30 Butterfly Species in Finland

Finland, a Nordic country known for its stunning natural beauty, is home to an array of fascinating butterfly species.

These fluttering insects captivate and delight nature enthusiasts, providing glimpses into the nation’s rich biodiversity.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at 30 remarkable butterfly species that can be found in Finland, exploring their unique characteristics and habitats.

Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae)

The Small Tortoiseshell is one of the most common and well-known butterfly species in Finland.

It is a beautiful creature with a remarkable appearance that makes it stand out from the crowd.

Let’s dive into some interesting facts about this delightful butterfly:

• Habitat: Small Tortoiseshell butterflies can be found in various habitats, such as gardens, woods, grasslands, and even urban areas.
• Appearance: These butterflies showcase a striking combination of bright orange, black, and yellow colors on their wings, with blue and white spots near the edges.
• Size: With a wingspan ranging from 45 to 62 mm, the Small Tortoiseshell is a medium-sized butterfly.
• Diet: The adults primarily feed on nectar from flowers like thistles, dandelions, and buddleia, while the caterpillars munch on leaves of nettles.
• Reproduction: Female Small Tortoiseshells lay clusters of eggs on the underside of nettles, and the caterpillars emerge after about 10 days.
• Lifespan: The adult butterfly typically lives for 1-2 months, while the whole lifecycle from egg to adult takes around 4 months.
• Host Plants: Nettle plants, mainly small and large-leaved nettles, act as the primary host plants for the Small Tortoiseshell caterpillars.

With its appealing appearance and presence in various habitats, the Small Tortoiseshell is an enchanting sight for nature lovers in Finland.

Peacock Butterfly (Aglais io)

The Peacock Butterfly is one of the most recognizable and striking butterfly species found in Finland.

Known for their vibrant colors and bold markings, these butterflies add a touch of beauty to their surroundings.

In this section, let’s delve a little deeper into the details of the Peacock Butterfly:

• Habitat: Peacock Butterflies inhabit a wide range of landscapes, including gardens, parks, woodlands, and even in urban areas.
• Appearance: These stunning butterflies boast vibrant colors, primarily consisting of shades of red, blue, and brown, with distinctive “eye” markings on their wings.
• Size: This species has a wingspan of about 50-60 mm, making it a relatively large butterfly.
• Diet: Adult Peacock Butterflies feed mainly on nectar from various flowering plants, such as thistles, knapweeds, and buddleia.
• Reproduction: In spring, adult butterflies lay eggs on their host plants, typically stinging nettles. The caterpillars emerge and feed on these plants before pupating and metamorphosing into adult butterflies.
• Lifespan: Adult Peacock Butterflies have a lifespan of around 11 months, with their life cycle beginning in early spring and ending in late summer.
• Host Plants: Stinging nettles are the primary host plants for Peacock Butterfly caterpillars, providing them with both shelter and nourishment.

Comma Butterfly (Polygonia c-album)

The Comma Butterfly is an enchanting species native to Finland and various parts of Europe.

Unique for its jagged wing edges, this butterfly is named after the bright white “comma” marking on its underside. Let’s learn more about this fascinating butterfly:

• Habitat: Found in diverse environments, such as gardens, woodlands, and meadows.
• Appearance: Orange and dark brown patterned wings with jagged edges, giving it a leaf-like disguise when perched with closed wings.
• Size: Wingspan of 45-55 mm, making it a medium-sized butterfly.
• Diet: Prefers to feed on nectar-rich flowers such as thistles, buddleia, and bramble.
• Reproduction: Females lay eggs on host plants, which the caterpillars subsequently eat upon hatching.
• Lifespan: Adults live for about two weeks, while the entire life cycle (egg to adult) takes around 3-4 months.
• Host Plants: Mainly feeds on Common Nettle (Urtica dioica) and hops (Humulus lupulus), but may also eat elm and willow leaves.

If you are in Finland, don’t forget to observe the stunning Comma Butterfly and appreciate its distinct appearance!

Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui)

The Painted Lady is undoubtedly one of the most widespread and recognizable butterfly species in Finland, as well as across the globe.

