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Butterflies of the east Algarve Portugal.

Butterfly Trip Report 13^th – 21^st May 2007

Phil & Brenda Larkin

Like most people looking for something away from the bustle of the larger holiday destinations in the Algarve, we were drawn to Casa Rosa by the website and endorsements from first-time and regular visitors – we were not disappointed. The laid-back atmosphere, extremely welcoming hosts and good food exceeded all our expectations. The local knowledge of Roger and Hanny and the customary sharing of information from like-minded naturalists staying at Casa Rosa meant that we could easily fill the days with birds, butterflies and an assortment of reptiles, insects and of course flowers without too much effort.

Casa Rosa is not promoted as a butterfly hotspot, but you should find most typical species for Southern Portugal in the immediate area or not too far distant.

The following is a list of species seen during an 8 day stay in May. There were no serious efforts to make a big list, in fact 4 of the days were spent by the pool with short walks around the garden and the ‘donkey track’ which leads from Casa Rosa through local fields and farm land. Only 2 excursions were made to Monchique and the Coto Donana, which I would recommend to anyone; it is mostly easy motorway driving and you will find a wealth of interesting wildlife here.

BUTTERFLIES

Brimstone Gonepteryx rhamni – seen regularly in all locations visited

Southern Gatekeeper Pyronia Cecilia – can be found all around the garden particularly the pines at the back of the apartments

Wall Brown Lasiommata megera – seen everywhere

Small Copper Lycaena phlaeas – found in the garden by the entrance

Geranium Bronze Cacyreus marshalli – 3 specimens on the flowers by the ‘frogs’ at the entrance to the terraces and on the dining terrace

Speckled Wood Pararge aegeria – all along the donkey track

Meadow Brown Maniola jurtina – all along the donkey track

Large White Pieris brassica – seen everywhere

Small White Pieris rapae – seen everywhere but not as regular as L. White

Lulworth Skipper Thymelicus action – by the bee hives and the first gate on the donkey track

Common Blue Polyommatus icarus – seen regularly from the donkey track

Cleopatra Gonepteryx Cleopatra – regularly found on the donkey track, but extremely difficult to photo

Swallowtail Papilio machaon – seen everywhere

Ilex Hairstreak Satyrium ilicis - a few found at Mte. San Miguel

Clouded Yellow Colias crocea – seen everywhere, with 1 found roosting in the garden

Spanish Purple Hairstreak Laeosopis evippus – numerous at Coto Donana

Two-tailed Pasha Charaxes jasius – initially found by 2 visiting photographers. 2 specimens seen at Mte. San Miguel on a regular perch 10 yards from the car parking area. Easy to identify by the large size.

Spanish Swallowtail Iphiclides feisthamelii – 1 seen at Mte. San Miguel

Blue Spot Hairstreak Satyrium spini – plenty at Mte. San Miguel

Western Dappled White Euchloe crameri - seen passing through the garden and along the donkey track

Spanish Marbled White Melanargia ines – numerous Mte. San Miguel

Lang’s Short tailed Blue Leptotes pirithous – 1 found in vegetation by a small brook near Monchique

Brown Argus Aricia agestis – only found at Coto Danana but should be seen elsewhere

Holly Blue Celastrina argiolus – 1 seen on the road from Monchique

Comma Polygonia c-album – 2 seen on the road from Monchique

Green-striped White Euchloe belemia – plenty at Coto Donana

Long-tailed Blue Lampides boeticus – 1 seen on the road from Monchique

Two interesting local sites are (1) the ‘donkey track’ (ask Roger or Hanny for directions). After about 400 yards along the track there is a field on the left with bee hives. Anywhere in this area is good for the common butterfly species. The Geranium Bronze is present in the Casa Rosa garden with at least 3 separate specimens present during our stay; one could even be seen on the plants on the dining terrace. (2) The summit of Mte. San Miguel which is a short drive away. Again Roger will provide directions. Go to the very highest point among the masts and buildings and park where you can. There is a bit of rubbish about but the bushes and grass hold hairstreaks, various whites, plenty of Swallowtails and Two-tailed Pasha (we saw 2). Our second visit here provided views of 3 Honey Buzzard and 5 eagles (species yet to be identified from grab-shot photos), a Blue Rock Thrush and plenty of other bird species. The police seem to patrol this area regularly, but appear to be very relaxed and can spot a Brit tourist a mile off especially when carrying bins, cameras, scopes etc.

Ref :

Butterflies of Europe – Tristan Lafranchis

As Borboletas de Portugal – Ernesto Maravalhas

Butterflies of Britain and Europe – Tolman & Lewington

And a few more butterfly pictures taken by myself or our guests,

Speckled wood butterfly.

             Clouded Yellow

Swallowtail courtesy of Charles Cuthbert.