Greetings from France, the enchanted land of butterflies! There are vast and varied types of butterflies in France, vividly colored in this country.
Let’s look at the most beautiful types of butterflies in France you could find while cruising around the French countryside.
Let’s get started!
1. Mammal Swallowtail Butterfly
One of the most beautiful types of butterflies in France is the swallowtail. Their unique markings and tail-like extensions make them incredibly impressive to see.
Swallowtails dwell in various environments, such as grasslands, marshlands, and woodland clearings.
These gorgeous types of butterflies in France have a vivid yellow hue, black stripes resembling tigers, and blue and red dots close to their tail-like projections.
They are among the largest butterfly species in France, with wingspans ranging from 6.5 to 8.5 centimeters.
Thistle, milkweed, and wild carrot nectar are among the flowers that swallowtails primarily consume.
Usually, fennel or other plants in the Apiaceae family, swallowtails deposit their eggs on the leaves of their host plants.
These butterflies in France usually live for three to four weeks as adults. Their life cycle takes about six weeks from egg to adult.
The Apiaceae family of plants, which includes dill, parsley, and fennel, is the principal food source for swallowtail caterpillars.
In addition to being captivating, swallowtails serve as a wonderful reminder of the richness and beauty of the types of butterflies in France.
2. Orange Tip Butterfly
Because of its vivid orange tips on its wings, the Orange-Tip butterfly is one of France’s most distinctive types of butterfly.
It is a visually attractive species frequently connected to the flowering seasons and typically seen in the spring.
It is found in various settings, including gardens, meadows, hedgerows, and the edges of woodlands.
Males have brilliant orange tips on their white wings, while females have black tips on their white wings.
Underwings are speckled and feature a greenish pattern on both sexes. It is a medium-sized butterfly with a wingspan of 4 to 5 cm.
The nectar of several flowers, including cuckooflowers, bluebells, and dandelion, is what the adult Orange Tip eats.
Females lay solitary eggs on their hosts’ blooming stems, typically cruciferous plants like cuckooflowers.
While these butterflies in France require about five weeks to mature before pupating, adults can live for up to a few weeks. A pupa’s life span is nine to eleven months.
Cuckooflowers are a favorite among egg-laying females, although cruciferous vegetables comprise most larval host plants.
3. Green Hairstreak Butterfly
Have you ever been to France and seen a stunning green butterfly? You’ve probably encountered the Green Hairstreak or Callophrys rubi.
This fragile butterfly species is a real delicacy within the intriguing realm of French butterflies, distinguished by its breathtakingly vivid green color.
Due to their adaptability, green hairstreaks can be found in various environments, such as grasslands, scrublands, hedgerows, and woodland clearings.
The Green Hairstreak is easy to identify when resting on leaves thanks to its vivid green wings and short tails on the hindwings.
This butterfly has a 24-34 mm for its wingspan, which is modest.
The nectar of various plants, including bugle flowers, blackthorn, and hawthorn, is what adult green hairstreaks eat. During the spring, adults mate and deposit their eggs close to host plants.
These butterflies in France caterpillar consume leaves and stems after hatching and pupate.
The Green Hairstreak butterfly typically has a two-week lifespan as an adult. Gorse, broom, and common rockrose are just a few plants the Green Hairstreak larvae eat.
4. Glanville Fritillary Butterfly
The Glanville Fritillary is a captivating species of butterfly that inhabits several parts of France. Its distinct features and habits set it apart from other butterflies.
Glanville Fritillaries are typically found in meadows or sandy dunes and favor chalky grasslands by the shore.
These butterflies have a unique appearance in France, with the checkerboard pattern of orange, black, and white on their wings.
Measuring between 35 and 46 mm in length, their wingspan qualifies them as medium-sized butterflies.
The main food source for an adult Glanville Fritillary is nectar from flowers like red clover, dandelions, and thistles.
The caterpillars of Glanville Fritillaries emerge from the clusters of eggs the females lay on the host plant to feed.
The adult Glanville Fritillary typically lives for three weeks, which is a short lifespan. This species’ caterpillars are mostly fed on sea plantain (Plantago maritima) and ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata).
It may be a delightful experience to watch the Glanville Fritillary butterfly in its native habitat, so keep a lookout for this fascinating species when you explore the many landscapes of France.
5. Blue with Silver Studs Butterfly
The little, pretty, Silver-studded Blue butterfly is mostly found in grasslands, meadows, and heathlands.
Their name comes from the metallic patches that are silver or blue on the underside of their hindwings.
Their primary habitats are heathlands, meadows, and grasslands. Coastal regions and open forests are also home to them.
Males can be identified by their unique blue wings with black edges and white tips. Brown wings with orange crescents and a few blue specks near the body are characteristic of females.
Compared to other butterfly species, they are very small, with a 25–30 mm wingspan. As adults, they consume floral nectar, such as that found in heather and thyme.
The Fabaceae family of plants is what their caterpillars eat. Females deposit their eggs near ant colonies or on host plants.
The caterpillars and ants have a mutually beneficial connection for food and safety.
Silver-studded Blue adults have a three-week lifespan. The life cycle, which includes the caterpillar stage, takes roughly a year to complete.