As you embark on your journey to explore and appreciate these fascinating creatures, let’s delve into some fascinating facts about the Painted Lady:

• Habitat: It can be found in gardens, meadows, and woodland clearings throughout Finland as well as North Africa, Asia, America, and Europe.
• Appearance: The upper side of the wings features striking orange-brown, black, and white patterns, whereas the underside is relatively subdued with pale brown, gray, and pink shades.
• Size: It sports a wingspan of 5-9 cm, making it a medium-sized butterfly.
• Diet: Nectar from a variety of flowers such as thistle and butterfly bush fuels the adults, while the larvae feast on leaves of host plants.
• Reproduction: Females lay eggs singly on host plants, typically in open areas with ample sunlight.
• Lifespan: The adult butterflies live for 2-4 weeks, following a total of 4-8 weeks in the larval and pupal stages.
• Host Plants: Thistles (Cirsium and Carduus species), Mallow (Malva species), and other common meadow plants of the Asteraceae family.

Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta)

The Red Admiral is a striking, black and red butterfly that is a familiar sight in Finland and many other parts of the world.

Here’s some key information about this beautiful butterfly species:

• Habitat: The Red Admiral prefers woodland edges, gardens, parks, and other open areas with plenty of flowers for nectar.
• Appearance: Their wings feature a bold, black and red pattern, with white spots on the tips of their forewings.
• Size: These butterflies have a wingspan of about 45-50 mm.
• Diet: Adults primarily feed on nectar from flowers such as buddleia and sedum, while caterpillars consume leaves of nettles and other plants.
• Reproduction: Female Red Admirals lay single eggs on the leaves of host plants. The caterpillars spin a silk leaf shelter, where they stay until they pupate.
• Lifespan: Adult butterflies live for about a month, while the whole life cycle takes around three months to complete.
• Host Plants: The main host plants for Red Admiral caterpillars include stinging nettles and hops, providing them with the necessary food source to grow and develop.

These fascinating creatures are a pleasure to witness, adding a burst of color and excitement to the Finnish landscape.

Silver-washed Fritillary (Argynnis paphia)

The Silver-washed Fritillary is a striking butterfly species native to Finland.

With a beautiful orange and black pattern on their wings, these butterflies capture the hearts of nature enthusiasts.

Let’s delve into some specific aspects of the Silver-washed Fritillary:

• Habitat: They thrive in deciduous forests, woodland clearings, and sunny glades.
• Appearance: Their upper wings are predominantly orange, with black spots and streaks. The lower wings have silver-white streaks for which the species is named.
• Size: They have a wingspan of 60-70mm, making them one of the largest fritillaries in Finland.
• Diet: Adult butterflies primarily feed on nectar from flowers such as brambles, thistles, and knapweeds.
• Reproduction: Females lay their eggs singly on tree trunks or close to the ground on leaf litter. Caterpillars emerge and eat the violet leaves.
• Lifespan: Adults typically live for around 3 weeks, flying from June to September.
• Host Plants: Common Dog Violet (Viola riviniana) and other violet species serve as host plants for their caterpillars.

With their beautiful appearance and fascinating lifecycle, the Silver-washed Fritillary is an excellent example of Finland’s diverse butterfly species.

High Brown Fritillary (Argynnis adippe)

High Brown Fritillary is a fascinating butterfly species that can be found in Finland.

You will be amazed by its unique characteristics and the habitats in which it thrives.

Let’s explore this beautiful butterfly in more detail:

• Habitat: High Brown Fritillaries primarily inhabit open, flower-rich grasslands, heathlands, and woodland clearings. They prefer areas with a mixture of tall grasses and shrubs.
• Appearance: This butterfly displays an intricate pattern of brown, orange, and white on its wings. The upper side features predominantly orange-colored wings with black spots and streaks, while the underside is a mixture of white and brown with silver spots.
• Size: With a wingspan of 56-74mm, the High Brown Fritillary is considered one of the larger butterfly species found in Finland.
• Diet: Adults mainly feed on nectar from flowers such as thistles, knapweed, and bramble.
• Reproduction: Males and females mate from late June to early August, after which females lay their eggs singly on the leaves of host plants.
• Lifespan: The High Brown Fritillary has a relatively short lifespan, with adults living for approximately one month.
• Host Plants: Caterpillars feed primarily on Common Dog-violet (Viola riviniana) and Heath Dog-violet (Viola canina) as their main host plants.

Purple Emperor (Apatura iris)

The Purple Emperor is a fascinating butterfly species that can be found in Finland, particularly in the southern parts.

Its population has significantly declined in recent years, making it even more exciting to spot one of these elusive creatures.

