Butterflies - Papilionoidea
Swallowtails - Papilionidae
Common Mime - Chilasa clytia Tailed Jay - Graphium agamemnon Five-Bar Swordtail - Graphium antiphates Glassy Bluebottle - Graphium cloanthus Common Jay - Graphium doson Common Bluebottle - Graphium sarpedon White Dragontail - Lamproptera curius Common Rose Swallowtail - Pachliopta aristolochiae Lime Butterfly - Papilio demoleus Red Helen - Papilio helenus Great Mormon - Papilio memnon Paris Peacock - Papilio paris Common Mormon - Papilio polytes Spangle - Papilio protenor Chinese Yellow Swallowtail - Papilio xuthus Golden Birdwing - Troides aeacus Common Birdwing - Troides helena Whites, Yellows and Sulphurs - Pieridae Lemon Emigrant - Catopsilia pomona Lesser Gull - Cepora nadina Common Gull - Cepora nerissa Red-Breast Jezebel - Delias acalis Painted Jezebel - Delias hyparete Red-Base Jezebel - Delias pasithoe Three-Spot Grass Yellow - Eurema blanda Common Grass Yellow - Eurema hecabe Great Orange Tip - Hebomoia glaucippe Yellow Orange Tip - Ixias pyrene Indian Cabbage White - Pieris canidia Small Cabbage White - Pieris rapae Spotted Sawtooth - Prioneris thestylis Tigers and Crows - Danaidae Plain Tiger - Danaus chrysippus Common Tiger - Danaus genutia Common Crow - Euploaea core Blue-Spotted Crow - Euploea midamus Ceylon Blue Glassy Tiger - Ideopsis similis Glassy Tiger - Parantica aglea Blue Tiger - Tirumala limniace Fauns and Duffers - Amathusiidae Common Duffer - Discophora sondaica Large Faun - Faunis eumeus Browns - Satyridae Common Palmfly - Elymnias hypermnestra Angled Red Forester - Lethe chandica Banded Tree Brown - Lethe confusa Bamboo Tree Brown - Lethe europa Common Evening Brown - Melanitis leda Dark Evening Brown - Melanitis phedima Dark Band Bush Brown - Mycalesis mineus South China Bush Brown - Mycalesis zonata Black-Spotted Labyrinth - Neope muirheadii Common Five-Ring - Ypthima baldus Small Three-Ring - Ypthima norma |
Nymphs - Nymphalidae
Indian Fritillary - Argyreus hyperbius Angled Castor - Ariadne ariadne Colour Sergeant - Athyma nefte Common Sergeant - Athyma perius Blackvein Sergeant - Athyma ranga Staff Sergeant - Athyma selenophora Tawny Rajah - Charaxes bernardus Rustic - Cupha erymanthis Common Mapwing - Cyrestis thyodamas Constable - Dichorragia nesimachus Courtesan - Euripus nyctelius Baron - Euthalia aconthea Gaudy Baron - Euthalia lubentina White-Edged Blue Baron - Euthalia phemius Red Ring Skirt - Hestina assimilis Great Egg-Fly - Hypolimnas bolina Danaid Egg-Fly - Hypolimnas misippus Peacock Pansy - Junonia almana Grey Pansy - Junonia atlites Chocolate Pansy - Junonia iphita Lemon Pansy - Junonia lemonias Blue Pansy - Junonia orithya Blue Admiral - Kaniska canace Common Archduke - Lexias pardalis Five-Dot Sergeant - Limenitis sulpitia Commander - Moduza procris Southern Sullied Sailer - Neptis clinia Common Sailer - Neptis hylas Sullied Sailer - Neptis soma White Commodore - Parasarpa dudu Short-Banded Sailer - Phaedyma columella Common Nawab - Polyura athama Great Nawab - Polyura eudamippus Shan Nawab - Polyura nepenthes Black Prince - Rohana parisatis Common Jester - Symbrenthia lilaea Green Skirt Baron - Tanaecia whiteheadi Painted Lady - Vanessa cardui Indian Red Admiral - Vanessa indica Metalmarks - Riodinidae Plum Judy - Abisara echerius Orange Punch - Dodona egeon Punchinello - Zemeros flegyas Blues - Lycaenidae Common Hedge Blue - Acytolepis puspa Silver Royal - Ancema blanka Powdered Oak Blue - Arhopala bazalus Burmese Bush Blue - Arhopala birmana Green Flash - Artipe eryx Silver Forget-me-not - Catochrysops panormus Forget-me-not - Catchrysops strabo Plain Hedge Blue - Celastrina lavendularis Lime Blue - Chilades lajus Plains Cupid - Chilades pandava Long-Banded Silverline - Cigaritis lohita Toothed Sunbeam - Curetis acuta Cornelian - Deudorix epijarbas Princess Flash - Deudorix smilis Gram Blue Cupid - Euchrysops cnejus |
