The epitome of aerial freedom, able to move through our natural world in three dimensions, and mysterious in their fantastic transformations from one stage of their life cycle to the next, butterflies are truly creatures of wonder. Dig into their world, explore their fascinating adaptations and natural history, and see what attracts people from all walks of life to these winged jewels.

1.   Parantica danatti danatti (Talbot, 1936). This species inhabits forested areas at high elevations in Mindanao, 1200 up 2500 meters. Range: S.E. Mindanao (Mt. Apo, etc.)

2.   Cethosia biblis barangingi (Tsukafa, 1985). Inhabits southernmost Philippines: Bongao, Sibutu, Tawi-Tawi and Jolo. The intense bright red-orange color of the wings in flight makes this species one of the most attractive butterflies.

3.   Menalaides polytes ledebouria (Escsholtz, 1821). Common once upon a time but now uncommon perhaps due to progress. The butterfly can be seen all year round and is distributed throughout the archipelago. Can be found around human habitations and also thrives in secondary forests.

4.   Appias nero palawanica (Staudinger, 1889). A popular orange pierid butterfly distributed in the Chinese peninsula to Sundaland and the Philippines. Subspecies A. n. palawanica can be found in Palawan. The female has three forms- orange, yellow and white discal band on its wings.

5.   Udara tyotaroi (Eliot & Kawazoe, 1983). Found only in the high altitude areas of Mt. Apo, Southern Mindanao. This tiny butterfly belongs to the Lycaenidae family, commonly known as hairstreaks, pearls or blues, due to the metallic iridiscent light to dark blue color sheen.

6.   Idea electra electra (Semper, 1878) A unique species confined to Mindanao. Popularly known as the "Dragonfly Idea" due to the appearance of the males' elongated forewings and extra long abdomen.

7.   Charaxes bajula adoration (Schroeder & Treadaway, 1982). Uncommon nymphalid species found in Northern and Central Luzon. The butterfly was named after writer Adoracion Gaskell Nuyda for her contributions on pro-environment articles.

8.   Tanaecia calliphorus calliphorus (Felder, 1864). Inhabits forested undergrowth areas and can be found in Luzon, Marinduque and Polilio Island. Can easily be recognized by the iridiscent blue band on its wings.

9.   Trogonoptera trojana (Honrath, 1886). This butterfly is an endemic species in Palawan, where it replaces Trogonoptera brookiana in the rest of Sundaland. Trogonoptera trojana is considered one of the most beautiful oriental butterflies.