Below are some key aspects of this butterfly species:

• Habitat: They prefer deciduous and mixed forests, usually around moist and damp areas.
• Appearance: The male has a striking purple sheen on its dark brown wings, while the female has a lighter brown color with white markings.
• Size: With a wingspan of 65-75 mm, the Purple Emperor is considered one of the larger butterfly species in Finland.
• Diet: Adults feed on tree sap, honeydew, and sometimes even on animal droppings or carcasses to obtain essential nutrients.
• Reproduction: Female lays her eggs on the underside of host plants, one at a time.
• Lifespan: The adult butterfly typically lives for about 10-14 days during the summer months.
• Host Plants: The larval host plants are primarily goat willow (Salix caprea) and other willow species, and occasionally aspen (Populus tremula).

Keep an eye out for these fascinating butterflies when you’re exploring Finland’s beautiful forests!

White Admiral (Limenitis Camilla)

The White Admiral is a medium-sized butterfly species that can be found gliding effortlessly through the woodland areas in Finland.

As you take a stroll through these beautiful forests, keep an eye out for this captivating insect.

Let’s take a closer look at this Finnish butterfly:

• Habitat: Prefers well-lit deciduous or mixed forests, woodland glades, and pathways.
• Appearance: Dark brown wings adorned with striking white bands and small blue spots on the wing edges.
• Size: Wingspan ranges from 6-7 cm.
• Diet: Adults feed mainly on honeydew, sap, and occasionally nectar from flowers.
• Reproduction: Mates in July, after which the females lay their eggs on the underside of young leaves of honeysuckle plants.
• Lifespan: Adults live up to three weeks.
• Host Plants: Primarily feeds on honeysuckle (Lonicera periclymenum) during its caterpillar stage.

Take a moment to appreciate the beauty of this butterfly as it flies gracefully through the Finnish forests.

Catching a glimpse of the White Admiral is a truly memorable experience for any nature enthusiast.

Camberwell Beauty (Nymphalis antiopa)

The Camberwell Beauty, also known as the Mourning Cloak, is a unique butterfly species found in Finland.

They are known for their striking colors and markings, making them a delight to spot in the wild.

Let’s dive into some interesting facts about this beautiful butterfly:

• Habitat: Primarily found in woodlands, gardens, and areas with plenty of foliage. They are also known to frequent fruit-bearing trees in search of food.
• Appearance: Sports a deep maroon, almost black color with a series of blue spots along the edges of its wings. These blue markings are highlighted by a cream-colored band.
• Size: Adult wingspan ranges from 62 to 75 millimeters, making it a relatively large butterfly.
• Diet: Primarily feeds on tree sap, rotting fruit, and sometimes nectar from flowers.
• Reproduction: Females lay eggs on twigs and branches, where the caterpillars hatch and begin feeding on leaves from host plants.
• Lifespan: Adults typically survive for about 11-12 months, experiencing a single brood per year.
• Host Plants: Preferred plants include willows, poplars, or elm trees for caterpillar feeding.

Keep an eye out for these mesmerizing creatures on your next forest adventure to spot a living piece of Finnish natural beauty!

Scarce Tortoiseshell (Nymphalis xanthomelas)

The Scarce Tortoiseshell, scientifically known as Nymphalis xanthomelas, is an interesting butterfly species native to Finland.

These unique butterflies can be easily recognized by their large size and striking colors.

Now, let’s take a closer look at some of the fascinating characteristics of the Scarce Tortoiseshell:

• Habitat: Typically found in deciduous and mixed woodlands, as well as in meadows and gardens.
• Appearance: Boasts a bright orange color with black markings and white spots. Undersides are camouflaged to resemble tree bark.
• Size: Wingspan ranges between 52-62 mm, making it one of Finland’s larger butterfly species.
• Diet: Nectar from various flowers, with a preference for willows, as well as tree sap and, on occasion, fruit juice.
• Reproduction: Males defend territories and mate with females in spring. Females lay eggs on host plants, ensuring the larvae will have food.
• Lifespan: Adult butterflies live for about a month, but their entire life cycle can last up to a year depending on the environment.
• Host Plants: Larvae feed primarily on the leaves of willow species, such as the goat willow and grey willow.

The Scarce Tortoiseshell is a remarkable butterfly species that can be found in Finland.

Its distinctive appearance and unique characteristics make it an important part of the natural environment.

Glanville Fritillary (Melitaea cinxia)

The Glanville Fritillary is a captivating butterfly species found in Finland, known for its stunning appearance and fascinating life cycle.

