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Delias clathrata

Delias geraldina

The butterflies which make up the Pierine Genus Delias are to be found in Central and Southern China, Tibet, Formosa, India eastwards to the Solomon Islands and Australia,  although the 'hotbed' is the Island of Irian Jaya/Papua New Guinea.

These butterflies frequent grass country and open woodland. They generally occur from 2500 to 8000 feet, and very occasionally to 10000 feet. Because of this habit of only living in mountainous areas, where populations are isolated, many distinct subspecies have been found, unique to a single mountain range.

Those species which have the widest range are those which can be found at lower altitudes.

On this site, you will find a complete list of all species and subspecies, together with photographs and thumbnail notes relating to as many species as possible.

The aim is to make this site a complete reference for this family and to develop this and include cross references for geographical distribution. It is intended to also include a bibliography. However, this is a long way off as the individual species must take preference.

I am deeply indebted to the following individuals who have assisted me enormously in providing photographs, information and correcting the many errors which have crept onto the site: Clive Pratt of The Insect Company, Robert Gotts, Godfried Gerrits, Henk van Mastrigt, Jens Jakusch, Bob Aronheim, Chris Muller,  Maurizio Bollino and the Curator of the collection at the Royal Albert Memorial Museum, Exeter for access to their collection..

This site is constantly developing, and if you have any comments, good or bad, please contact me at lesday1@delias-butterflies.co.uk. Also, if you have any photographs you are prepared to show on this site.

I hope that you enjoy your visit, and that you will return shortly.
Les Day