Butterflies of Spain – Iberianature

Spurge hawk-moth

September 23, 2026 nick.iberianature No Comments

This fat, handsome fella near Horta de Sant Joan, Tarragona. It is the caterpillar of a spurge hawk-moth (Hyles euphorbiae) feeding on spiny starwort (Pallenis spinosa). A juicy, looking but toxic prize for many birds.

Swallowtail butterfly

September 23, 2026September 23, 2026 nick.iberianature No Comments

Butterflies of Spain, Invertebrates of Spain, Urban wildlife of Barcelona

This gorgeous Scarce Swallowtail (Iphiclides feisthamelii) on Montjuïc, one of around 51 species of butterflies found in Barcelona’s city parks.By way of comparison, the entire UK has ~60.