Let’s dive into some intriguing facts about this lovely creature:

• Habitat: Glanville Fritillaries are typically found in open grasslands, meadows, and coastal dunes.
• Appearance: They are characterized by their distinct orange and black checkered wing patterns, with white and brown markings on the underside.
• Size: These butterflies have a moderate wingspan, ranging from 34 to 44 mm.
• Diet: Adult Glanville Fritillaries primarily feed on nectar from flowers like thistles and violets.
• Reproduction: Females lay their eggs on the host plants, and the resulting caterpillars live communally in a web-like structure.
• Lifespan: The adult butterflies have a short lifespan of only 2 to 3 weeks.
• Host Plants: The Glanville Fritillary caterpillars mainly feed on plantains and various species of violets.

Now that you know more about the Glanville Fritillary, be sure to keep an eye out for this exquisite butterfly during your nature walks in Finland.

Heath Fritillary (Melitaea athalia)

The Heath Fritillary is an enchanting butterfly species that can be found in Finland.

This rare butterfly is known for its distinct patterns and intriguing characteristics.

Let’s take a closer look at the fascinating aspects of the Heath Fritillary:

• Habitat: You can typically spot Heath Fritillary flitting around grasslands, clearings, and forests with sunny patches. They prefer damp areas covered with calcareous grass.
• Appearance: Heath Fritillary presents an interesting combination of orange, brown, and cream-colored patterns on their wings. This unique color scheme helps them blend in with their surroundings.
• Size: These butterflies boast a wingspan ranging from 39 to 48 mm, making them small to medium in size.
• Diet: Heath Fritillary caterpillars munch on various grass species, while adults like to sip nectar from flower heads, including thistles and clovers.
• Reproduction: They reproduce once each year, with females laying their eggs on the host plants’ leaves in early summer.
• Lifespan: Heath Fritillary butterflies have a short life, lasting only about 2 to 3 weeks as adults.
• Host Plants: These fascinating creatures rely on several host plants, such as devil’s-bit scabious, plantains, and hawkweeds, to carry out their life cycle.

Meeting the Heath Fritillary in the wild truly allows you to appreciate and marvel at the captivating beauty of this butterfly species.

Dark Green Fritillary (Speyeria aglaja)

The Dark Green Fritillary is a beautiful and relatively large butterfly found in Finland. They are easily recognized by their vibrant colors and dramatic markings.

Here are some interesting facts about this amazing species:

• Habitat: This butterfly prefers a variety of habitats, such as meadows, grasslands, woodland clearings, and coastal dunes.
• Appearance: The upper side of its wings is a bright orange color with black markings, while the underside is an olive-green shade with silver spots, hence the name “dark green.”
• Size: With a wingspan ranging between 50-65mm, the Dark Green Fritillary is considered a medium to large butterfly.
• Diet: As adults, they primarily feed on nectar from plants like thistles, knapweed, and scabious.
• Reproduction: Mating usually occurs in June and July, and females lay eggs on or near their host plants.
• Lifespan: The adult Dark Green Fritillary may live up to three weeks.
• Host Plants: The larval stage feeds on different species of violets, making them an essential part of their habitat.

Now that you know more about the Dark Green Fritillary, keep an eye out for this stunning butterfly during your next nature walk.

Small Copper (Lycaena phlaeas)

The Small Copper is a delightful and charming butterfly species that you can easily spot while exploring the Finnish countryside.

This tiny butterfly adds a dash of vibrant color and energy, making your nature walks quite enjoyable.

To help you familiarize yourself with this intriguing species, let’s explore some important information about the Small Copper.

• Habitat: Primarily found in sunny open grasslands, meadows, heathland, and even along garden edges and roadways in Finland.
• Appearance: This butterfly boasts bright coppery-orange wings with a distinctive black border and black spots on the upper side. The underside is a pale grey with darker markings and a row of orange crescents.
• Size: A petite butterfly with a wingspan measuring between 25 to 40 mm.
• Diet: The Small Copper primarily feeds on nectar from flowers like dandelions, daisies, and thistles.
• Reproduction: After mating, females lay their eggs individually on various host plants.
• Lifespan: The adult butterfly lives for about two to three weeks.
• Host Plants: Sorrel and dock plants are the main host plants where females lay their eggs, providing sustenance to the caterpillars.

Purple-shot Copper (Lycaena alciphron)

The Purple-shot Copper is an appealing and easily recognizable butterfly species that can be found in Finland.

This butterfly is known for its fascinating life history and distinctive appearance, which sets it apart from other butterfly species native to the region.

