What Is the Smallest Butterfly?

The smallest butterfly is found in South Africa and is popularly known as the dwarf blue butterfly. Small butterflies of this type have a wingspan of about 0.5 inches (1.27 cm). The wingspan of the female is slightly larger than that of the male. Dwarf blues are commonly found in savannas and other types of grassland environments.

More facts about butterflies:

• The largest butterfly is the white birdwing. Found in the Solomon Islands, the wingspan of this butterfly can be as much as 12 inches (30.5 cm).


• The lifespan of butterflies varies greatly. Some species will die within a few days, and others will live for as long as six months. For most butterflies, the first meal involves consuming their own eggshells.


• A total of 17,500 species of butterflies had been identified as of 2010. With the exception of Antarctica, butterflies can be found on every continent on Earth. Most species will migrate short distances, although some butterflies will migrate 1,000 miles (1,609.3 km) or more.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the smallest butterfly in the world?

The title of the smallest butterfly in the world goes to the Western Pygmy Blue (Brephidium exilis), with a wingspan of just about 12 to 15 millimeters. This tiny lepidopteran can be found in the western United States, extending down to Central America and even parts of South America.

Where can the Western Pygmy Blue butterfly be found?

The Western Pygmy Blue butterfly is known for its wide range, inhabiting areas from the western United States to Venezuela. It thrives in diverse habitats, including salt marshes, coastal dunes, and even wastelands, showcasing its adaptability to various environments.

What does the Western Pygmy Blue butterfly look like?

Despite its diminutive size, the Western Pygmy Blue is striking, with coppery brown to bluish wings edged in a chequered pattern of white and dark brown. The undersides of its wings display a subtle grayish-brown color with a sprinkling of white spots, aiding in camouflage against predators.

How does the size of the Western Pygmy Blue compare to other butterflies?

When compared to other butterflies, the Western Pygmy Blue is significantly smaller. For instance, the well-known Monarch butterfly has a wingspan of roughly 90 to 100 millimeters, making the Western Pygmy Blue's wingspan about one-seventh to one-eighth the size of a Monarch's.

What is the lifespan of the Western Pygmy Blue butterfly?

The lifespan of the Western Pygmy Blue butterfly, from egg to the end of the adult stage, typically spans about one month. However, this can vary based on environmental conditions and the availability of host plants for their larvae.

Are Western Pygmy Blue butterflies endangered?

Currently, the Western Pygmy Blue butterfly is not considered endangered. It has a broad geographic range and is able to inhabit a variety of environments, which helps in maintaining stable population levels. However, like many species, it could be impacted by habitat loss and environmental changes.