Tailed Cupid - Everes lacturnus
Small Grass Blue - Famegana alsulus Purple Sapphire - Heliophorus epicles Common Onyx - Horaga onyx Silver Streak Blue - Iraota timoleon Metallic Cerulean - Jamides alecto Dark Cerulean - Jamides bochus Common Cerulean - Jamides celeno Long-tailed Blue - Lampides boeticus Falcate Oak Blue - Mahathala ameria Malayan - Megisba malaya Rounded Six-Line Blue - Nacaduba berenice Transparent Six-line Blue - Nacaduba kurava Quaker - Neopithecops zalmora Forest Quaker - Pithecops corvus Tailless Line Blue - Prosotas dubiosa Pale Grass Blue - Pseudozizeeria maha Slate Flash - Rapala manea Chocolate Royal - Remelana jangala Broad Spark - Sinthusa chandrana Peacock Royal - Tajuria cippus Forest Pierrot - Taraka hamada Albocerulean - Udara albocaerulea Pale Hedge Blue - Udara dilecta Fluffy Tit - Zeltus amasa Lesser Grass Blue - Zizina otis Tiny Grass Blue - Zizula hylax Skippers - Hesperiidae Magpie Flat - Abraximorpha davidii Grey Scrub Hopper - Aeromachus jhora Common Bush Hopper - Ampittia dioscorides Striped Bush Hopper - Ampittia virgata Forest Hopper - Astictopterus jama Pale Awlet - Bibasis gomata Formosan Swift - Borbo cinnara Common Spotted Flat - Celaenorrhinus leucocera Indian Awl King/Orange Red Skirt - Choaspes sp. White-Banded Flat - Gerosis phisara Common Awl - Hasora badra Tree Flitter - Hyarotis adrastus Chestnut Bob - Iambrix salsala Common Redeye - Matapa aria Restricted Demon - Notocrypta curvifascia Common Banded Demon - Notocrypta paralysos Chestnut Banded Angle - Odontoptilum angulatum Straight Swift - Parnara sp. Great Swift - Pelopidas assamensis Branded Swift - Pelopidas sp. Conjoined Swift - Pelopidas conjuncta Contiguous Swift - Polytremis lubricans Dart - Potanthus sp. Bevan's Swift - Pseudoborbo bevani Indian Palm Bob - Suastus gremius Water Snow Flat - Tagiades litigiosus Dark-Edged Snow Flat - Tagiades menaka Tamil Grass Dart - Taractrocera ceramas Palm Darts - Telicota spp. Grass Demon - Udaspes folus |
Swallowtails - Papilionidae
Common Mime 斑鳳蝶 Chilasa clytia (Form dissimilis)
A slow flyer with a sailing flight. It can be seen from March to January. Found across the Indomalayan realm. Common.
Tailed Jay 統帥青鳳蝶 Graphium agamemnon
This is the worst butterfly I know for never staying still. Its wings are beating all the time, even while feeding. It can be seen from March to December. Distributed across the Indomalayan realm and Queensland, Australia. Very common.
Five-Bar Swordtail 綠鳳蝶 Graphium antiphates
It has a pair of exceptionally long and pointed tails - like a pair of swords. Its host plant is the uvaria species. Can be seen from February to November. Distributed across the Indomalayan realm with the exception of central and western India. Common.
Glassy Bluebottle 寬帶青鳳蝶 Graphium cloanthus
Common Jay 木蘭青鳳蝶 Graphium doson
A fast flyer. Can be seen from February to October. Distributed across the Indomalayan realm. Uncommon.
Common Bluebottle 青鳳蝶 Graphium sarpedon
Found in most country parks from February to November. It flies fast and is difficult to get close to except when it drinks or feeds. Distributed across the Indomalayan realm, Korea and Japan. Very common.
White Dragontail 燕鳳蝶 Lamproptera curius
An odd little butterfly, much smaller than the other swallowtail species. The strangely-shaped wings have a transparent part and the lower wings are so long that they ripple along behind the butterfly in flight in a decorative way. If ever any butterfly was said to resemble a fairy, this would be it. On the wing from April to November. Distributed across mainland SE Asia, Sabah, NE India, Bangladesh and S China. Uncommon.
