Butterfly Oasis
It is estimated that around 40 different species can be observed in the Botanical Garden.
It is estimated that about 40 different species can be observed in the Botanical Garden.
Santa Catalina Botanical Garden is an excellent environment for observing butterflies. The wide variety of plants provides food for both caterpillars and adults and creates the ideal habitat for dozens of species.
SATIRINAE
Considered a subfamily within the nymphalids, their colouring is usually dark and dull, with the exception of the genus Metanargia. They have only four legs and prefer dry areas with little vegetation.
Specimens of this family that can be seen in the garden are: Melanargia Galatea and Pyronia Bathseba.
LYCAENIDAE
They are small, bright blue butterflies in males and brownish in females. They have multiple dots on the back of their wings. They are generally abundant, and in summer they are found in large groups perched around puddles and droppings.
RIODINIDAE
Similar in colour to the Nymphalidae, but smaller in size, their larvae live in association with ants.
The adult males of this family have the first pair of legs atrophied and without nails, while the females have all three pairs of legs with nails.
The species Hamearis Lucina can be found in the garden.
PAPILONIDAE
These butterflies are large and colourful. Their wings generally have red spots on a yellow or flat background. Their appearance varies greatly, some of them have an extension of the hind wings. Only four species of this family can be found in the Basque Country, the most representative being the Papilio Macaon.
PIERIDAE
They are medium-sized butterflies with wings that are almost always white or yellow. The family includes very abundant species, which can be found in any environment, such as the well-known cabbage butterfly (Pieris brassicae).
In the Garden, we can also find the Anthocharis Cardamines or the Leptidea Sinapsis.
NYNPHALIDAE
The species in this family are medium-sized, some large, and brightly coloured, with their front pair of legs shorter than the other two. Their powerful flight allows them to make long migrations.
Individuals of Limenitis reducta, Boloria dia or Vanessa Cardui appear in the garden.
HESPERIIDAE
The hesperid family are small, moth-like butterflies that look more like moths than typical day butterflies. They are very agile, with a zig-zag flight, which they use to avoid their predators.
In Santa Catalina we find, among others, the species Tymelicus Octeon and Muschampia Proto.
News
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