Family: Danaidae Scientific name: Danaus chrysippus English common names: Plain Tiger, African Monarch Spanish common names: Mariposa tigre, Monarca africana The Plain Tiger – Danaus chrysippus – Mariposa tigre is a large and easily identified tropical looking butterfly, but it only exists in small isolated pockets in Spain. Perhaps having migrated from Africa or having … Read more
Family: Papilionidae Scientific name: Zerynthia rumina English common name: Spanish Festoon Spanish common name: Arlequín Portuguese common name: Borboleta Carnaval 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 … 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