Common Rose Swallowtail 紅珠鳳蝶 Pachliopta aristolochiae
This species has a pink body and markings, setting it apart from the red markings of the different papilio species. It can be seen from April to October. Distributed across the Indomalayan realm. Uncommon.
Lime Butterfly 達摩鳳蝶 Papilio demoleus
Distributed across the Indomalayan realm, the Middle East, Australia and the Caribbean.
Red Helen 玉斑鳳蝶 Papilio helenus
Distinguished by the large white spot on the lower wings from the other papilio butterflies in Hong Kong. Present year round but in greater numbers in September and October. The red markings are only visible on the underside of the wings. Distributed across the Indomalayan realm and Japan. Very common.
Great Mormon 美鳳蝶 Papilio memnon
A large butterfly found in most country parks from March to January. Generally slow in flight. This form of the great mormon is all black when it's a male and the female has a tail on the lower wing. Distributed across SE Asia, NE India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Japan.Very common.
Great Mormon 美鳳蝶 Papilio memnon (Form agenor)
This form of the great mormon has a male with similar markings to the female and neither sex has a tail on the wings. Very common.
Paris Peacock 巴黎翠鳳蝶 Papilio paris
Somewhat like the red helen butterfly but with the white spot coloured in turquoise. Can be seen from February to December. Distributed across the Indomalayan realm. Very common.
Common Mormon 玉帶鳳蝶 Papilio polytes
The male is black and white only, the female has some small red markings on the lower wing. Found in most country parks From February to December and is one of the commonest butterflies in Hong Kong. Distributed across the Indomalayan realm and the Marianas Islands including Guam. Very common.
Spangle 藍鳳蝶 Papilio protenor
Distributed across the Himalayas, northern Laos and Vietnam, southern China, Korea and Japan.
Chinese Yellow Swallowtail 柑橘鳳蝶 Papilio xuthus
Distributed across much of South and East China, Korea and Japan.
Golden Birdwing 金裳鳳蝶 Troides aeacus
Common Birdwing 裳鳳蝶 Troides helena
Often seen gliding mid-air. Generally found in central locations in the New Territories: Fung Yuen and Kadoorie Farm. Can be seen from March to November. Distributed across SE Asia, NE India and southern China. Uncommon.
Whites, Yellows and Sulphurs - Pieridae
Lemon Emigrant 遷粉蝶 Catopsilia pomona
Distinctive pale yellow colour with pointed wing tips. It can also be seen all year round in most rural places. Distributed across the Indomalayan realm, Australia and some Pacific Islands. Common.
Lesser Gull 淡紫粉蝶 Cepora nadina
Common Gull 黑脈粉蝶 Cepora nerissa
Sometimes confused with the cabbage white this species is not as common and easily distinguished by the dark transverse markings. It can be seen from March to January. Distributed across the Indomalayan realm. Common.
Red-Breast Jezebel Delias acalis
Painted Jezebel 優越斑粉蝶 Delias hyparete
Distributed across the Indomalayan realm.
Red-Base Jezebel 報喜斑粉蝶 Delias pasithoe
The first time I took a photo of this butterfly on Tsing Yi island I thought it must be very rare, given the amazing colours. It turns out to be one of the most frequently seen butterflies in Hong Kong, with mass hatchings in Kam Shan country park in the autumn. It can be seen all year round but is less common in the hot summer months. The wings of the male are more pointed than those of the female. Found in Nepal, NE India, SE Asia, South China and Taiwan. Very common.
Three-Spot Grass Yellow 檗黃粉蝶 Eurema blanda
Like the common grass yellow, but it has more than three spots in the fiscal area of the forewing undersides. I'm not sure if these photos are of this species or just more common grass yellows. I thought this species was slightly smaller than a common grass yellow, but apparently they're the same size. Can be seen from July to January. Distributed across the Indomalayan realm. Common.
Common Grass Yellow 寬邊黃粉蝶 Eurema hecabe
One of the most common butterflies in Hong Kong. Can be seen all year round. Distributed across the Indomalayan realm, Australia, some Pacific Islands, tropical Africa and Korea. Very common.
Great Orange Tip 鶴頂粉蝶 Hebomoia glaucippe
Distributed across the Indomalayan realm.
Yellow Orange Tip 橙粉蝶 Ixias pyrene
Only the male has orange tips to the wings, unlike the great orange tip where both males and females have orange tips. It is most frequently seen in late autumn but can be seen from March to January. Distributed across the Indomalayan realm. Uncommon.
