflies by the families they belong to. I haven’t gone into elaborate detail on the written descriptions as I’m sure most people who have a deeper level of interest would rather read it in a book written by someone who is an expert on their subject. I have concentrated instead in providing clear, good-sized pictures and on presenting the overall impressions and names of the butterflies. I have named LHPs (larval host plants) where possible, as their presence is often a good indication of where you may find the adult insects and in some cases may aid identification, (provided you recognise the plants of course.)

I have recorded my own observations on behaviour, appearance etc., but much of the information, especially with regard to distribution etc. is taken from my current butterfly ‘bible’, the Photographic Guide to the Butterflies of Britain & Europe by Tom Tolman. I have also found my ‘pocket’ Collins guide, Butterflies and Moths of Britain & Europe by H.Hofmann & T.Marktanner very handy too as it has good clear photographs.

Abbreviations used: LHP(s) – larval host plant(s); fw- fore-wing;unf- fore-wing underside;upf -fore-wing upperside; hw -hind-wing; uph -hind wing upperside; uhw -underside hind-wing; ups – fore-wing & hind-wing upper sides gc – ground colour

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Papilionidae

A small group of large, distinctive and colourful butterflies that includes the Swallowtails.

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SWALLOWTAIL – Papilio machaon

Found throughout Europe and most Mediterranean Islands, but absent from Atlantic Islands.

A beautiful and very distinctive butterfly with a fast and powerful flight.

Flight period: February to October

Habitat: Found in hot, dry places and often in areas of cultivation. LHPs include many species of Umbellifer and Rue

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SPANISH SWALLOWTAIL – Iphiclides feisthamelii 

The long tail streamers and general overall appearance are very distinctive and these large graceful butterflies often hover and glide, appearing to exploit air currents to aid flight. The large ‘ocilli’, or eyes, at the tail end of the insect are a defence marking – to deflect an attack by a  predator from its more vital parts. I always think it sort of makes the butterfly look like it’s flying backwards

Flight period: February to October

Found in similar areas to Swallowtail, in hot and very dry shrubby places, around woodland margins and orchards. Adults are greatly attracted to nectar-rich shrubs and trees.

* This butterfly looks similar to a Scarce Swallowtail Iphiclides podalirius, but   according to Tristan Lanfranchis’s book on Butterflies of Europe the Scarce Swallowtail is not found in Southern Spain, but rather it is the Spanish Swallowtail Iphiclides feisthamelii.

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SPANISH FESTOON – Zerynthia rumina

Found only in Iberia and parts of France.

Description & variation: Resembles Z. polyxena (Southern Festoon). All red markings are better developed but variable. Males and females are generally alike but females sometimes have an darker, more-ochre yellow ground colour.

Flight period:Generally late March to May in one prolonged brood, but records span February-October, indicating a second brood in Spain.

Habitat: Wide-ranging: hot, dry rocky and scrubby places, cultivated areas, flowery meadows, woodland edges. LHPs are members of the birthwort family.

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Pieridae

This family contains several of the more common and easily recognised butterflies, and migrants such as the Bath White, Small White and Clouded Yellow. Without exception the European examples of this family never sit with fully open wings: most species rest with partially open or half-opened wings, whilst the ‘brimstones’, ‘clouded yellows’ and ‘wood-whites’ only very rarely, if ever, open their wings at rest.

Whites
Large White Pieris brassica; Small White Pieris rapae; Green Striped White Euchloe belemia; Black-veined White-Aporia crataegi; Moroccan Orange Tip Anthocharis cardamines

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BLACK-VEINED WHITE – Aporia crataegi

A  distinctive and elegant butterfly whose black veining puts me in mind of leaded windows.

Habitat: Warm, sunny bushy places & cultivated areas, esp. orchards. LHPs are Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), cultivated trees of the plum family, almond, apple, pear, peach & apricot.

Behaviour: Quite a restless butterfly, difficult to catch still for long enough to photograph very often! Adults are strongly attracted to the nectar of more robust plants such as knapweeds and thistles.

Found throughout most of Europe, absent from the Balearics. Widespread & generally common, thus far I have only seen it in the mountains; Gaucin & Sierra de las Nieves.

