The labyrinth, commonly called the African labyrinth, was selected as the 2024 Butterfly of the Year in Spain. The other finalists were the Canary wave butterfly, Paraj xiphioides, the Saturnia pavonia or little turkey, and Vanessa atalanta, chosen by fans across the country.
Tarucus theophrastus, known as the African labyrinth, is notably small next to most European diurnal butterflies. It also shows remarkable tolerance to extreme weather, a trait that helps it endure arid habitats.
The species thrives in dry regions and is well adapted to arid and semi-arid climates. In Spain it is primarily associated with the provinces of Almeria and Murcia, where jujube is grown and provides a key food source for its caterpillars. The butterflys range includes North Africa and Asia Minor, extending to India.
The shrinking living space for this butterfly has accelerated due to urban growth and intensified farming in greenhouses, a type of resort that has dominated the Almeria region for years.
In Spain the distribution is limited to the region of Murcia and the province of Almera, reflecting its specialized habitat needs.
The Butterfly of the Year selection is led by the Association for the Protection of Spanish Butterflies and Their Environment, known as Zerynthia. This organization has been at the forefront of butterfly research, conservation, and outreach since 2007. Through the annual selection held since 2016, the aim is to spotlight a diurnal or nocturnal species, raise public awareness about its threats, and encourage conservation efforts.
257 species of diurnal butterflies in Spain
Spain hosts 257 diurnal butterfly species, making it the second most diverse country for these insects in the European Union. When the roughly 5,130 species of moths are added, the richness of the country’s natural heritage becomes even more evident. The Butterfly of the Year award not only recognizes this biodiversity but also emphasizes the need to safeguard these species for ecological balance. In addition, activities are planned to raise awareness about the winning species, including field trips, educational materials, and the publication of technical guides.
Finalists of the 2024 competition
1. Saturnia pavonia, the little turkey. This species is the smallest of the six saturniid species found in Spain. During the day, females release a strong pheromone to attract males. At night, eggs are laid on a wide range of wild plants that feed the caterpillars. It is a butterfly of striking beauty found in most Spanish provinces.
2. Vanessa atalanta, known as the red admiral. It is among the butterflies with the greatest migratory capacity in Europe. In autumn, large numbers of adults reach Spain from central and northern Europe. In some winters the migration is especially intense and easy to observe. They tolerate cold and can be seen on sunny days. After winter, they breed to reoccupy northern regions of the continent.
3. Paraj xiphioides, the Canary wavy. This butterfly is common in moist, shaded forest zones such as laurel forests. It is related to the European wavy butterfly and is a Canarian endemism restricted to Gran Canaria, Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro. It belongs to a group of 13 diurnal Canarian endemics valued for their limited distribution and exclusivity.
Distribution notes indicate that the Canary wavy is exclusive to the Canary Islands, found in El Hierro, La Palma, La Gomera, Tenerife and Gran Canaria. The region otherwise hosts a variety of butterflies that reflect a rich ecosystem.
Images accompany the entries to illustrate the species during the competition. These visuals help underscore the beauty and ecological significance of each finalist. The environmental department reference in a previous version has been removed to maintain focus on conservation and biodiversity information.