Butterflies of The Gambia



The Gambia, a small country in West Africa, is home to a stunning array of butterfly species. The country's tropical climate and diverse habitats, including forests, wetlands, and savannas, provide the ideal conditions for these beautiful insects to thrive. In this blog post, we will explore some of the most interesting butterfly species found in The Gambia.

1. Charaxes jasius

Charaxes jasius, also known as the Two-tailed Pasha, is a striking butterfly with large wings that are predominantly black with orange spots. This butterfly is found in the forests of The Gambia and is often seen flying high in the canopy. The Two-tailed Pasha is a powerful flier and can cover long distances, making it an important pollinator for many plant species.

1. Acraea terpsicore

Acraea terpsicore, also known as the Tawny Coster, is a small butterfly with bright orange wings that are covered in black spots. This butterfly is found throughout The Gambia and is often seen flying in gardens and fields. The Tawny Coster is a fast and agile flier, and can cover long distances, making it an important pollinator for many plant species.

1. Papilio demodocus

Papilio demodocus, also known as the Citrus Swallowtail, is a large butterfly with distinctive black and yellow markings on its wings. This butterfly is found throughout The Gambia and is often seen flying near citrus trees. The Citrus Swallowtail is an important pollinator for many plant species, and can often be found feeding on nectar in gardens and fields.

1. Junonia oenone

Junonia oenone, also known as the Blue Pansy, is a small butterfly with distinctive blue and brown markings on its wings. This butterfly is found throughout The Gambia and is often seen flying in gardens and fields. The Blue Pansy is a fast and agile flier, and can cover long distances, making it an important pollinator for many plant species.

1. Euphaedra neophron

Euphaedra neophron, also known as the Neophron Commodore, is a large and impressive butterfly with distinctive black and white markings on its wings. This butterfly is found in the forests of The Gambia and is often seen flying high in the canopy. The Neophron Commodore is an important pollinator for many plant species, and can often be found feeding on nectar in gardens and fields.

In conclusion, the butterflies of The Gambia are a diverse and fascinating group of insects that play an important role in the ecosystem. Whether you are an entomologist or just someone who appreciates the beauty of nature, the butterflies of The Gambia offer a captivating subject to explore. From the small and delicate Tawny Coster to the large and impressive Two-tailed Pasha, there is something for everyone to admire and appreciate.