• Habitat: The Purple-shot Copper prefers habitats with a mix of grassland and open woodland, creating a mosaic of sunny spots. These areas provide ample resources to support their lifecycle and attract their preferred host plants.
• Appearance: The upper side of the male’s wings is a vibrant copper color, with purple and blue iridescence surrounding black spots. On the other hand, females have a darker orange hue with less iridescence and more pronounced black spots. Both sexes have a darker brown underside with a row of small, orange spots.
• Size: The wingspan of the Purple-shot Copper ranges from 28-36 mm, making it a small to medium-sized butterfly.
• Diet: Adult Purple-shot Coppers primarily feed on flower nectar. As caterpillars, they consume the leaves of their host plants.
• Reproduction: Mating occurs in early summer, and females lay their eggs on the host plants. Caterpillars emerge a couple of weeks later and reside on the plants, growing steadily until they pupate.
• Lifespan: The adult butterflies have a short lifespan, lasting only a few weeks. However, they can produce multiple generations within a single year.
• Host Plants: The primary host plants for the Purple-shot Copper are Rumex species, including Sheep’s Sorrel and Common Sorrel. Moreover, the butterfly has also been observed on other plants such as docks and knotweeds.

Large Copper (Lycaena dispar)

The Large Copper is a fascinating butterfly species found in Finland, known for its vibrant orange wings and rare population.

Here, we will discuss the characteristics of this butterfly, which makes it a must-see for any nature lover.

• Habitat: The Large Copper primarily inhabits damp meadows, riverbanks, and fens with rich vegetation.
• Appearance: It displays striking, bright orange wings with black spots and a row of blue crescents near the wing edges. The underwings show a muted yellow-orange color with small spots.
• Size: The wingspan of the Large Copper ranges from 34 to 44 mm.
• Diet: The adult butterflies feed on flower nectar, while the caterpillars munch on the leaves of its host plants.
• Reproduction: The female lays eggs on the underside of host plant leaves, and the emerging caterpillars feed on those leaves for sustenance.
• Lifespan: The Large Copper’s life cycle consists of four stages (egg, larva, pupa, and adult) and lasts between one to several months, depending on the conditions.
• Host Plants: The main host plants for this species are various species of dock, particularly the Water Dock (Rumex hydrolapathum).

Clouded Yellow (Colias croceus)

Discover the fascinating life and features of the Clouded Yellow, a beautiful butterfly species found in Finland.

The Clouded Yellow is a stunning butterfly species that can be found in various parts of Finland.

This colorful creature is known for its distinct cloud-like patterns and vibrant shades.

Let’s take a closer look at the features and life-cycle of this exceptional butterfly:

• Habitat: Mainly found in open areas such as meadows, fields, and riverbanks. The Clouded Yellow enjoys a wide range of habitats across Europe, Asia, and North Africa.
• Appearance: Exhibits bright yellow wings with black outer edges, and cloud-like patterns on the underside. Males have orange patches on their forewings.
• Size: Has a wingspan of approximately 52-62 mm, making it a medium-sized butterfly.
• Diet: Adult butterflies feed mainly on nectar from flowers such as clover, thistles, and knapweed.
• Reproduction: The female lays her eggs on the leaves of host plants. The eggs hatch into caterpillars which then undergo metamorphosis to become adults.
• Lifespan: Adult Clouded Yellow butterflies live for up to a month, depending on environmental factors and food availability.
• Host Plants: Eggs are laid on plants from the Fabaceae family like clover, alfalfa, and black medick, which the caterpillars will feed on.

Now you know more about the beautiful Clouded Yellow and what makes it such a fascinating species.

Remember to keep an eye out for these butterflies when exploring Finland’s open landscapes!

Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni)

The Brimstone butterfly is a fascinating species that can be found across Finland.

This bright and beautiful insect has several unique characteristics that make it stand out among the various butterfly species in the region.

Here are some interesting facts about the Brimstone butterfly:

• Habitat: The Brimstone thrives in a variety of habitats, from woodlands and meadows to gardens and road verges.
• Appearance: Its wings display a vibrant lemon-yellow color, which helps it blend with the leaves of its host plants. The females have a paler color with greenish-white wings.
• Size: The wingspan of the Brimstone butterfly ranges between 50-60mm.
• Diet: Adult Brimstones primarily feed on nectar from flowers like knapweed, thistles, and buckthorn.
• Reproduction: These butterflies lay their eggs singly on the leaves of their host plants. The caterpillars hatch in about 10 days and feed on the leaves, growing until they pupate.
• Lifespan: Adult Brimstones have a relatively long lifespan, with some living up to 13 months.
• Host Plants: Brimstone butterflies mainly depend on buckthorn (Rhamnus) and alder buckthorn (Frangula) as host plants for their caterpillars.