Indian Cabbage White (Common White) 東方菜粉蝶 Pieris canidia
One of the most common types of butterfly to see during the winter months. It is present all year round and in most places. Distributed across the Indomalayan realm, E China and Korea. Very common.
Small Cabbage White 白粉蝶 Pieris rapae
Distributed across all continents on earth.
Spotted Sawtooth 斑粉蝶 Prioneris thestylis
Distributed across SE Asia, NE India, S China and Taiwan.
Tigers and Crows - Danaidae
Plain Tiger 金斑蝶 Danaus chrysippus
This tiger butterfly is not as common as the others. It is toxic to eat. It can be seen from March to January. Distributed across most of Asia, Africa and S Europe. Uncommon.
Common Tiger 虎斑蝶 Danaus genutia
One of the most iconic butterflies in Hong Kong, sometimes used in advertising campaigns when they try to pick a butterfly that looks familiar to Hong Kong residents. It's present all year round but in particularly large numbers in the autumn months. Distributed across the Indomalayan realm. Very common.
Common Crow 幻紫斑蝶 Euploaea core
Blue-Spotted Crow 藍點紫斑蝶 Euploaea midamus
This white-spotted black butterfly has a blue-sheen on the upper side of its forewings. It can be seen year round. Distributed across SE Asia, NE India and S China. Very common.
Ceylon Blue Glassy Tiger 擬旖斑蝶 Ideopsis similis
Distributed across SE Asia, S China, Taiwan and Sri Lanka.
Glassy Tiger 絹斑蝶 Parantica aglea
This butterfly has more elongated wings than the other tiger butterflies. It can be seen all year round. Distributed across the Indomalayan realm. Very common.
Blue Tiger 青斑蝶 Tirumala limniace
Commonly found in or near woodland this striking blue butterfly is quite easily seen in Hong Kong. It can be seen all year round. Distributed across the Indomalayan realm. Common.
Fauns and Duffers - Amathusiidae
Common Duffer 鳳眼方環蝶 Discophora sondaica
Most commonly found in woodland, especially near bamboo. Can be seen from February to December. Distributed across SE Asia, NE India, S China and Taiwan. Common.
Large Faun 串珠環蝶 Faunis eumeus
Common in woodland it has noticeably blue eyes and often lands on the forest floor. Can be seen all year round. Found in NE India, Laos, Vietnam, S China, Hainan and Taiwan. Common.
Browns - Satyridae
Common Palmfly 翠袖鋸眼蝶 Elymnias hypermnestra
When this butterfly is in flight it looks like the blue-spotted crow, but as soon as it settles the underside of the wings with the white half-thumbprint gives it away as a common palmfly. They mimic the blue-spotted crow as that species is toxic to birds. Distributed across the Indomalayan realm.
Angled Red Forester Lethe chandica
Distributed across S China, SE Asia and NE India.
Banded Tree Brown (Common Whitebanded Brown) 白帶黛眼蝶 Lethe confusa
During the spring this is one of the most common butterflies to be found in woodland. It likes to settle on woodland paths. It can be seen all year round. Distributed across the Indomalayan realm. Very common.
Bamboo Tree Brown 長紋黛眼蝶 Lethe europa
Common Evening Brown 暮眼蝶 Melanitis leda
The eyes disappear on the dry season form. It can be seen all year round. It is active during dusk and dawn and is well camouflaged for landing on leaf debris in forests. Distributed across tropical Africa, Asia, Australia and some Pacific Islands. Very common.
Dark Evening Brown 睇暮眼蝶 Melanitis phedima
Almost exactly the same as the common evening brown except that its usually darker and the forewing tips are more angular. Can be seen all year round. Distributed across the Indomalayan realm and Japan. Common.
Dark-band Bush Brown 小眉眼蝶 Mycalesis mineus
The female has one spot whereas the male has several. The dry season form has the spots very much reduced or absent. I think that the butterflies below I have identified as South China Bush Browns may just be the dry season form of the Dark-band Bush Brown. The difference between the two species seems to lie in the wing shape, the South China Bush Brown's wing tips are less well-rounded. It can be seen from March to January. Distributed across the Indomalayan realm. Very common.
South China Bush Brown 平頂眉眼蝶 Mycalesis zonata
This butterfly is almost identical to the Dark-band Bush Brown (above) but the wing tip is less rounded or looks like it's been cut off with a pair of scissors. It has prominent eye spots in the wet season and not in the dry season. It can be seen all year round, even in February. Distributed across the Indomalayan realm. Common.
