Of the 2,153 species of butterfly recorded throughout China (壽 等, 2006), more than 170 have been recorded in Beijing. That is a large number by any standards, and indeed many more than the whole of the UK (59)*.
In keeping with the aim of producing English language resources for Beijing’s wildlife, a dedicated page for the butterflies of Beijing has now been added to this site.
It includes the official list of species recorded in Beijing, including scientific names, Chinese names (with pinyin) and English names where given. Species are illustrated with images where available and contributions are welcome, especially for species not yet illustrated. Over time, it is hoped that this page can become a helpful resource for any visitor to Beijing interested in these beautiful insects.
*See URL: https://butterfly-conservation.org/butterflies
Header image: Melitaea didymoides, 斑网蛱蝶, Bān wǎng jiá dié, Shunyi District, 28 July 2020 (Terry Townshend)
Wow! So many butterflies in China. I did not know that. Thank you.
Yes, incredible isn’t it? China is BIG with varied habitats from mountains to deserts to wetlands, taiga and tropical forests and steppe. So much to explore!
What a staggering number of Butterfly species!!! I can’t get over it. Thanks for enlightening me, Jane
Yes, the next challenge is to try to secure images of as many as possible.. one of my tasks this summer!