Spain is home to a vast array of insects, from colorful butterflies and beetles to bees, ants, and dragonflies. Many species are endemic to the Iberian Peninsula. Insects play crucial roles in pollination, pest control, and as a food source for other wildlife. Spain’s diverse habitats—forests, wetlands, mountains, and coastal areas—support a wide variety of insect life. Enthusiasts and researchers can find unique species in protected natural parks and reserves across the country.
The Spanish Festoon – Zerynthia rumina – Arlequín is a medium sized butterfly that often flies at low levels among grasses. The main colour is yellow with an attractive pattern of black with large red spots over the upper wings. The under wings have an intricate design, including a wavy line of black and red … Read more
Family: Nymphalidae Scientific name: Charaxes jasius English common name: Two-tailed Pasha Spanish common name: Bajá de dos colas In flight, the Two-tailed Pasha – Charaxes jasius – Bajá de dos colas is a fast moving, large, darkly coloured butterfly. At rest the intricate under-wing patterns and 4 tails can be observed. It is generally localised … Read more
Family: Lycaenidae Scientific name: Satyrium spini English common name: Blue-spot Hairstreak Spanish common name: Mancha azul The Blue-spot Hairstreak – Satyrium spini – Mancha azul is a fairly small butterfly that rarely shows its upperwing. The under wings are grey / brown in colour with a white line running through both fore and hind wings. … Read more
Family: Pieridae Scientific name: Aporia crataegi English common name: Black-veined White Spanish common name: Blanca del Majuelo Portuguese common name: Borboleta do pilriteiro The Black-veined White – Aporia crataegi – Blanca del Majuelo is a fairly large butterfly, easily recognised by the black veining on a white background, with no spots. The female has a … Read more