Butterflies

What are butterflies?

Butterflies are winged insects belonging to the order Lepidoptera, which also includes moths. They undergo complete metamorphosis (holometabolism), meaning that they have a 4-stage life cycle consisting of egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Most caterpillars (butterfly larvae) eat leaves, but there are some notable exceptions that prey on certain insects. Similarly, most adult butterflies feed on nectar through a specialised tubular mouthpart known as a proboscis, but some species also feed on rotting flesh and fruit, dung, or other unconventional food sources. Many butterfly species have brightly coloured and intricately patterned wings, created by chemical pigments or physical structures on tiny scales. These colours warn predators of toxicity but can also play a role in temperature regulation and species recognition.

Butterfly species of Singapore

Did you know Singapore is home to over 367 butterfly species? Explore some of them below!

Chocolate Pansy

Common Mormon

Common Palmfly

Emigrants

Grass Blues

Grass Yellows

Lime Butterfly

Painted Jezebel

Plain Tiger

Tawny Coster

Resources on the butterflies of Singapore

Keen to deepen your knowledge on the butterflies of Singapore? Learn more through these related resources.

Biodiversity of Singapore - Butterflies and Moths

How to identify butterflies

A Guide to Common Butterflies in Singapore