Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to over 300 species of butterflies. These butterflies play an important role in pollinating plants such as lantana, wild coffee, and hibiscus.
Below are some of the butterfly species found in the park:
- Charaxes: Charaxes butterflies are large with blue or green undersides. They fly fast and are commonly seen in Maramagambo Forest and Kyambura Gorge.
- Swallowtails: Swallowtails are large, colorful butterflies with yellow or black patterns and tails on their back wings. They are also found in Kyambura Gorge.
- Acreas: Acreas fly slowly and often rest on damp soil. One example is the Acrea egina. They are found around Mweya Peninsula and near Lake Edward.
- Monarchs and Milkweed Butterflies: Monarchs belong to the milkweed group. They live in open grasslands and near lake shores like the banks of the Kazinga Channel. These butterflies are large, bright orange with black lines and white spots. They feed on milkweed, which makes them poisonous to predators.
- Skippers and Blues: These are small butterflies often seen near water. They are found along the Kazinga Channel, Mweya Peninsula, and Lake Edward.
The best time to see butterflies is during the wet seasons, from March to May and September to November. This is when flowers are blooming. Morning hours between 9 am and 11 am are ideal for viewing them as they are most active then.
Butterflies show that the park’s ecosystem is healthy. However, their habitats are being affected by climate change and habitat loss. Butterflies are also eaten by birds like bee-eaters and reptiles. Pesticides can harm them, but the park is working to restore and protect their homes.
To enjoy butterfly watching, use a local guide who knows where to find them. Binoculars are helpful since many butterflies are small. Walk slowly, especially near flowers, so you don’t miss them.
If you enjoy photography, consider using a macro lens to capture their details. The Ishasha sector also has many butterfly species, along with the famous tree-climbing lions.
Butterflies in Queen Elizabeth National Park help pollinate flowering plants and support the health of the environment.
