Although Hong Kong only makes up 0.01% the size of China, there are more than 240 species of butterflies, representing about 11% of the > 2,100 species recorded throughout China.
Historical records show that Hong Kong has an accumulation of around 300 butterfly species. Among them, over 50 species are considered occasional vagrants, doubtful species or having no recent records. After removing these species, the current butterfly checklist in Hong Kong comprises 245 species, including one endemic subspecies Beggar's Ace (Halpe paupera walthewi).
Besides having cultural and ornamental value, butterflies also play important and unique roles in ecology, science and the economy. The most widely known is the close correlation between butterflies and plants. At least six flora species in Hong Kong depend on butterflies to disperse pollens: Splash-of-white (Mussaenda pubescens), Hong Kong Pavetta (Pavetta hongkongensis), Glabrous Pittosporum (Pittosporum glabratum), Acronychia (Acronychia pedunculata), Long-flowered Ehretia (Ehretia longiflora) and Reevesia (Reevesia thyrsoidea).
