Eight Magnificent Butterflies of Nigeria

Eight Magnificent Butterflies of Nigeria

Nigeria has rich biodiversity and amazing natural heritage. It has the largest habitat of diversified butterflies in the world and boasts an abundance of fauna and flora. There are currently over 1000 documented species of butterflies in Nigeria with new ones being discovered.

Join us as we explore some of the most magnificent butterflies of Nigeria, captured by the passionate environmentalist and nature photographer Adedotun Ajibade.

Appias Sabina butterfly

The Appias Sabina butterfly is mostly found in forests. This fascinating butterfly was photographed at Port Harcourt, Rivers State. It belongs to the Pieridae family and is often called the Sabine albatross or albatross white.

Common Swordtail butterfly

The Common Swordtail butterfly is probably one of the most beautiful butterflies found in Nigeria, with its multi colours reflecting its habitat. It was photographed at Imota, Lagos State.

Common Blue Charaxes butterfly

The Common Blue Charaxes butterfly belongs to the Nymphalidae family which is one of the largest families of butterflies in the world. It can be found in dry forest areas. One unique attribute of the Common Blue Charaxes is that Its wings can grow up to 100mm. Its colour is a perfect camouflage and protection against birds.

Ringlet butterfly

The Ringlet butterfly is commonly found in Africa and Europe. It belongs to the Nymphalidae family. Its colours are brown, and grey, with distinctive blue, beige and black eyespots.

Catopsilia Florella butterfly

This is mostly called the ‘African migrant.’ This female butterfly is easy to spot. Its distinctive yellow colour is got through its diet. It can be found in gardens and urban areas. 

Axiocerses harpax butterfly

The Axiocerses harpax butterfly can be found in many African countries including Kenya,  Senegal, and Ethiopia. The length of its forewings can grow up to 18mm. This distinctive beauty is attracted to flowers and is commonly found in woodlands.

Black-spot Bematistes butterfly

The Black-spot Bematistes butterfly also belongs to the Nymphalidae family. It has four legs, elongated forewings and rounded hindwings. It was photographed in Portharcourt.

Acraea butterfly

Also photographed in Port Harcourt, the Acraea butterfly has four wings which are orange and semi-transparent with black spots. According to GoogleArtsandCulture, there are more than 200 species of its kind and is usually found in a tropical climate.

Myrina silenus butterfly

The beautiful Myrina Silenus butterfly was photographed in Port Harcourt.  It is also called the common fig-tree blue. It has black, blue and red wings and belongs to the Lycaenidae family.

Do you want to explore these beauties for yourself? Get to a quiet, lush garden or a Nature Park. These areas are some of the best places to spot some of Nigeria’s magnificent butterflies.