Butterflies of Krka

Species of All Kinds

The Krka River basin is the home of at least 81 different species of butterflies ranging from the common swallowtails (Papilionidae) to the brush-footed butteflies (Nymphalidae). New species are continuously found in the area, reminding us of the incredible biodiversity that this region has to offer.

Butterflies, as other insects, are essential for the viability of ecosystems as well as for agriculture. This is especially because they are pollinators.

However, butterflies in Krka National Park and surroundings, as in other parts of Europe, are facing a tremendous risk. According to the European Environmental Agency (EEA), from 1990 to 2011 the population of butterflies in 19 different European countries halved, resulting in a massive loss of biodiversity. This dramatic decrease is primarily due to the widespread and intensive use of pesticides in agriculture.

Therefore, it is of primarily importance for scientist to understand and monitor the distribution and status of different population of butterflies. This is done in Krka National Park and around it too. In this page you will find useful information about the species of butterflies that inhabit this area as well as some information on how you can contribute to their monitoring and to their protection.

Melitea didyma

This medium-sized butterfly has wingspan of up to 50 mm. The superior surface of the wings is orange and bright with dark brown patterns arranged in multiple rows. The inferior wings are checked and of a yellowish orange colour that is more pale compared to the superior one. This butterfly can be seen flying from March until October.

Cupidus minimus

This small butterfly measure between 2 and 3 cm. The wings are grey (or silvery) adorned with blue areas closer to the body. When unfurled, the wings appear white (or very light grey) with darker spots.

Limentis reducta

This gorgeous butterfly has dark upper wings with white rectangular spots and a marginal series of blue patches. The lower wings have a reddish background colour and a grey basa band and a white central band. The wingspan is around 45 to 55 mm.

Vanessa cardui

This common Nymphalid has red(ish) upper forewings and a black apical region adorned with multiple white spots. The inferior parts of the hindwings is brown and has a series of five “eyes”.

Pararge aegeri

Medium-sized day butterfly with brown wings decorated with spots yellow in color. It has a “chessboard” pattern. The hindwings present several dark “eyes” (ocelli) with white central spot.

Plebejus argus

This butterfly displays blue wings circled in black, with white edges and silver spots on its hindwings. It can be found all around Europe and Asia. It is especially studied in Great Britain where its population suffered a severe decline due to loss of habitat.

Melanargia galathea

This butterfly has a wingspan of about 50 mm. The upper wing is white and gray (black) with dark brown decorations. The underside displays similar pattern and colour with light gray or light. A row of gray ocelli is present on the underside of the hindwings.

Lysandra bellargus

Coenonympha pamphilus

This common small butterfly has a wingspan of about 30 to 38 mm. It displays bright yellow wings, tawny-yellow above with subapical eye, the lower page of the hindwing is grey with a spot, variable in size, which is lighter in colour.

Hyponephele lupina

Acknowledgments

This web page has been created by Jacopo Razzauti in collaboration with Biota, HDBI and Friends of Wallacea.

Jacopo Razzauti is a current undergraduate student at University of Dundee. Although he is majoring in Neuroscience, his interest span a wide range of biological and ecological topics, from neuronal plasticity to behavioral ecological adaptations of animals. He is also the admin and cofounder of the largest Star Wars community in continental Europe and in his free time he likes to read and code.

Jacopo would like to thanks Matea Jarak, Eve Cavey and all the staff at the site in Puljane for their help and support throughout his stay in Croatia.

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