There are 70,000 known specie of Lepidopterans in the world of which only 7,000 are Butterflies and the rest are all moths. Sri Lanka has the largest moth in the world the Atlas moth which is commonly found and is also home to 245 species of Butterflies, out of which 21 are endemic. There are 11 families represented in Sri Lanka which includes the Danaidae, Satyridae, Amathusiidae, Nymphaliae, Acreidae, Libytheidae, Lycaenidae, Pieridae, Papilionodae & Hesperiidea. The climatic zones of the country hold different species of butterflies. Wherever you travel in Sri Lanka you will be able to see & observe some of the commoner butterflies like the Common Jezebel, Common, Plain and Glassy Tiger, Common Indian Crow, White-four Ring, Psyche, Three-spot Grassyellow. Butterflies can be watched throughout the year in Sri Lanka. However, there are two seasons where butterfly populations increase significantly. (click for Butterfly Check List)

Visitors who have a special interest in butterflies can either have it as a part of a general wildlife holiday or you can choose `Butterflies of Sri Lanka’ – a butterfly watching holiday accompanied by an expert naturalists.

Butterflies of Sri Lanka: This is an adventurous journey through Sri Lana’s wetlands and forest reserves in search of the island’s butterflies - from the largest Ceylon Birdwing to the smallest - the Grass Jewel. We have selected eco friendly bungalows and hotels that have special butterfly gardens or grow flowers which attract many butterfly species for this itinerary - a delight for guests. (More)

Birds of Sri Lanka: This journey begins at the Talangama wetlands, then on to the magnificent Sinharaja rain forest, the deep south and the jungles of Yala, and on to the Hortain Plains National Park situated in the hill country 7,000 ft above sea level and finally to the Cultural Triangle village of Sigiriya where you will spot the dry zone birds. This journey is also ideal for spotting the island’s numerous species of butterflies. (More)

Tailor made Birding Holiday: This holiday takes you to a range of fascinating locations, including coastal wetlands, rainforests and the soaring peaks of the hill country. Whether bird watching is your passion, or you merely fancy a dabble, pick up a pair of binoculars, a guidebook and a notepad and join us in this birdwatcher’s paradise. This journey is also ideal for spotting the island’s numerous species of butterflies. (More)

Sri Lanka’s Wilderness: This wilderness journey takes you through the marshes and lagoons of the west coast, to a camping safari in Uda Walawe National Park famous for its elephant herds. Journey to the hill country’s mountain peaks through tea estates, followed by the tropical rainforests in the foothills of the mountains. On to the deep south where finally you will rest and relax on the sunkissed beaches of Mirissa where Whale and Dolphin spotting is a must during the season. (More)

Sri Lanka Nature Trek: This ‘Sri Lanka Nature Trek’ is specially designed for ramblers, nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. We’ve hunted down eco-retreats and hotels situated in the most picturesque locations and created an itinerary that takes you to see some of the island’s most memorable natural sites, including peaceful jungles in the cultural triangle, the impressive Hunnas Giriya Mountains, the pristine tea-growing highlands, Yala’s rolling plains and the virgin rainforests of Sinharaja.(More)

Wildlife & Beach Explorer: This journey let’s you experience some of Sri Lanka’s unique destinations - the magnificent wilderness and the south coast beaches in luxurious comfort. An adventurous safari through the wilderness ends with five days of relaxation on the beautiful south coast beaches of Tangalle. We have selected unique accommodation – secluded private villas, eco-retreats, and luxury camping in the wilderness – to ensure a journey filled with memorable experiences. (More)

Butterflies and Dragonflies of Sri Lanka:  www.srilankaninsects.net  Information different species found in Sri Lanka and locations.

The IUCN Species Survival Commission:  www.iucnredlist.org - 2007 IUCN Red List of threatened Species

Butterfly Conservation is a worldwide organization that conducts educational programmes and conservation activities.  President of the organization is Sir David Attenborough.  http://www.butterfly-conservation.org

Thailand’s Amazing Insects.  http://www.thaibugs.com has photographs and information on numerous species of butterflies.

Butterfly Site provides information on butterfly gardens, life cycle, and related information.  http://www.butterflysite.com

Wildlife & Nature Protection Society (WNPS), 86 Rajamalwatta Road, Battaramulla. Tel: 2887390, Fax: 2887664. E mail: wnps@sltnet.lk.

The Young Zoologists’ Association of Sri Lanka, National Zoological Gardens, Dehiwala. Tel: 4204566, Fax: 2714524.

Field Ornithology Group of Sri Lanka (FOGSL), Department of Zoology, University of Colombo, Colombo 03. Tel: 5342609, Fax: 5337644, E mail: fogsl@slt.lk

The Sri Lanka Natural History Society (SLNHS), Hony. Secretary, SLNHS, 49/7A, Fife Road, Colombo 5. Tel: 2500266.  E-mail: taraw@dialogsl.net

'The Butterflies of Ceylon', by Bernard D'Abrera (1992). Wildlife Heritage Trust, Colombo.  

'A Selection of Butterflies of Sri Lanka', by John & Judy Banks (1985). Lake House Investments, Colombo, Sri Lanka.

'The Butterflies of Sri Lanka', by Aritha & Aresha Wickramanayake (2007).

'Gehan’s Photo Booklets – Butterflies of Sri Lanka & Southern India', by Gehan de Silva Wijeyeratne. 2005

'Butterflies of Sri Lanka for Children', by Sriyani Mithapala (2006). Colombo
ISBN: 955-99378-0-4.

'The 2007 Red List of Threatened Fauna and Flora on Sri Lanka', Colombo, Sri Lanka (2007). IUCN Sri Lanka & Ministry of Environment & Natural Resources.  ISBN: 978-955-8177-63-1.