Black-Spotted Labyrinth (Muirhead's Labyrinth) 蒙鏈蔭眼蝶 Neope muirheadii
A fast flyer when disturbed this is one of the larger browns. It can be seen all year round. There are eight spots on the hindwing. Found in East and South China, northern Vietnam, Laos and Thailand. Uncommon.
Common Five-Ring 矍眼蝶 Ypthima baldus
Silvery-brown in colour, the eye spots can be reduced in the dry season form of the butterfly. It can be seen from March to January. Distributed across the Indomalayan realm. Very common.
Small Three-Ring 小三矍眼蝶 Ypthima norma
Nymphs - Nymphalidae
Indian Fritillary 斐豹蛺蝶 Argyreus hyperbius
The female of this species is larger than the male and is also more decorated with the white, black and blue wing tips. The smaller males like to hilltop and survey their territory for intruders. The female is mimicking the poisonous plain tiger butterfly. Can be seen all year round. Distributed across the Indomalayan realm and East Asia. Common.
Angled Castor 波蛺蝶 Ariadne ariadne
Distributed across the Indomalayan realm.
Colour Sergeant 相思帶蛺蝶 Athyma nefte
The female is orange and black whereas the male is white and black with small orange patches on the wing tips. It can be seen from March to January. Distributed across the Indomalayan realm. Common.
Common Sergeant 玄珠帶蛺蝶 Athyma perius
Distributed across the Indomalayan realm.
Blackvein Sergeant 離斑帶蛺蝶 Athyma ranga
Staff Sergeant 新月帶蛺蝶 Athyma selenophora
The female looks like a common sailer but the male is easy to identify due to the long white band across the wings. It can be seen from March to January. Distributed across the Indomalayan realm. Common.
Tawny Rajah 白帶螯蛺蝶 Charaxes bernardus
Distributed across the Indomalayan realm.
Rustic 黃襟蛺蝶 Cupha erymanthis
An extremely common Hong Kong butterfly, but quite energetic and difficult to photograph. It is present all year round. Distributed across the Indomalayan realm. Very common.
Common Mapwing 網絲蛺蝶 Cyrestis thyodamas
This is one of my favourite Hong Kong butterflies. It is named because of the unique wing patterns which resemble a map. It can be seen from March to November. Distributed across the Indomalayan realm and S Japan. Common.
Constable 電蛺蝶 Dichorragia nesimachus
Distributed across NE India, SE Asia and E Asia.
Courtesan 芒蛺蝶 Euripus nyctelius
Baron 矛翠蛺蝶 Euthalia aconthea
Distributed across the Indomalayan realm.
Gaudy Baron 紅斑翠蛺蝶 Euthalia lubentina
Distributed across the Indomalayan realm.
White-Edged Blue Baron 尖翅翠蛺蝶 Euthalia phemius
This is the most common of the barons present in Hong Kong. The female has a bluish band running along the base of the hindwing while the male has a white band on each forewing. Present from April to January. Distributed across NE India, SE Asia and S China. Common.
Red Ring Skirt 黑脈蛺蝶 Hestina assimilis
It can be seen from March to November. Distributed across China, Japan and Korea. Common.
Great Egg-Fly 幻紫斑蛺蝶 Hypolimnas bolina
The male has the large white and blue spots, the female has the small spots at the wingtips. It can be seen all year round. Distributed across the Indomalayan realm, Australia and the Pacific Islands. Very common.
Danaid Eggfly 金斑蛺蝶 Hypolimnas misippus
Distributed across the Indomalayan realm, the tropical Americas and tropical Africa.
Peacock Pansy 美眼蛺蝶 Junonia almana
It can be seen all year round. Smaller than the other pansy butterflies. Distributed across the Indomalayan realm, E China and S Japan. Uncommon.
Grey Pansy 波紋眼蛺蝶 Junonia atlites
The grey pansy is not easy to find. I have seen it in two locations in Hong Kong, in Tai Lam Country Park and on Lantau. It can be seen from March to January. Distributed across the Indomalayan realm. Uncommon.
Chocolate Pansy 鉤翅眼蛺蝶 Junonia iphita
A tasty name for a brown butterfly. The wings have a pattern that looks like tree rings or a series of water stains. Its fortunes seem to be on the up as it used to be uncommon in Hong Kong but now it is seen quite regularly. It can be seen from April to December. Distributed across the Indomalayan realm. Common.