 

 

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LARGE WHITE – Pieris brassicae

Easily recognised, the butterfly is widespread and numerous and found throughout Europe. Commonly known as the Cabbage White.

Flight period: February to November
Habitat:Most habitat types where LHPs are found, including gardens.LHPs include several members of the cabbage family (brassicaceae) and they may become garden pests on both cabbages and garden nasturtiums.

Behaviour: A powerful migrant and vagrant specimens are not uncommon on barren ground at high altitudes well away from breeding grounds. Found in most habitats and common visitors to flowers.

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SMALL WHITE – Artogeia rapae

Found throughout Europe, including the Azores, Madeira, Canary Islands & Mediterranean Islands and common everywhere, sometimes in great numbers.

Very similar to the Large White except for its smaller size. Male has one dark spot on forewing, which varies greatly in intensity.

Flight period: Mid-March to October in 2-4 broods.

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SOUTHERN SMALL WHITE – Artogeia mannii

Distribution: Spain (very sporadic & local), through SW & S France, S Switzerland & Italy, Balkans & Greece.

Flight period: March – September in 2+ broods.

Description: Resembles Small White (A.rapae), but markings generally heavier. Upf apex black, extending along outer margin to V4 or V3; distal margin of spot in S3 concave or linear (not round), often linked to outer margin by black scaling along V3 & V4: uph distal margin of costal mark concave.

Habitat: Dry, usually hot, rocky places, often in open scrubland or woodland. LHPs: evergreen candytuft (Iberis sempervivens) & rock candytuft (I. saxatilis)

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GREEN-STRIPED WHITE – Euchloe belemia

Found in S.Portugal, Spain & Canary Islands where it is widespread and common.

Flight period: January/February to mid-April & late April to early June in two overlapping broods.

Habitat: Dry, flowery places amongst scrub or rocks, open woodland, cultivated areas.LHPs include Buckler Mustard (Biscutella laevigata)

 

 

 

 

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MOROCCAN/SOUTHERN ORANGE TIP – Anthocaharis belia

Flight period: Generally April-June in one brood in Southern Spain, reported from Gibraltar & Algarve (S.Portugal) in early March.

Habitat: Dry, often hot, flowery places, margins of cultivated ground. LHPs: Buckler Mustard (Biscutella laevigata), B. auriculum & B. ambigua

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CLOUDED YELLOW– Colias crocea

Distributed throughout most of Europe, including Canary Islands.

Flight period: March to November, in several broods in the warmer Mediterranean areas.

Description: Male upperside ground colour is a rich yellow, sometimes replaced by pure yellow with dark marginal borders crossed by yellow veins. Female upperside also has dark marginal borders, but they enclose yellow spots.

Habitat: Common in most habitat types, especially in warm-hot places having an abundance of flowers. LHPs comprise many members of the pea family, most commonly lucerne (Medicago sativa) sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia)

Behaviour: One of the most common and best known European migrant butterflies, their flight is fast and powerful, this butterfly rests, roosts & feeds with closed wings. I spotted a roosting butterfly one summer evening and early next morning waited for it to ‘wake-up’, thinking it may open its wings & bask for a few seconds to warm up. No chance, as soon as the sun touched it it shot up into the air like a rocket!

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CLEOPATRA – Gonepteryx rhamni

Distributed throughout Iberia, the Balearic Islands & SW Mediterranean.

Description: Similar in shape to a Brimstone, but male has bright yellow wings and his forewings have a central orange flush; female has very pale yellow wings.

Flight period: Mid-May to August in one brood, with hibernated specimens reappearing February to April.

Habitat: Open, bushy, often rocky places, sometimes in light woodland. LHPs: buckthorns (Rhamnus catharticus) & Mediterranean buckthorn (R.alternus).

Behaviour: Similar to that of the Brimstone, having a strong powerful flight and feeding, resting & roosting with wings tightly closed.

