There are numerous butterfly species in Semuliki National Park, Uganda. Identified butterfly species include 46 of forest Swallowtails and Charaxes (75% of Uganda’s total). There are at least 235 species of moths that have been classified as restricted. The wide range of species is attributed not only to the location of the forest but also to the varied habitats, including the forest swamp grassland, bushland and extensive woodland. The unique Sempaya hot springs and habitats are believed to support the presence of a variety of butterfly species in Semuliki National Park.
Butterflies feature among the very few stunning and attractive insect species that you should consider sighting while on your butterfly safari in Semuliki National Park. They come in magnificent colors and can easily be identified, which makes Uganda indeed the Pearl of Africa!
For amazing butterfly encounters, Kibale Forest National Park is one of the other best areas to see butterflies in Uganda. These beautiful creatures can be best spotted while on a forest or nature walk.
About 33 percent of Uganda is made of Afro-tropical species, which comprise of more than 46 butterfly species. This excludes the subspecies that make up a total of 700. The 4 distinct butterfly families that have been recorded in Semuliki National Park include the hesperiidae species, pieridae, papilionidae, nymphalidae species and lycaenidae species.
More About Butterfly Species in Semuliki
About 35 of the species are believed to be endemic to the park and most of them originate from Lycaenidae family, which makes up to 80 percent of the endemics. The notable ones include the Papilio zalmoxis hewitson, Papilio nireus Linnaeus, Papilio antimachus parva Jackson, Graphium antheus, Papilio nireus pseudo nireus felder and felder among others.
The smallest species are not larger than the fingernail, and the biggest swallowtails are larger than the smallest birds. They offer aesthetic appeal and are linked to all plants and crops at all stages of their life cycle.
Butterflies have an average life span just like any creature on earth and it ranges from 20 to 40 days. There are few that can thrive up to 9 months. Like other insects, butterflies too lay eggs. The entire process takes 4 stages, starting with eggs, larva, pupa, and then the adult. The lava butterfly is called a ‘caterpillar’.
Lifestyle of Butterflies
These stunning creatures can only see the red, green and yellow color since they come in dark color which is need to absorb heat from the surrounding area. They do not have any chewing mouth parts, but blessed with a tubular straw-like appendage called proboscis, that helps them sip nectar. They can smell with their antennae and taste using their feet and they are a few species in the world that can orient themselves both in latitude and longitude. Males attract females by releasing pheromone chemicals from their abdomen.
The numerous butterfly species in Semuliki National Park make up part of the park’s natural treasures. With a variety of these beautiful species and habitats, we believe that you will have a fantastic experience with these brightly colored species in the world.
This magical destination is a refuge for the largest number of butterflies and they have not been explored by most visitors on safari in Africa. There is a lot more than you can learn while on your butterfly exploration in the Pearl of Africa, that will leave a lifetime memory in your mind.
Unlock the pure magic by complimenting your visit to Semuliki with a gorilla trekking tour in Bwindi forests and come face to face with the most desired primates in Africa.