The Brimstone butterfly is a remarkable and eye-catching species that enhances the beauty of Finland’s natural landscape.

Small White (Pieris rapae)

The Small White, also known as the Small Cabbage White butterfly, is a widespread and common species in Finland.

They are often mistaken for Large White butterflies, but they are easily distinguished by their smaller size and more delicate appearance.

Let’s take a closer look at some key aspects of this delightful butterfly:

• Habitat: Small Whites inhabit a wide variety of environments, including gardens, meadows, and coastal areas. They can adapt to various ecosystems and are found throughout Finland.
• Appearance: The main distinguishing features of the Small White are its white wings with small black tips on the forewings and a black or gray spot on the hindwing’s underside.
• Size: The wingspan of the Small White butterfly ranges between 32 and 47 millimeters.
• Diet: The adult butterflies primarily feed on nectar from flowers like thistles, dandelions, and clovers.
• Reproduction: Small White butterflies lay their yellow eggs in clusters on the host plants. The larvae hatch after about a week and feed on the host plant leaves.
• Lifespan: Adult Small White butterflies have a relatively short lifespan, approximately 2-3 weeks.
• Host Plants: Their caterpillars primarily feed on plants in the cabbage family, such as cabbage, kale, and mustard plants.

As you can see, the Small White is an interesting and adaptable species that thrives in various habitats across Finland.

Large White (Pieris brassicae)

The Large White butterfly, also known as the Cabbage White or Cabbage Butterfly, is a common butterfly species in Finland.

This butterfly can be found in a variety of habitats, including gardens, farmland, and meadows.

Let’s learn more about this species:

• Habitat: Gardens, agricultural fields, meadows, and other open spaces
• Appearance: White wings with black tips on the forewings and a faint grayish pattern on the hindwings
• Size: Wingspan of approximately 50-70 mm
• Diet: Adults feed on nectar from flowers, while caterpillars feed on plants in the Brassica family
• Reproduction: Eggs are laid in clusters on the underside of host plants. Caterpillars emerge after a week and feed for several weeks before pupating
• Lifespan: Adults have a lifespan of up to three weeks in the wild
• Host Plants: Cruciferous vegetables (such as cabbage, kale, and broccoli), nasturtiums, and other plants in the Brassica family

Notice this butterfly species when you visit gardens and agricultural areas in Finland – it is a fascinating and widespread insect.

Make sure to admire its elegant flight and appreciate the role it plays in nature.

Green-veined White (Pieris napi)

Meet the Green-veined White, a butterfly species native to Finland, which you can often spot flying through grasslands or woodlands during the summer months.

This butterfly is known for the distinct green veins on its wings, making it one of the unique species found in Finland.

Let’s get to know more about this fascinating butterfly:

• Habitat: The Green-veined White is typically found in damp grasslands, wet meadows, marshes, woodlands, and gardens.
• Appearance: Its wings are white with prominent green veins, especially on the underside, making it easy to identify.
• Size: The average wingspan of the Green-veined White is around 4 to 5 cm.
• Diet: Adult butterflies feed on nectar from flowers, while caterpillars feed on the leaves of various plants.
• Reproduction: Green-veined Whites mate and lay eggs during spring and summer, and their caterpillars develop into butterflies over several weeks.
• Lifespan: Adult Green-veined Whites live for about three weeks.
• Host Plants: The caterpillars are associated with a range of host plants like watercress, garlic mustard, and cuckooflower.

Now that you’ve learned more about this interesting species native to Finland, keep an eye out for their distinctive green wing veins during your next outdoor adventure!

Common Blue (Polyommatus icarus)

The Common Blue is one of the most striking and widely distributed butterflies throughout Finland.

This beautiful butterfly can often be seen gracefully fluttering through the air in search of food and mates.

Here are some fascinating characteristics of the Common Blue:

• Habitat: Common Blue prefers open grassy areas, meadows, heathlands, and roadside verges for their habitat. They can thrive in both lowland and mountain regions.
• Appearance: Males show off a beautiful iridescent blue on their upper wings, while females exhibit a brown color with red-orange spots and a hint of blue near the body.
• Size: With a wingspan of about 35 millimeters, they’re indeed a small yet stunning species.
• Diet: The adults mostly feed on nectar from flowers, favoring daisies, knapweeds, and thistles, while their caterpillars feed on legumes.
• Reproduction: Female Common Blues lay approximately 50-100 eggs singly on host plants, where the caterpillars flourish.
• Lifespan: Their relatively short lifespan is around three weeks as adult butterflies.
• Host Plants: Clover, vetch, and other legume species serve as host plants for the caterpillars to feed on and grow.