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Lycaenidae

This family of generally small butterflies includes the ‘Blues’, ‘Coppers’ and ‘Hairstreaks’. For most species, sexual differences are well-marked and the females of many ‘blue’ butterflies have brown uppersides, often with distinctive orange spots near wing-margins. Close similarities between females of different, but related species are sometimes less obvious and reliable identification is difficult without close inspection of diagnostic features. Flight is generally swift. The Long-tailed blue and Short-tailed Blue are well-known migrants.

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Hairstreaks, Coppers & Blues
Green Hairstreak Callophyrs rubi ;Blue-spot Hairstreak Satyrium spiniIlex; Ilex Hairstreak Satyrium ilicis; Provençal Hairstreak Tomares Ballus; Geranium Bronze Cacyreus marshalli; Holly Blue Celastrina argiolus; Common Blue Polyommatus icarus; Long-tailed Blue Lampides boeticus; Brown Argus Aricia agestis

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ILEX HAIRSTREAK – Satyrium ilicis

Found in parts of Spain & Portugal, including Balearic Islands. Generally common.

Flight period: Late May to early August in one brood.

Habitat: Dry or damp scrub, light woodland, heathland containing LHPs; Oaks (quercus)

Behaviour: Attracted to flowers of thyme (Thymus) and dwarf elder. In my garden also strongly attracted to santolina flowers where I saw individuals stay on the flowers for long periods of time. Eggs are laid singly on the bark of slender oak trees.

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BLUE-SPOT HAIRSTREAK – Satyrium spini

Found from Portugal to C & SE Europe, absent from Mediterranean islands except Mallorca.

Flight period: Late May to late June

Habitat: Hot, dry, grassy & bushy places. LHPs include Mediterranean buckthorn (Rhamnus alaternus)

 

 

 

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GREEN HAIRSTREAK – Callophrys rubi

Found throughout almost all of Europe & most Mediterranean islands. A tiny, distinctive butterfly that is mostly very well camouflaged and may not be spotted unless flying.

Flight period: March to June in one brood.

Habitat: Adapted to a very variable and wide range of habitats, woodland clearings, shrubby places, flowery meadows, heaths & marshes, sheltered rocky places.

Rests, feeds & roosts with closed wings.

LHPs are as eclectic as the habitats; they include many varieties of broom (sp. of Cytisus, Genista etc.) gorse (Ulex europaeus), kidney vetch (Anthyllis vulneraria), rockrose (Helianthemum mummularium) as well as flowers or fruits of several shrubs including bramble.

Similar species: Chapman’s Green Hairstreak – Callophrys avis

This species occurs in S. Spain in the provinces of Cadíz & Malaga, N.Spain in Teruel, Gerona & Barcelona & S & NW Portugal.

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PROVENÇAL HAIRSTREAK – Tomares Ballus

Found in S Portugal & S & E Spain (SE Pyrenees to Maritime Alps). Its appearance is sporadic, generally very local but sometimes common. Seen in Jimena, by the river & in Bolonia, on the Atlantic coast.

Flight period: January to mid-May in one brood; emergence date dependent upon locality & altitude.

Habitat :Dry, flowery places, often with short grass & sparse scrub. LHPs are mainly medick, including Bur Medick (Medicago minima) & Black Medick (M. lupulina).

Sexual difference: Females have an extensive orange discal patch on forewing.

Behaviour: At high altitude, esp. in early spring, adults may sit on or near rocks heated by the early morning sun to speed up recovery from overnight cold.

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SMALL COPPER – Lycaena phlaeas

Flight period: February to late October in 3 or more broods.

Habitat: Adapted to most habitat types, ranging from very hot, arid, low-lying coastal regions to cool, damp grassy & flowery places.LHPs are mainly of the dock family, esp. Sheep’s Sorrel (Rumex acetosella); in very hot & dry places, commonly Knotweed (Polygonum aviculare)

Behaviour: Males are very territorial and will chase away any intruders from their ‘patch’, regardless of their comparative sizes. Often bask in the sunshine, resting on rocks or bare patches of earth.

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GERANIUM BRONZE – Cacyreus marshalli

A tiny, contentious, ‘invader’ into Spain from South Africa, this species is believed to have been an accidental introduction into Mallorca via imported decorative Pelargonium cultivars (geraniums), the butterfly’s LHP. It has quickly become a pest & has since rapidly spread to other Balearic Islands, the Spanish mainland & S France, Italy & even Brussels – all places where the popular ornamental host plant have been brought in. Now they can be seen pretty much everywhere in our region, including in my garden where the caterpillars decimate the leaves of my poor geraniums!

