Madeira Butterflies

Madeira, as an island, has a distinct habitat from the one in mainland Europe or Africa and the butterflies that survived to a long distance migration or were transported somehow sometimes colonise the island. When adapting to their new habitat, species usually develop some skills or characteristics that distinguish them from their European or African relatives.

In a total of 20 butterflies’ species recorded to Madeira, 4 are endemic species and 2 endemic subspecies to Madeira Islands.

Endemic (resident) species to Madeira

Madeira Large White Pieris brassicae wollastoni - probably extinct

Madeira Brimstone Gonepteryx madeirensis

Madeira Grayling Hipparchia madeirensis

Madeira Speckled Wood Pararge xiphia

Endemic subspecies to Madeira

Madeira Small Copper Lycaena phlaeas phlaeoides

Indian Red Admiral Vanessa vulcanica

Resident species to Madeira Archipelago

Small White Pieris rapae

African Migrant Catopsilla florella

Clouded Yellow Colias crocea

Lang's Short-tailed Blue Leptotes pirithous

Long-tailed Blue Lampides boeticus

European Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta

Painted Lady Cynthia cardui

Speckled Wood Pararge aegeria

Monarch Danaus plexippus

Rare migrants or Dubious Records to Madeira Archipelago

Pale Clouded Yellow Colias hyale

Diadem or False Plain Tiger Hypolimnas misippus

Tree Grayling Hipparchia statillinus

American Painted Lady Cynthia virginensis

Queen of Spain Fritillary Issoria lathonia

Plain Tiger or African Queen Danaus chrysippus

If you whish, you may print the Madeira Butterflies Checklist down on this webpage.