Lemon Pansy 蛇眼蛺蝶 Junonia lemonias
Like the chocolate pansy this butterfly is listed as being uncommon in an older reference book I have, but now it seems to be more successful and is quite often seen. It can be seen from March to January. Distributed across the Indomalayan realm. Common.
Blue Pansy 翠藍眼蛺蝶 Junonia orithya
Blue Admiral 琉璃蛺蝶 Kaniska canace
Looks like a dark brown butterfly with the wings closed, but once open it is unmistakable with a long blue band on a black background. More noticeable in the winter months but can be seen all year round. Distributed across the Indomalayan realm, China, Korea, Japan and even Russia's Primorskiy region. Common.
Common Archduke 小豹律蛱蝶 Lexias pardalis
This is a new butterfly to Hong Kong and has only been recorded since 2015. Normally this butterfly would be found in South-East Asia. The male has the iridescent blue marking and the female has the cream spots on a brown background. Often seen in woodland. It seems to be present from March to November at least. I would say that this butterfly is now quite common. Distributed across SE Asia and NE India. Common.
Five-Dot Sergeant 殘鍔線蛺蝶 Limenitis sulpitia
Commander 穆蛺蝶 Moduza procris
Can be seen in June and July only. Distributed across the Indomalayan realm, but rare in the South China part of that zone. Rare.
Southern Sullied Sailer 珂環蛺蝶 Neptis clinia
Distinguished by its discal band which is somewhat curled downwards and longer than the discal band of the common sailer. It can be seen from April to November. Distributed across the Indomalayan realm. Common.
Common Sailer 中環蛺蝶 Neptis hylas
The common sailer is a slow flyer and rests with its wings open so is easy to photograph. It can be seen all year round. Distributed across the Indomalayan realm. Very common.
Sullied Sailer 娑環蛺蝶 Neptis soma
Distributed across the Indomalayan realm.
White Commodore 丫紋俳蛺蝶 Parasarpa dudu
Can be seen from March to November. Distributed across the Indomalayan realm. Uncommon.
Short-banded Sailer 柱菲蛺蝶 Phaedyma columella
It can be seen from March to November. Distributed across the Indomalayan realm. Uncommon.
Common Nawab 窄斑鳳尾蛺蝶 Polyura athamas
Great Nawab 大二尾蛺蝶 Polyura eudamippus
Shan Nawab 忘憂尾蛺蝶 Polyura nepenthes
It can be seen from April to October. A newcomer to Hong Kong in 1995, now widely distributed. A strong flyer. Its beautiful colours and intricate patterning contrast with the fact that it enjoys decomposing matter and fresh faeces. Distributed across northern Thailand, northern Laos, northern Vietnam and southern China. Uncommon.
Black Prince 羅蛺蝶 Rohana parisatis
The male is jet black while the female is different shades of brown. It can be seen from February to December. Distributed across the Indomalayan realm. Common.
Common Jester 散紋盛蛺蝶 Symbrenthia lilaea
Distinguished by the tooth-edged hindwings. Can be seen all year round. Distributed across the Himalayas, SE Asia and S China. Common.
Green Skirt Baron 綠裙邊翠蛺蝶 Tanaecia whiteheadi
Found only in South China and Hainan.
Painted Lady 小紅蛺蝶 Vanessa cardui
Smaller in size and lighter in colour than the Indian red admiral. It can be seen from March to May and September to December, the months most closely resembling a European summer. Widely distributed across the world except Australia and South America. Uncommon.
Indian Red Admiral 大紅蛺蝶 Vanessa indica
It can be seen from March to December. Distributed across the Indomalayan realm and widely across East Asia, including Japan and Korea. Common.
Metalmarks - Riodinidae
Plum Judy 蛇目褐蜆蝶 Abisara echerius
Extremely common and seen all over the place, especially in autumn, winter and spring. The dry season form resembles a little chocolate pansy. The wet season form has small black spots on the hindwings. It can be seen all year round. Distributed across the Indomalayan realm. Very common.
Orange Punch 大斑尾蜆蝶 Dodona egeon
Punchinello 波蜆蝶 Zemeros flegyas
Slightly less common than the plum judy, the punchinello has an unmistakable dappled pattern on its wings. It can be seen all year round. Distributed across the Indomalayan realm. Common.
Blues - Lycaenidae
Common Hedge Blue 鈕灰蝶 Acytolepis puspa
White with black spots on the outside of the wings and blue with a large dark margin on the inside. This tiny butterfly can be seen all year round. Distributed across the Indomalayan realm. Common.