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COMMON BLUE –Polyommatus icarus

Found throughout Europe to the Arctic.

Flight period: Early April to mid-October in 3-4 broods.

Habitat: Almost all habitat types; one of Europe’s most adaptable butterflies. In Spain it occurs close to the summit of Sierra Nevada as well as the equally demanding hot, dry shoreline of the nearby coast.LHPs include many members of the pea family, commonly bird’s foot trefoil ( Lotus corniculatus).

Description & variation:

Male upf is without androconial patch. Female ups gc is brown, often with blue basal & discal shading: ups blue suffusion is sometimes extensive. Both sexes: unf with black cell spot. Subjest to appreciable regional variation, especially size.

 

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LONG-TAILED BLUE – Lampides boeticus

Found throughout much of the Mediterranean region, incl. islands, generally widespread & common in southern regions. Residency uncertain in most regions, including cooler parts of S Europe, where early spring broods probably arise from N African migrants. (Residence only possible where continuity of LHPs may be maintained through the winter).

Description: Male upperside ground colour is violet-blue and variable, reduced scaling giving way to light brownish appearance, especially near wing-margins. Both sexes:  uph dark anal spot in S2 prominent; unh creamy pd band conspicuous.

Flight period: In areas of residence: February-October in several broods.

Habitat: Hot, dry, flowery places, including scrubland & cultivated areas.

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LANG’S SHORT-TAILED BLUE – Syntarucus pirithous

Distribution is throughout the Mediterranean region, including islands. Residency uncertain in most regions, including S Europe, except in warmer regions where continuity of LHPs is maintained through the winter.

Description: Male upperside ground colour violet; dark marginal borders narrow. Both sexes: uph dark anal spots small, often obscure; uns marbled white and grey to greyish brown: unh lacking obvious pale pd band that distinguishing it from Long-tailed Blue (L.Boeticus)

Flight period: Areas of residence February to October in several broods. In northern range the date of appearance is very uncertain, dependending solely on migration.

Habitat: Hot, dry, flowery places, including scrubland & cultivated areas, especially fields of lucerne (Medicago sativa) which appears to be the main LHP, although a wide range of other plant families have been recorded.

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HOLLY BLUE – Celastrina argiolus

Distributed throughout most of Europe & most Mediterranean islands. Widespread & common.

Flight period: Early April – June & July-August, in two broods.

Habitat: Dry or damp bushy places, including woodland margins. LHPs from a wide range of shrubs & herbs, including Holly (Ilex aquifolium), Ivy (Hedera helix) & bramble (Rubus fruticosa).

Behaviour: Often flies at some height above the ground, quite rapidly for a small butterfly. Usually rests with wings closed on leaves in the upper parts of LHPs or of other shrubs.

 

 

 

 

 

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IOLAS BLUE – Iolana iolas

Found only in regions of S & E Spain, then through France; C & N Italy to the Balkans & Greece. Appearance is very sporadic & extremely local.

 

Flight period: May to early June in one brood.

Habitat: Dry, bushy places, usually on limestone & in close proximity to LHP, which is Bladder Senna (Colutea arborescens).

 

 

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LORQUIN’S BLUE – Cupido lorquinii

Distribution– Southern Portugal (Algarve). Southern Spain (provinces of Cadiz, Malaga, Granada & Jaen). 100-2000m. Very sporadic and local.

Description: Male upperside violet blue with broad black marginal border. Female upperside brown.

Flight period: Mid-April to mid-June in one brood.

Habitat: Limestone rocks or dry grassland, often amongst open scrub. LHP: dark-red variety of kidney vetch (Anthyllis vulneraria)

Sightings: Gaucin. Also recorded 11/6/11 – Sierra de las Nieves, Ronda.

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Danaidae

Only two members of this large family of large butterflies have been recorded in Europe; most are confined to the tropics.