Next time you’re out in nature, keep an eye out for these stunning butterflies and appreciate the intricate beauty they bring to Finland’s diverse ecosystem.

Holly Blue (Celastrina argiolus)

The Holly Blue is a fascinating butterfly species commonly found in Finland.

This beautiful and delicate creature is a joy to observe, and its presence can be admired in various habitats across the country.

Let’s dive into learning more about the Holly Blue and its unique characteristics:

• Habitat: Holly Blues can be found in gardens, parks, woodlands, and hedgerows, where they lay their eggs on holly and ivy plants.
• Appearance: They have a stunning blue color on the upper side of their wings, with a black border, and a pale blue hue with small black spots on the underside.
• Size: These butterflies are relatively small, with a wingspan of around 25-30 mm.
• Diet: Adult Holly Blues mainly feed on nectar from flowers, especially ivy blossoms.
• Reproduction: Holly Blues can have two broods per year, with adults emerging in April-May and again in July-August.
• Lifespan: Adults generally live for two to three weeks, during which time they mate and lay eggs.
• Host Plants: The larvae feed on holly (Ilex aquifolium) during the first brood and ivy (Hedera helix) during the second brood.

Next time you spot a Holly Blue fluttering around, take a moment to appreciate its mesmerizing beauty and the fascinating life cycle of this delicate Finnish butterfly species.

Silver-studded Blue (Plebejus argus)

The Silver-studded Blue is a charming butterfly species found in Finland.

If you ever find yourself exploring the Finnish countryside, keep an eye out for this beautiful species and learn some fascinating facts about them to make your experience more enriching.

• Habitat: Silver-studded Blue is commonly found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, moors, and open woodlands.
• Appearance: This butterfly has a beautiful pattern consisting of a blue upper side with a black border, and an underside displaying a pattern with black spots and orange crescents. Silver-blue reflective spots can also be seen, hence the name.
• Size: The wingspan of Silver-studded Blues ranges between 24-33mm, making them medium-sized butterflies.
• Diet: As with other butterfly species, the Silver-studded Blue feeds primarily on nectar from flowers.
• Reproduction: Females lay eggs on or near host plants, and larvae develop by feeding on the plants.
• Lifespan: The typical lifespan of this species is around 3-4 weeks, during which they live as adults.
• Host Plants: The main host plants for Silver-studded Blue larvae are heather (Calluna vulgaris) and gorse (Ulex europaeus)

Northern Brown Argus (Aricia artaxerxes)

The Northern Brown Argus is one of the beautiful butterfly species that you can find in Finland.

This butterfly has unique characteristics that make it stand out among other species.

Below are some interesting facts about this butterfly:

• Habitat: The Northern Brown Argus prefers inhabiting dry and coastal areas, grasslands, meadows, and woodland clearings.
• Appearance: These stunning butterflies display brown wings adorned with orange crescents and small black spots on the edges.
• Size: This species has a wingspan ranging from 28 to 32 millimeters, making it a relatively small butterfly.
• Diet: Adult Northern Brown Argus butterflies mainly feed on nectar from flowers, while caterpillars rely on host plants for sustenance.
• Reproduction: Mating usually occurs in May and June, leading to the laying of eggs on the leaves of host plants.
• Lifespan: The adult butterfly has a short life span of about a month, which is typical for butterfly species in this region.
• Host Plants: The primary host plants for Northern Brown Argus caterpillars are the Rockrose and Alpine Rockrose. Additionally, Common Rockrose and Dog Violet can also serve as alternate host plants.

With a better understanding of the Northern Brown Argus, you can now appreciate the role they play in Finland’s unique ecosystem.

Duke of Burgundy (Hamearis lucina)

The Duke of Burgundy is a captivating butterfly species that can be found gracing the Finnish countryside.

Named after the house of Burgundy, this butterfly boasts a unique charm that adds to the beauty of the Finnish landscape.