Silver Royal 白襯安灰蝶 Ancema blanka
Powdered Oak Blue 百嬈灰蝶 Arhopala bazalus
Burmese Bush Blue 緬甸嬈灰蝶 Arhopala birmana
A rare find. Distributed across NE India, Northern Thailand, S China and Taiwan.
Green Flash 綠灰蝶 Artipe eryx
The female has the long white wing tails, whereas the male has shorter black ones. It is commonest in autumn from August to November but can also be seen from April to June. Distributed across SE Asia, S+E China and Taiwan. Common.
Forget-me-not 咖灰蝶 Catochrysops strabo
Distributed across the Indomalayan realm.
Silver Forget-me-not 蓝咖灰蝶 Catochrysops panormus
Distributed across the Indomalayan realm and Australia. Very small.
Plain Hedge Blue 薰衣琉璃灰蝶 Celastrina lavendularis
Lime Blue 紫灰蝶 Chilades lajus
The male butterfly has blue upper wings, with white-grey underwings. It can be seen from March to January. It's commonly found very close to the sea. Distributed across the Indomalayan realm. Very common.
Plains Cupid (Cycad Blue) 曲紋紫灰蝶 Chilades pandava
Can be seen from May to July and October to November. Distributed across the Indomalayan realm and East Asia. Uncommon.
Long-Banded Silverline 銀線灰蝶 Cigaritis lohita
Distributed across the Indomalayan realm.
Toothed Sunbeam (Hong Kong Sunbeam) 尖翅銀灰蝶 Curetis acuta
Both sexes have white undersides to their wings, but the male has orange and black upper sides whereas the female has white and black upper sides. It can be seen from April to January. Also called an angled sunbeam. Distributed across the Indomalayan realm and East Asia. Common.
Cornelian 玳灰蝶 Deudorix epijarbas
Princess Flash 斯米玳灰蝶 Deudorix smilis
Gram Blue Cupid 棕灰蝶 Euchrysops cnejus
Tailed Cupid 長尾藍灰蝶 Everes lacturnus
Whitish undersides with two black and orange spots and has a tail on the hindwing. Can be seen from May to December. Distributed across the Indomalayan realm and Australia. Common.
Small Grass Blue 珐灰蝶 Famegana alsulus
Purple Sapphire 斜斑彩灰蝶 Heliophorus epicles phoenicoparyphus
Very distinctive butterfly with yellow and red undersides that open to reveal black, purple and orange wings in males and black and orange in females. Can be seen from July to May. Distributed throughout the Himalayas, SE Asia and S China. Common.
Common Onyx 斑灰蝶 Horaga onyx
Silver Streak Blue 鐵木萊異灰蝶 Iraota timoleon
Distributed across the Indomalayan realm.
Metallic Cerulean 素雅灰蝶 Jamides alecto
One of the largest blue butterflies in Hong Kong. Distributed across the Indomalayan realm.
Dark Cerulean 雅灰蝶 Jamides bochus
Can be seen from September to January. Distributed across the Indomalayan realm. Common.
Common Cerulean 錫冷雅灰蝶 Jamides celeno
Long-Tailed Blue 亮灰蝶 Lampides boeticus
Found across most of the old world: Europe, Africa, Asia and also Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.
Falcate Oak Blue 瑪灰蝶 Mahathala ameria
Malayan 美姬灰蝶 Megisba malaya
Distributed across the Indomalayan realm.
Rounded Six-line Blue 百娜灰蝶 Nacaduba berenice
Transparent Six-line Blue 古樓娜灰蝶 Nacaduba kurava
Distributed across the Indomalayan realm and Queensland, Australia.
Quaker 一點灰蝶 Neopithecops zalmora
Forest Quaker 黑丸灰蝶 Pithecops corvus
It looks similar to the ordinary quaker but the black spot is larger and the border on the wings is brown. Can be seen from July to September. Distributed across South-East Asia and southern China. Very rare.
Tailless Line Blue 密紋波灰蝶 Prosotas dubiosa
Distributed across the Indomalayan realm, Queensland and the NT of Australia.
Pale Grass Blue 酢漿灰蝶 Pseudozizeeria maha
A common, small blue butterfly. The female has dark grey upper wings, whereas the male is bluer. Can be seen all year round. Distributed across the Indomalayan realm and East Asia. Very common.
Slate Flash 燕灰蝶 Rapala manea
Distributed across the Indomalayan realm.