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MONARCH, MILKWEED, THE WANDERER – Danaus plexippus

Found in the Canary Islands & S Spain. Resident colonies are extremely local, especially in Spain. My book states Malaga Province.

Flight period: Continuously brooded; recorded in all months in places of residence. I have seen them in Sotogrande (Cadíz Province) sporadically, but fairly frequently, although the most I’ve seen together has been two. Also seen in Gibraltar.

Habitat: Hot, dry coastal gullies, often close to cultivated ground & urban areas.

LHPs are members of the milkweed family(Asclepias curassavica) &Gomphocarpus fruticosa, giving rise to one of the butterfly’s names.

Behaviour: A well-known migrant from C & N America, the Monarch has achieved fame for its astonishing ability to cross the Atlantic Ocean. Once settled into its breeding grounds, it adopts a much more leisurely, almost ‘weak’ flapping flight which belies its proficiency.

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Nymphalidae

A large family that counts several of the most colourful and better known European butterflies as members. They include the Peacock, Small & Large Tortoishell, Red Admiral and the far-reaching Painted Lady, perhaps the best known migrant of the group. The largest group, the Fritillaries, occur throughout the region. Many of the smaller members of this group are fond of resting in sunshine with wings open flat. Characteristically, flight is graceful & gliding.

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TWO-TAILED PASHA – Charaxes jasius

A very large & distinctive butterfly, mainly found in coastal districts of the Mediterranean, but also in W Portugal, Gibraltar & inland regions of S Spain & S France. Sporadic, locally common.

Flight period: May-June & August to mid-October in two broods.

Habitat: Hot, dry places usually with dense scrub containing an abundance of the LHP; the Strawberry Tree (Arbutus unedo).

Behaviour: Has a very strong & powerful flight. Strongly attracted to fermenting fruit.

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LARGE TORTOISHELL –Nymphalis polychloros

Widespread & common throughout Europe, present in Iberia, more commonly in the north of the region.

Flight period: Late June to August in one brood. Hibernated specimens reappear March-April.

Habitat: Hot, dry, cool/damp woodland or bushy places, largely where LHPs appear, i.e Elm, sallows & willows (Salix) & poplar (Populus).

Behaviour: Shows marked dispersive-migratory tendency and therefore has an appropriately powerful flight. Following emergence, often remains in large numbers & close company within breeding ground, feeding almost constantly on nectar-rich plants as though ‘fuelling-up’ for a long journey.

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RED ADMIRAL – Vanessa atalanta

Distributed throughout most of Europe, including most Mediterranean islands.

Flight period: June – October in one brood. Hibernated specimens usually reappear March-April, but recorded on warm days in Jan-Feb near Mediterranean coast.

Habitat: Occurs in many types of habitat, but usually those with an abundance of the LHP growing in open, sunny places. LHP is principally the Common Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica); also annual nettle (U. urens) & Pellitory (Parietaria).

Behaviour: Very strong in flight and a common migrant. Hibernates as an adult in cool, dark places. Strongly attracted to nectar-rich plants.

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PAINTED LADY – Vanessa cardui

Reaches almost all parts of Europe and well into the Arctic Circle as a migrant. Resident of the Canary Islands, Madeira & probably the warmest regions of the Mediterranean, often occurring in great abundance there in the early spring, following the establishment of coastal colonies from N African migrants.

Flight period: Continuously brooded in regions of permanent residence.

 

Habitat: One of the best-known and widest-ranging of the migrant European butterflies, it is adapted to a wide range of habitats that contain its LHPs; these include a wide range of plant families, especially thistles (Cirsium & Carduus).

The adult butterflies will nectar on almost any available flower.

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CARDINAL FRITILLARY – Argynnis pandora

A large and beautiful butterfly found throughout S Europe, incl. all of Portugal, Spain & its Islands; widespread but local. 500-1500m. (To date I have only seen them in the Sierra de las Nieves).

Flight period: Generally mid May-to early July in one brood; possibly more broods in some areas of S Europe; late May to mid-September in a prolonged emergence of 2+ broods.

Habitat: Open, bushy clearings in deciduous or pine woodland.

