11 Magnificent Butterflies of Nigeria

Explore the spectacular colours through the lens of photographer Adedotun Ajibade.

Citrus swallowtail butterfly (2020) by Adedotun AjibadeOriginal Source: Adedotun Ajibade

Step inside the kaleidoscopic world of Nigeria's butterflies

Nigeria has an exceptional biodiversity and boasts an abundance of fauna and flora. Presently, there are over 1000 documented species of butterflies and moths. New species are still being discovered. Playing an essential role for refuelling ecosystems, butterflies reminds us to protect our beautiful and fragile nature. Join environmentalist and nature photographer Adedotun Ajibade to explore some of the most magnificent butterflies of Nigeria. 

Catopsilia florella butterfly (2020) by Adedotun AjibadeOriginal Source: Adedotun Ajibade

#1: Catopsilia florella butterfly
Called the 'African migrant', this stunning female butterfly is easy to spot. Its distinctive yellow color is cultivated through its diet, with the male being green. It can be found in gardens and urban areas.

Axiocerses harpas butterfly (2020) by Adedotun AjibadeOriginal Source: Adedotun Ajibade

#2: Axiocerses harpax butterfly
The Axiocerses harpax butterfly can be found in many African countries including Senegal, Kenya and Ethiopia. The length of its forewings can grow up to 18mm. This beauty is attracted to flowers and is commonly found in woodlands.

Black-spot Bematiste butterfly (2020) by Adedotun AjibadeOriginal Source: Adedotun Ajibade

#3: Black-spot Bematistes butterfly
Photographed in Port Harcourt, the Black-spot Bematistes butterfly belongs to the Nymphalidae which is one of the largest families of butterflies in the world. It has four legs and its forewings are elongated and hindwings rounded.

Acraea butterfly (2020) by Adedotun AjibadeOriginal Source: Adedotun Ajibade

#4: Acraea butterfly
Marvel at this wonder photographed in Port Harcourt! The Acraea butterfly has four wings which are orange and semi-transparent with black spots. There are more than 200 species of its kind and is usually found in a tropical climate.

Belenois calypso and Papilio demodocus butterfly (2020) by Adedotun AjibadeOriginal Source: Adedotun Ajibade

#5: Belenois calypso and Papilio demodocus butterflies
Here are two different species spotted together. On the left is the Belenois calypso butterfly which has a beathtaking yellow and white color. On the right is the slightly larger Papilio demodocus butterfly which have some of the most mesmerising wings. It is also called the Christmas butterfly. It has distinctive red and blue eyespots.

Myrina Silenus butterfly (2020) by Adedotun AjibadeOriginal Source: Adedotun Ajibade

#6: Myrina silenus butterfly
Photographed in Port Harcourt, the Myrina silenus butterfly is also called the common fig-tree blue. It has black, blue and red wings and belongs to the Lycaenidae family.

Appias sabina butterfly (2020) by Adedotun AjibadeOriginal Source: Adedotun Ajibade

#7: Appias sabina butterfly
The Appias sabina butterfly is commonly found in forests. This beauty was photographed at Port Harcourt. It belongs to the Pieridae family and is often called the Sabine albatross or albatross white.

Common swordtail butterfly (2020) by Adedotun AjibadeOriginal Source: Adedotun Ajibade

#8: Common Swordtail butterfly
Maybe one of the most beautiful butterflies to be found in Nigeria, the Common Swordtail butterfly's kaleidoscopic colors reflect its habitat. This one was photographed at Imota in Lagos.

Common Blue Charaxes butterfly (2020) by Adedotun AjibadeOriginal Source: Adedotun Ajibade

#9: Common Blue Charaxes butterfly
The Common Blue Charaxes butterfly belongs to the Nymphalidae family and can be found in dry forest areas. Its wings can grow up to 100mm. Its color is a perfect camouflage and protection against birds.

Graphium Angolanus butterfly (2020) by Adedotun AjibadeOriginal Source: Adedotun Ajibade

#10: Graphium angolanus butterfly
Photographed during sunset, the Angola white lady or Graphium angolanus, belongs to the Papilionidae family. Can you count how many white spots it has?

Common ringlet butterfly (2020) by Adedotun AjibadeOriginal Source: Adedotun Ajibade

#11: Ringlet butterfly
The Ringlet butterfly belongs to the Nymphalidae family and is commonly found in Africa and Europe. It's colour is brown and grey, and distinctive blue, beige and black eyespots.

Acraea butterfly (2020) by Adedotun AjibadeOriginal Source: Adedotun Ajibade

Want to explore for yourself?
Set out early, find yourself a quiet, lush garden or a Nature Park. These areas are some of the best places to spot Nigeria's spectacular butterflies.

Credits: Story

Adedotun Ajibade is an environmentalist and nature photographer in Nigeria. His travels to explore near and far-flung destinations are motivated by his longing to experience Nigeria's rich biodiversity and amazing natural heritage. His goal is to showcase in the best possible way these undermined aspects of the country.

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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