Several species of Fabaceae, such as broom, gorse, and common birdsfoot trefoil, serve as the main hosts.
6. Chalk Hill Blue Butterfly
France has some amazing landscapes that are home to the interesting Chalk Hill Blue butterfly species.
These stunning types of butterflies in France are a true treat for those who love the natural world because of its astounding diversity of traits.
These butterflies in France Prefer meadows with chalk and limestone, usually found at higher elevations.
Males are visually remarkable, with narrow black margins and blue wings, while females have brown wings with orange patterns around the edges. Typically tiny, with a 30- to 35-mm wingspan.
Adults consume the nectar of many flowering plants, with marjoram and thistles being their two favorite types.
In midsummer, females place their eggs on the leaves of their host plants during mating. Depending on the surroundings, adults usually live for three to four weeks.
Mostly, horseshoe vetch (Hippocrepis comosa) and sometimes birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) are the host plants.
Remember to look for the graceful Chalk Hill Blue the next time you’re in France; it’s a rare find within the nation’s abundant variety.
7. Small Copper Butterfly
The small copper is one of France’s thirty exquisite kinds of butterflies. This little, vibrant, swift butterfly gives the vibrant French countryside a unique touch.
Grasslands, heathlands, woodland clearings, and even urban gardens are among the habitats in which the Small Copper is frequently found.
As they glide about, these butterflies have complex designs on their wings and a brilliant orange and brown upper surface.
Lifespan: Three weeks is the average lifespan for adult little coppers, and up to three generations can hatch in a single year.
Common and sheep’s sorrel are the favored host plants for these butterflies, as their larvae feed on the leaves before developing into pupae.
Now that you know more about the Small Copper, look for these beautiful types of butterflies in France the next time you enjoy France’s magnificent outdoors.
8. Wall Brown Butterfly
One fascinating type of butterfly you can encounter when touring France’s varied ecosystem is the Wall Brown.
They are an intriguing species due to their unique habits, features, and remarkable appearance.
Meadows, coastal cliffs, and forest clearings are among the sunny, grassy places where Wall Browns are typically seen.
A striking orange hue, fine lines, and dots of dark brown make up the Wall Brown’s appearance. Approximately 4-5 centimeters is the wingspan of these medium-sized butterflies.
The Wall Brown, a member of the Nymphalidae family, mostly consumes nectar from blooming plants.
Reproduction: During the mating season, females place one egg at a time on different grasses, giving the caterpillars plenty to eat.
Look out for this fascinating species as you travel through France, and stop to consider the special traits and ecological contributions of the Wall Brown.
9. Meadow Brown Butterfly
Butterflies of the Meadow Brown species are widespread throughout most of Europe and in large numbers in France. In the summer, it’s a typical sight in meadows and other open areas.
This butterfly is renowned for its ability to adapt, resilience, and resistance to constantly shifting environmental circumstances.
Open forests, hedgerows, meadows, and grasslands make up the habitat.
Forewings with a black eye mark and dark brown to orange wings. A unique scent gland is located on the front wings of males.
These butterflies in France are medium in size, having a wingspan of 40 to 50 mm.
Meadow Browns mostly consume a variety of wildflowers, such as knapweeds, clovers, and thistles.
Reproduction: Mating occurs in late spring or early summer. Females deposit solitary eggs on or near their host plants.
10. Marbles White Butterfly
A unique type of butterfly native to France is the Marbled White. This lovely insect frequently flies around meadows, forests, and grasslands.
Usually found in chalk downs, clearings in the woods, and grassy meadows.
These types of butterflies in France have a remarkable pattern of white and black dots on the underside and top of their wings that gives the impression that they have been “marbled.”
During the summer, adults live for approximately three weeks, a comparatively short lifespan.
Various grass species are used as the egg-laying site; the larval stage primarily consumes Yorkshire fog, Sheep’s Fescue, and Red Fescue.
On your next French nature walk, watch for the Marbled White. If you’re lucky, you might catch sight of this gorgeous butterfly dancing elegantly amid the wildflowers.
11. Pearl Border Fritillary Butterfly
Located in France, the Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary (Boloria selene) is a stunning butterfly species. A few distinctive features set this amazing insect apart from other butterflies.
Pearl-bordered Fritillary prefers moist heathlands, clearings in the woods, and wet meadows.
Orange-brown wings with a border resembling pearls on the lower margin of the hind wings and a noticeable black dot pattern.
With a wingspan of 38–44 mm, this butterfly is classified as small to medium.
The main source of nutrition for adults is the nectar of flowers like buttercups, violets, and thistles.
In about two weeks, the eggs females lay on the leaves of their host plants hatch into caterpillars.
The average adult butterfly lives for two weeks; its life cycle takes a year or so. They are mostly violet species, such as marsh violet and common dog violet.
Please take a moment to admire the Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary the next time you’re in France; it’s a true beauty among butterflies.
12. White Letters Hairstreak Butterfly
The White-letter Hairstreak is a fascinating species of butterfly native to France. It is a sight to behold in the natural world, with its unusual look and captivating behavior.