Let’s take a closer look at some of its fascinating characteristics:

• Habitat: Typically found in calcareous grasslands, coppiced woodlands, and along forest clearings where the host plants are abundant.
• Appearance: Displaying a bold brown and orange color pattern on their wings, this butterfly is easily recognizable. They have distinctive rows of rounded white spots on their underwings.
• Size: The average wingspan of the Duke of Burgundy ranges from 1.6 to 1.85 inches (4-4.7 cm).
• Diet: Adults feed on nectar from various flowers, such as cowslips, bugle, and dandelions.
• Reproduction: Females lay their eggs in clusters on the underside of host plant leaves, like those of the cowslip and primrose.
• Lifespan: The typical lifespan of this butterfly is approximately 2-3 weeks during the months of May and June.
• Host Plants: Cowslip and primrose are the primary host plants for the Duke of Burgundy caterpillar, providing the sustenance and necessities needed for their growth and development.

With its striking appearance and unique life cycle, the Duke of Burgundy surely deserves a spot on the list of awe-inspiring butterfly species that inhabit Finland.

Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary (Boloria selene)

The Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary is a fascinating butterfly species that can be found in various regions throughout Finland.

Its beautiful appearance and captivating habits make it a favorite among butterfly enthusiasts.

Here are some key features of this incredible butterfly species:

• Habitat: The Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary primarily inhabits damp, grassy areas, woodland clearings, and moorlands.
• Appearance: This butterfly displays a stunning mix of orange and brown hues on the wings, adorned with distinct black markings and a row of pearl-like silvery spots along the edges.
• Size: The adult Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary has a wingspan of about 38-46 millimeters.
• Diet: Like most butterfly species, the adults feed primarily on nectar from various flowers, such as thistles, violets, and dandelions.
• Reproduction: Mating takes place in early summer, after which the female lays eggs on the host plants, usually on violet leaves.
• Lifespan: The adult Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary has a fairly short lifespan, typically living only a few weeks.
• Host Plants: The preferred host plants for this species are various species of wild violets (Viola species), where the larvae feed on the leaves.

Queen of Spain Fritillary (Issoria lathonia)

The Queen of Spain Fritillary is a marvelous butterfly species found in Finland. This strikingly beautiful butterfly brings a sense of grace and elegance wherever it takes flight.

Let’s get to know this regal butterfly a little better:

• Habitat: The Queen of Spain Fritillary prefers open, sunny locations with flower-rich grasslands. It can also be found in woodland clearings, meadows, and heaths.
• Appearance: This species is characterized by its striking orange wings with black spots and streaks. The underside of the wings is adorned with pearly, iridescent markings that shimmer in the sunlight.
• Size: The wingspan of the Queen of Spain Fritillary ranges between 40-50mm.
• Diet: Adult butterflies typically feed on the nectar of various flowers, such as knapweed, thistles, and scabious.
• Reproduction: Females lay their eggs on or near the host plants where the caterpillars will feed and grow.
• Lifespan: The adult butterfly lives for approximately two to four weeks.
• Host Plants: The favored host plants for the Queen of Spain Fritillary caterpillars include different species of violets, mainly the common dog-violet and heath dog-violet.

So, appreciate the beauty and elegance of this royal butterfly as it gracefully flutters its way through Finland’s rich, flower-covered grasslands and woodland clearings.

Northern Chequered Skipper (Carterocephalus silvicola)

The Northern Chequered Skipper (Carterocephalus silvicola) is a remarkable butterfly species found in Finland.

This fascinating creature is sure to capture your attention with its striking appearance and intriguing life cycle.

Let’s dive into some of the key aspects of the Northern Chequered Skipper.

• Habitat: Prefers damp, mixed forests and woodland edge habitats with abundant wildflowers.
• Appearance: A distinctive brown and orange pattern adorn the wings, resembling chequered markings, and white spots along the wing edges.
• Size: Relatively small, boasting a wingspan range of 22-27 mm.
• Diet: Adult butterflies primarily feed on nectar from flowers; caterpillars munch on host plant leaves.
• Reproduction: Females lay eggs on the underside of host plant leaves, where the caterpillars will later hatch and feed.
• Lifespan: The adult butterfly life stage lasts around 2-4 weeks, while their entire life cycle extends up to a year.
• Host Plants: Caterpillars mainly feed on species of purple moor-grass, specifically the Molinia caerulea.

With its distinct appearance and fascinating life cycle, the Northern Chequered Skipper is truly a captivating butterfly species native to Finland.

Conclusion

Finland is home to an astounding variety of butterfly species, each with its own unique beauty and ecological role.

As you explore the Finnish countryside and forests, keep an eye out for these colorful and fascinating creatures.

Feel free to share your thoughts or experiences in the comments below.