🦋 Butterflies 🦋
To Get Started:
Click the butterfly you'd like to learn more about.
🦋 Learn About Butterflies! 🦋
Butterfly Identification Facts
Common Name: Butterfly
Scientific Name: The scientific name for butterflies, Lepidoptera, comes from Greek roots. It is derived from two Greek words: "Lepido-" meaning "scale" or "scales". "-ptera" meaning "wings".
Thus, Lepidoptera roughly translates to "scale wings", which refers to the tiny, scale-like structures covering the wings of butterflies and moths. These scales give the wings their color and texture, and they are one of the key features that distinguish butterflies and moths from other insects.
In short, the name Lepidoptera highlights the characteristic scaly wings of these beautiful insects!
Appearance:
Butterflies are known for their bright, colorful wings that can resemble a rainbow or painted canvas. Their wings sparkle in the sunlight like glitter, with patterns that can be eye-catching or even camouflaged to help them blend into their environment. Not all butterflies are brightly colored; some have wings designed with special patterns that help them blend into their surroundings, acting like camouflage in leafy environments. In fact, some butterflies’ wings even resemble tree bark, making them almost invisible to predators!
Butterfly Habitat and Range
-
Where do they live?
Butterflies can be found all over the world, from magical rainforests to your very own backyard! They love to flutter around in gardens, fields, forests, and even deserts. Some species travel long distances and can be spotted in places you’d least expect.
Butterfly Diet / Caterpillar Diet
-
What do they eat?
Butterflies are nectar lovers! They sip nectar from flowers just like bees. Their long, coiled proboscis acts like a straw, helping them to drink from flowers without disturbing the plant. Some butterflies also feed on tree sap, rotting fruit, and even animal dung for minerals! -
The caterpillar of each species of butterfly eats a different type of plant. These plants are called "Host Plants", you can plant more of a specific type of host plant to attract and provide homes to specific types of butterflies!
-
You can learn more about Host plants from my blog here
Butterfly Behavior
-
How do they behave?
Butterflies are playful and graceful. They flutter in a dance-like pattern, often moving from flower to flower in a slow, steady manner. Some butterflies can even "sunbathe" by opening their wings wide to soak up the sun's warmth. Interestingly, they can often be seen flapping their wings gently in a calming, rhythmic motion.
Importance in Nature
-
Role in the ecosystem:
Butterflies are incredible pollinators! As they sip nectar, they carry pollen from flower to flower, helping plants reproduce. Without them, many plants wouldn't be able to grow and bloom. They're like little nature's helpers, keeping the environment healthy and beautiful!
Butterfly Cool Facts
-
Fun Facts:
-
Some butterflies migrate over thousands of miles—like the Monarch, which travels from North America to central Mexico!
-
The fastest butterfly can fly at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour—much faster than you might think!
-
Did you know some butterflies can taste with their feet? Their feet have sensors to help them find the perfect plant to lay their eggs on.
-
Butterfly Conservation Status
-
Are butterflies in danger?
Some species of butterflies, like the Monarch, are currently endangered due to habitat loss and climate change. We can help by planting native plants and butterfly-friendly flowers like milkweed and by creating habitats in our gardens or local parks.
How to Attract More Butterflies to Your Garden
Butterflies are not only beautiful but also vital pollinators for our environment. If you want to attract more butterflies to your garden, it’s important to provide the right plants for both their larvae (caterpillars) and adult stages. Butterfly host plants and nectar-rich flowers are key to creating a butterfly-friendly habitat.
Essential Plants to Attract Butterflies (Host Plants):
Butterfly larvae are typically very specific about the plants they feed on. These plants are known as "host plants," and they provide the necessary food for caterpillars to grow and develop.
In addition to host plants, adult butterflies are drawn to a wide variety of nectar-rich flowers, including lavender, zinnias, black-eyed Susans, and coneflowers. These plants offer a valuable food source for butterflies, supporting them throughout their lifespan.
Why Plant Native Species?
When choosing plants to attract butterflies, always opt for native species. Native plants are better suited to your local environment, providing the best resources for both caterpillars and adult butterflies. By planting native plants, you help support local butterfly populations and contribute to the health of your regional ecosystem.
Create a Butterfly Haven:
To maximize your chances of attracting butterflies, consider planting a variety of host plants and nectar flowers. Choose plants that bloom at different times of the year to provide a continuous food source for butterflies, from early spring to late fall.
By creating a butterfly-friendly garden, you’ll enjoy the beauty of these fascinating insects while also supporting their crucial role in the ecosystem. If you’re ready to start your butterfly garden, browse our selection of native butterfly plants to get started today!
Check out our resources section for more help on which plants are native to your area or to register your garden!
