Can Butterflies Fly Across The Ocean?

Butterflies seem to be these fragile insects that look like they can’t handle a strong gust of wind. Given their delicate appearance, you might be surprised by the answer to this question: can butterflies fly across the ocean?

The short answer: yes. Many species of butterflies can fly across the ocean. For example, Some of these butterflies travel nearly twice the distance between New York and London over their long journey.Below, you’ll find out more about different species of butterflies with overseas migratory patterns.

Five Butterfly Species That Can Fly Across the Ocean

Below, you’ll find a list of five of some of the more popular butterfly species known to fly overseas. Their migration will often extend thousands of miles.

1. Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus)

The Monarch Butterfly is perhaps one of the most famous butterflies that might go overseas. Their annual trek goes from Mexico to the Gulf Coast, where they go to leave the next generation of monarchs. 

The Monarch Butterfly has migratory patterns that go up into eastern North America. Their journey can go as high as the great lakes, traveling thousands of miles throughout the changing seasons. 

2. Chestnut Tiger (Parantica sita)

The Chestnut Tiger is a beautiful butterfly known for traveling across the East China Sea. They travel between Japan and China, sometimes going as far as South Korea. 

These butterflies can travel throughout the Himalayan and Malayan regions. Many travel as they bring in the next generation of Chestnut Tigers. 

3. Lemon Emigrant (Catopsilla pomona) 

These small, lemon-like butterflies don’t look like much but can fly great distances over their 14-day lifespans. These butterflies make long flights over Malaysia and India, traveling in lines of about a dozen adults. 

These butterflies can disable their reproductive abilities, thinning their bodies for long-distance travel. But not all will make the journey, as they contain both migratory and non-migratory groups. 

4. Caper White (Belenois java)

The Caper White is a butterfly that lives in Australia, Indonesia, and Melanesia. Every six to ten years, they fly over the Great Dividing Range but sometimes go further in pursuit of food and a place to lay their eggs. 

Australians who have witnessed the site will see millions of butterflies fly overhead all at once. The site is beautiful, although somewhat eerie. 

5. Dark Blue Tiger (Tirumala septentrionis)

The Dark Blue Tiger is a beautiful butterfly across India and Southeast Asia. The mild blue tint makes them easy to distinguish, making them a striking sight as they take to the air.

Migrations will often go from the Western Ghats to the Eastern Ghats (two coastal mountain ranges in India). But they will go across the ocean to Southeast Asia, evidenced by how they are found there.

Wrap Up

The mighty butterfly might look lightweight and petite but has endurance beyond that appearance. The distant migratory patterns of butterflies remind us that we shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. After all, the most delicate creatures have hidden strengths.