The butterfly’s primary host is the elm tree, common in scrubby areas, hedgerows, and forest edges. Both places with excellent and damaged ecosystems are home to it.
Adults consume the nectar of many different flowers, including brambles and thistles.
On the twigs of the host plant, near the flower buds, females lay their eggs individually. Adult White-letter Hairstreaks are wing-bound from late June to August.
They produce a single brood each year. This species’ caterpillars only eat elm trees, such as wych, English, and some hybrid varieties.
The number of types of butterflies in France has been significantly impacted by the decrease of elm trees brought on by Dutch elm disease.
13. Black Hairstreak Butterfly
Originating in France, the Black Hairstreak is a remarkable species of butterfly that captivates enthusiasts with its amazing look and fascinating habits.
Black Hairstreak butterflies prefer to be found close to their host plants and are primarily found in forests, hedgerows, and forest edges.
These butterflies in France have dark brown wings with a pronounced white streak pattern on the underside, accompanied by a dramatic row of orange spots near the borders.
Adults of this species are relatively small, with an average wingspan of 28–32 mm.
As adults, their primary food source is honeydew, but they also occasionally consume floral nectar.
The Black Hairstreak lays her eggs near the buds of her host plants so that the larvae can get food immediately when they emerge.
Adult Black Hairstreaks live for about three weeks, a rather short time. Their main host plant is blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), from which the caterpillars will eat on the leaves.
One more marvel of France’s abundant biodiversity is the Black Hairstreak butterfly.
Look out for these delicate butterflies in France when out and about in the countryside or forested areas.
Native to France, the Brimstone butterfly is an intriguing and visually striking insect.
14. Brimstone Butterfly
France’s fascinating types of butterflies are well known for their unusual qualities and distinguishing features.
Gardens with lots of nectar-producing plants, country lanes, and wooded regions are ideal habitats for this butterfly.
Brimstones have a gorgeous pale green color that blends in well with their surroundings and keeps them safe from predators.
Brimstone butterflies are medium-sized, with a roughly 5 to 6 centimeters wingspan.
Adult butterflies consume nectar from various flowering plants, but they particularly like species from the Allium, Salix, and Daphne families.
Female Brimstones lay a single egg on their host plants’ leaves. Adult Brimstone butterflies can live up to 12 months, which is a comparatively long time for a butterfly.
The principal host plants for Brimstone caterpillars are Buckthorn and Alder Buckthorn plants, which offer the caterpillars food and shelter.
As you can see, the French countryside is made more beautiful by the intriguing species of Brimstone butterflies.
If you get the chance to visit their natural home, don’t miss the chance to admire these exquisite types of butterflies in France.
15. Purple-shot Copper
A beautiful butterfly seen throughout France is the Purple-shot Copper.
Grasslands, sunny meadows, and forest borders are the preferred habitats for these types of butterflies in France.
They can be found up to 2,000 meters above sea level and in regions abundant in limestone.
This butterfly’s vivid purple sheen is striking. The female has brown wings with orange dots, and the male is coppery brown with purple iridescence.
The Purple-shot Copper’s wingspan is between 30 and 38 mm. The primary food source for adult butterflies is the nectar of many flowers, including knapweed and thistles.
Females deposit their eggs on the underside of the host plant leaves. These plants serve as the caterpillars’ food source until they pupate.
The adult butterfly only lives for three weeks on average. Dock (Rumex spp.) and sorrel (Rumex acetosa) are the main host plants for Purple-shot Copper caterpillars.
16. Tiny Blue Butterfly
The Tiny Blue butterfly is next on our list of types of butterflies in France. In addition to being visually striking, this small butterfly exhibits unique behaviors and traits that set it apart.
These butterflies in France prefer wastelands and warm, grassy meadows with kidney vetch plants, which are necessary for egg laying.
Pale blue and white are on the upper side of the little wings, and the body is shiny blue to dark grey. It is the tiniest butterfly in France, measuring only 16–27 mm across the wings.
Adults primarily consume flower nectar, especially from cruciferous and legume plants. In the spring, females lay one egg on each bloom of the host plant.
Watch for this adorable little butterfly the next time you’re outside in France. The Small Blue is a joyful discovery in the breathtaking French countryside due to its subtle appeal.
17. Grayling Butterfly
One fascinating type of butterfly in France’s different areas is the grayling. Recognized for its distinct look and flexible nature, this insect is interesting to watch.
Heathlands, coastal dunes, limestone grasslands, and forest clearings are among the sunny, dry habitats that grayling butterflies like.
These butterflies in France have a characteristic eye-shaped mark to ward off predators, and their wings are colored a mixture of grey, brown, and black.
The Grayling butterfly has a wingspan of 54–62 mm, which indicates that it is medium-sized.
The nectar of several plants, including brambles, wild marjoram, and thistles, is what adult graylings eat.
The male graylings wait for the females to pass by while they patrol their territory. After mating, the ladies lay their eggs on the host plants.
Grayling butterflies spend most of their life cycle in the caterpillar and pupal phases, lasting two to three weeks as adults.
Various grass species, including bents, fescues, and common couches, are the caterpillars’ favored hosts.