Monarch Butterfly
Basic Identification Facts
-
Common Name: Monarch Butterfly
Scientific Name: Danaus plexippus
Meaning of Scientific Name: The name Danaus is from Greek mythology, referencing the ancient king Danaus, while plexippus refers to a type of butterfly in the genus, meaning "darting" or "leaping" in Greek. -
Appearance:
The Monarch is one of the most iconic butterflies, easily recognized by its bright orange wings with black and white borders. Its wings look like fiery stained glass windows, with black lines that resemble delicate veins. In the sun, they glow with a warm, vibrant orange that’s hard to miss!
Habitat and Range
-
Where does it live?
Monarchs are found across North and South America, especially in meadows, gardens, and fields. They migrate to warmer areas, with the most famous migration being from Canada and the United States to the forests of central Mexico during the winter months.-
Fun Fact: During migration, millions of Monarchs travel together in a spectacular display that looks like a living cloud of orange!
-
Diet
-
What does it eat?
Monarch butterflies primarily feed on nectar from flowers, just like bees. Their long, tube-like proboscis allows them to sip from a wide variety of flowers, but they especially love milkweed. Fun fact: Monarch caterpillars only eat milkweed, which makes them toxic to predators—an excellent defense mechanism!
Behavior
-
Monarchs are famous for their long-distance migration, traveling up to 3,000 miles to escape the cold and find warmer climates. Their flight is slow and graceful, with wings that beat slowly, allowing them to glide through the air. Monarchs are also known to cluster together in huge groups when they migrate, forming a breathtaking spectacle in the sky.
Importance in Nature
-
Role in the ecosystem:
Monarchs play a vital role as pollinators, helping plants reproduce by transferring pollen from one flower to another as they sip nectar. This keeps many ecosystems thriving and healthy. They are also an important food source for other animals at different stages of their life cycle.
Cool Facts
-
Fun Facts:
-
Monarchs are one of the only insects that migrate thousands of miles in a single journey, much like birds.
-
They can live up to 9 months during migration, which is much longer than most other butterflies.
-
Monarchs' distinctive bright orange color acts as a warning to predators, signaling that they are toxic and not tasty!
-
Conservation Status
-
Is the Monarch endangered?
Monarchs have been facing a decline in population due to habitat loss, especially the destruction of milkweed plants, and the effects of climate change. However, we can help by planting milkweed in gardens and supporting efforts to protect their migration routes.
How to Get More of these Butterflies
Monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) are known for their impressive migration and their striking orange and black wings. The larvae of Monarch butterflies are highly specific in their plant preferences, relying primarily on milkweed species for food. Here’s a list of host plants that Monarch butterflies typically use for their larvae:
-
Asclepias species (Milkweed)
-
Asclepias tuberosa (Butterfly Weed)
-
Asclepias Syriaca (Common Milkweed)
-
Asclepias incarnata (Swamp Milkweed)
-
Asclepias verticillata (Whorled Milkweed)
-
Asclepias purpurascens (Purple Milkweed)
-
Asclepias exaltata (Tall Milkweed)
-
Monarch larvae feed exclusively on the leaves of these milkweed plants, which provide both nourishment and the toxic compounds that make the caterpillars distasteful to predators. Adults are also attracted to these plants for nectar, but they mainly rely on milkweeds to raise their young. If you’re looking to attract Monarchs, planting any of these milkweed species is the key!
-
Always make sure to plant species native to your area!
Check out our resources page to find native plants for your area and learn about the Life Cycle of a Monarch Butterfly!
Cloudless Sulphur Butterfly
Basic Identification Facts
-
Common Name: Cloudless Sulphur Butterfly
-
Scientific Name: Phoebis sennae
-
Meaning of Scientific Name: The genus name Phoebis refers to the Greek god of the sun, Phoebus, because of the butterfly's bright, sunny yellow color. The species name sennae is derived from the plant Cassia senna, the primary food of its larvae.
-
Appearance:
The Cloudless Sulphur is a striking yellow butterfly with delicate, almost translucent wings. Its wings are bright lemon-yellow, with subtle black lines along the edges that give it an elegant, sunlit appearance. The butterfly’s large wings make it look like a tiny fluttering sunbeam in the air!
Habitat and Range
-
Where does it live?
Cloudless Sulphurs are commonly found in southern parts of the United States, Mexico, and Central America. They are typically spotted in open fields, gardens, and coastal areas, thriving in warm, sunny environments. You can also see them in tropical and subtropical climates where flowers are abundant.-
Fun Fact: These butterflies are often seen flying near roadsides and in the wild, where they can be found sipping nectar from a variety of flowers.