Chocolate Royal 猩灰蝶 Remelana jangala
Distributed across NE India, SE Asia and S China.
Broad Spark 生灰蝶 Sinthusa chandrana
Distributed across Vietnam and South China.
Peacock Royal 雙尾灰蝶 Tajuria cippus
Forest Pierrot 蚜灰蝶 Taraka hamada
Distributed across NE India, SE Asia, China, Japan and Korea.
Albocerulean 白斑嫵灰蝶 Udara albocaerulea
Pale Hedge Blue 嫵琉灰蝶 Udara dilecta
Distributed across the Indomalayan realm.
Fluffy Tit 珍灰蝶 Zeltus amasa
Lesser Grass Blue 毛眼灰蝶 Zizina otis
Distributed across the Indomalayan realm, Australia, New Zealand and tropical Africa.
Tiny Grass Blue 迷你藍灰蝶 Zizula hylax
Distributed across the Indomalayan realm, Australia and tropical Africa.
Skippers - Hesperiidae
Magpie Flat 白弄蝶 Abraximorpha davidii
Can be seen in May and June. Some resemblance to the Abraxas moth species.
Grey Scrub Hopper 寬鍔弄蝶 Aeromachus jhora
Common Bush Hopper 黃斑弄蝶 Ampittia dioscorides
Striped Bush Hopper 鉤型黃斑弄蝶 Ampittia virgata
Forest Hopper 腌翅弄蝶 Astictopterus jama
Can be seen from April to October. Distributed across NE India, SE Asia and S China. Common.
Pale Awlet 白傘弄蝶 Bibasis gomata
Can be seen in March, April, June, July and October. It rests under leaves upside down. Distributed across the Indomalayan realm. Common.
Formosan Swift 籼弄蝶 Borbo cinnara
A brownish-grey butterfly. The spots are more noticeable when it raises its wings. Can be seen from February to April and from July to November. Distributed across the Indomalayan realm. Common.
Common Spotted Flat 白觸星弄蝶 Celaenorrhinus leucocera
Indian Awl King 綠弄蝶 Choaspes benjaminii / Orange Red Skirt 半黃綠弄蝶 Choaspes hemixanthus
The two choaspes species look identical, so you can't tell them apart by looking at a photo. Can be seen from March to November. Distributed across the Indomalayan realm and East Asia. Uncommon.
White-Banded Flat 匪夷捷弄蝶 Gerosis phisara
Common Awl 三斑趾弄蝶 Hasora badra
Tree Flitter 希弄蝶 Hyarotis adrastus
Can be seen in March, May to July and September to November. Distributed across the Indomalayan realm. Uncommon.
Chestnut Bob 雅弄蝶 Iambrix salsala
Can be seen from April to October. Distributed across the Indomalayan realm. Uncommon.
Common Redeye 瑪弄蝶 Matapa aria
Distributed across the Indomalayan realm.
Restricted Demon 曲紋袖弄蝶 Notocrypta curvifascia
Can be seen from March to November. Distributed across the Indomalayan realm. Common.
Common Banded Demon 和窄紋袖弄蝶 Notocrypta paralysos
A new butterfly to Hong Kong. Can be seen in the summer. Distributed across the Indomalayan realm. Uncommon.
Chestnut Banded Angle 角翅弄蝶 Odontoptilum angulata
Distributed across the Indomalayan realm.
Straight Swift 稻弄蝶屬 Parnara sp.
Great Swift 印度穀弄蝶 Pelopidas assamensis
Branded Swift 褐弄蝶屬 Pelopidas sp.
Conjoined Swift 古銅谷弄蝶 Pelopidas conjuncta
Contiguous Swift 黃紋孔弄蝶 Polytremis lubricans
It can be seen from March to November. Distributed across the Indomalayan realm. Common.
Dart 黃斑弄蝶屬 Potanthus sp.
Bevan's Swift 擬秈弄蝶 Pseudoborbo bevani
Indian Palm Bob 黑星弄蝶 Suastus gremius
A distinctive skipper being light grey with black spots. It can be seen from April to December. Distributed across the Indomalayan realm. Common.
Water Snow Flat 沾邊裙弄蝶 Tagiades litigiosa
Prefers to land upside down under leaves with wings extended. It can be seen from April to November. Distributed across the Indomalayan realm. Common.
Dark-Edged Snow Flat 黑邊裙弄蝶 Tagiades menaka
Tamil Grass Dart Taractrocera ceramas
Palm Darts Telicota spp.
Distributed across the Indomalayan realm and Eastern Australia.