 

Behaviour: Strongly attracted to nectar-rich plants, especially thistles (Carduus & Cirisium) & knapweeds (Centaureae). May also be seen on damp ground taking minerals.

 

 

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KNAPWEED FRITILLARY – Melitaea phoebe

Found throughout most of Europe, all of Iberia but absent from most Mediterranean islands. Generally widespread & common.

Flight period: Mid-April to early September in two broods, according to locality.

Habitat: Dry, often very hot, open flowery & grassy places, usually amongst scrub or in light woodland.

LHPs include a wide range of knapweeds (Centurea)

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QUEEN OF SPAIN FRITILLARY – Issoria lathonia

Despite its name, this beautiful and distinctive fritillary is found throughout most of Europe.

Flight period: March to October in three broods.

Habitat: Almost all habitat types. LHPs are pansies & violets (Viola).

Behaviour: A well-known migrant. Adults often bask on hot paths, walls, stony ground etc.

 

 

 

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MARSH FRITILLARY – Eurodryas aurinia

Distributed throughout most of Europe, absent from Mediterranean islands. Generally widespread & local.

Flight period: One brood only. Spain, late May to late June.

Habitat: Adapted to a wide range of habitat types. Dry or damp, hot or cool, acidic or alkaline soils in flowery, grassy places, heathland, deciduous or coniferous woodland clearings.LHPs include Devil’s Bit Scabious (Succisa pratensis), Small Scabious (Scabiosa columbaria) & Honeysuckle (Lonicera periclymenum)

Behaviour: Has characteristic low, gliding flight and frequently settles to bask with open wings in sheltered, sunny spots.

* I have also seen this butterfly in good numbers within the Parque Natural of Sierra de las Nieves, Ronda (Malaga Province)

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SATYRIDAE

An extensive family of small, medium & large butterflies that is well represented in Europe. Most species are coloured in various shades of brown, the Marbled Whites being the exception. In almost all cases, ocilli (eye spots) are present on one or more of the wing surfaces, whose purpose is probably to divert the attack of a predatory bird or lizard from the more vital body parts of the insect. As far as it is known, the larvae of all satyrid butterflies feed on various grasses.

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MARBLED WHITE – Melanargia galathea

Flight period: Mid June – mid August in one brood.

Habitat : Bushy, grassy, rocky, woodland clearings or margins., most commonly associated with pinewoods.

LHPs: Tor grass (Brachypodium pinnatum), Slender Brome (B.sylvaticum) & Sheep’s fescue (Festuca ovina).

Distributed throughout most of Europe. Generally widespread & common.

The Grayling landed on a rock almost at my eye level. At first it displayed most of the underside of its orange-coloured upper forewing, gradually closing it until just the ‘eye’ was exposed until finally closing it completely. It is thought that this behaviour, also observed in other butterfly species equipped with eye-like markings, is to offer a target to a potentially lurking predator that may strike there rather than at the actual head. The butterfly may survive losing a chunk of wing, but not its vital body parts. When the wings are completely closed the Grayling is extremely well camouflaged, both against rock and the bark of trees, its other favoured perching place.

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Habitat & behaviour: Wide variety of woodland types, often sparsely wooded margins of rivers or small streams. Show a marked preference for shady areas with dappled sunlight, where males often sit on sunlit leaves with half-open wings. Males are very territorial and feisty, defending their patch vigorously from all intruders, particularly of the same species & sex and aerial skirmishes are frequent.

LHPs are a wide variety of woodland grasses.

Another personal favourite, due in part to the butterfly’s ‘personality’ and its familiarity. I used to see them patrolling our garden hedges in South Wales and frequently see them here behaving similarly along our shady garden wall.

Found throughout most of Europe, including Ireland, Wales & England & most Mediterranean islands. Generally widespread & common.

Flight period: Early April to October in 2-3 broods, according to locality & altitude.

Habitat: Grassy, rocky places, flowery meadows & woodland clearings. LHPs are a wide variety of grasses.

Behaviour: Males are very alert & easily disturbed from paths, stones, rock faces or walls, upon which they often bask. Shelter provided by overhanging rocks or shaded tree roots are favoured roosting areas in hot climates. Males often assemble on mountain summits.