Butterflies of Leningrad Oblast

Butterflies of northwestern Russia

Leningrad Oblast lies in the zone of taiga and mixed forests — this determines moderate butterfly diversity. About 80 species of day-flying Lepidoptera — far fewer than in Central Russia — but in good years an experienced observer can see 20–30 species in a single day.

Characteristic species

Taiga and forest species

In coniferous and mixed forests live mourning cloak (Nymphalis antiopa), several fritillaries, woodland satyrs, and sulphurs. In old forests on clearings you may find lesser purple emperor (Apatura ilia).

Meadow species

Old meadows are the richest butterfly biotopes in the oblast. Checkerspots, fritillaries, and blues fly here. Wet meadows and boggy forest edges are especially valuable, where pearl-bordered fritillary (Boloria euphrosyne) and Freija’s fritillary (Boloria freija) live.

Bog species

On peat bogs occur specialized species: Freija’s fritillary, polaris fritillary (Boloria polaris), and sulphurs of the genus Colias. These are northern-range species reaching their southern limit here.

Rare species

• Mnemosyne (Parnassius mnemosyne) — in individual forest tracts with Corydalis
• Maturin’s fritillary (Euphydryas maturna) — wet alder woods and floodplains, a rare species
• Alcon blue (Phengaris arion) — limestone slopes in the south of the oblast

Best observation sites

Luga District — the richest meadows and forest edges in the oblast, several rare species.

Gatchina District — parks and meadows with good diversity of common species.

Karelian Isthmus — a mix of pine and meadow biotopes, a good site for satyrs and fritillaries.

Lake Ladoga shore — dune meadows with unique species.

Seasonal calendar

To learn species of the northwest start with day-flying butterflies and use the key by wing colour.