List of butterflies of Menorca
Menorca is a small island in the Mediterranean Sea belonging to Spain, with a population of approximately 88,000. It is located 39°47' to 40°00'N, 3°52' to 4°24'E. There is good data on the butterflies of Menorca although it is not easy to find as most field guides do not give data on the smaller Mediterranean islands. A good source in English is Butterflies of Menorca which lists 26 species and gives data on flight period and abundance.
Butterflies can be seen in all months of the year but the best months are May to September; the only butterfly not to fly in this period is the green hairstreak which usually flies from February to April, but if the season is late it can be seen into May.
SwallowtailsPapilio machaon, swallowtail
WhitesColias crocea, clouded yellowGonepteryx cleopatra, Cleopatra Gonepteryx rhamni, brimstone Leptidea sinapis, wood white Pieris brassicae, large whitePieris rapae, small whitePieris napi, green-veined whitePontia daplidice, Bath white
BrownsCoenonympha pamphilus, small heathManiola jurtina, meadow brown Pararge aegeria, speckled wood Lasiommata megera, wall Lasiommata maera, large wall Hipparchia semele, grayling Hipparchia statilinus, tree grayling Pyronia cecilia, southern gatekeeper
MonarchsDanaus chrysippus, plain tiger
Vanessa atalanta, red admiralVanessa cardui, painted ladyCharaxes jasius, two-tailed pasha
BluesPolyommatus icarus, common blue Lysandra bellargus, Adonis blue Aricia cramera, southern brown argus Celastrina argiolus, holly blue Lampides boeticus, long-tailed blue Leptotes pirithous, Lang's short-tailed blue Lycaena phlaeas, small copper Callophrys rubi, green hairstreak Cacyreus marshalli, geranium bronze