-
Diet
-
What does it eat?
Like many butterflies, the Cloudless Sulphur feeds on nectar from flowers, using its long proboscis to sip from blossoms. However, its larvae are particularly fond of Cassia plants, especially Senna species, which makes the butterfly an important part of the ecosystem by helping these plants reproduce.-
Fun Fact: The caterpillars of the Cloudless Sulphur feed on the leaves of Cassia plants, and once they mature into butterflies, they continue to enjoy nectar from a variety of garden flowers!
-
Behavior
-
How does it behave?
The Cloudless Sulphur is an energetic and fast flyer, often seen zipping through the air with rapid wing beats. Unlike many other butterflies, it has a strong, swift flight pattern, which allows it to travel long distances. These butterflies are typically seen flying alone, but they are also known to be quite curious, often approaching humans and flowers in search of food.
Importance in Nature
-
Role in the ecosystem:
The Cloudless Sulphur plays an important role as a pollinator, visiting a wide range of flowers to sip nectar. As it moves from plant to plant, it helps to fertilize flowers, which aids in the reproduction of many plant species. In addition, their larvae help maintain healthy Cassia populations, supporting biodiversity in their habitats.
Cool Facts
-
Fun Facts:
-
Cloudless Sulphurs are known for their incredible flight speed, often darting through gardens and fields at a rapid pace.
-
Their bright yellow wings are a signature feature, making them one of the most easily recognizable butterflies in their range.
-
They are one of the few butterflies that are active year-round in tropical areas, continuing to flutter even in the colder months when other butterflies may be dormant.
-
Conservation Status
-
Is the Cloudless Sulphur endangered?
The Cloudless Sulphur is not currently endangered. However, habitat loss due to deforestation and the decline of suitable nectar plants could affect their population in the future. To help protect them, we can plant Cassia species in our gardens and preserve their natural habitats.
How to Get More of these Butterflies
Cloudless sulphur butterflies (Phoebis sennae) are beautiful, yellow butterflies commonly found in areas across North America. They primarily use plants from the pea family (Fabaceae) as host plants for their larvae. Here’s a list of host plants that the cloudless sulphur butterfly typically relies on:
-
Senna species
-
Senna septemtrionalis (Northern Senna)
-
Senna occidentalis (Coffee Senna)
-
Senna alata (Candlebush)
-
Cassia species
-
Cassia fasciculata (Wild Senna)
-
Cassia obtusifolia (Sicklepod)
-
Chamaecrista species
-
Chamaecrista nictitans (Sensitive Partridge Pea)
-
Chamaecrista fasciculata (Prairie Partridge Pea)
-
Other legume species
-
Acacia species (including some species like Acacia berlandieri)
-
Tephrosia species
These plants serve as food sources for the larvae, where they feed on the leaves. Adult butterflies also enjoy nectar from a wide variety of flowering plants, including native flowers, and milkweeds. If you’re planning to attract cloudless sulphurs, planting any of these host plants will help!
-
Always make sure to plant species native to your area!
Check out our resources page to find native plants for your area!
Spicebush Swallowtail Butterfly
Basic Identification facts:
-
Common Name: Spicebush Swallowtail Butterfly
-
Scientific Name: Papilio troilus
-
Meaning of Scientific Name: The genus name Papilio is Latin for "butterfly," while troilus refers to the Trojan prince, Troilus, in Greek mythology, possibly alluding to the butterfly’s elegant,graceful appearance.
Appearance:
The Spicebush Swallowtail is a striking butterfly with iridescent blue-green and black wings. The upper side of the wings features bold black and blue patterns, while the underside of the wings is a soft, brown color with eye spots. Its long, elegant tail gives it a swallowtail-like appearance, making it one of the most beautiful butterflies to spot in gardens and woodlands.
Habitat and Range
-
Where does it live?
Spicebush Swallowtails are found primarily in the eastern United States, ranging from southern Canada to Texas and Florida. They are commonly seen in wooded areas, including forest edges, gardens, and areas near shrubs like spicebush (Lindera benzoin), which serves as a primary food source. They thrive in habitats with a mix of sunlight and shade.
-
Fun Fact: Spicebush Swallowtails are known to rest with their wings closed, blending into their surroundings, often making them hard to spot unless they’re in flight!
Diet
-
What does it eat?
-
Adult Spicebush Swallowtails feed on nectar from a variety of flowers, such as thistles, lilacs, and milkweed. Their larvae, however, rely on specific plants for food, particularly species of the Lindera genus.
-
Fun Fact: The larvae of the Spicebush Swallowtail have a fascinating defense mechanism—when disturbed, they mimic the appearance of a bird dropping to avoid predators!
Behavior
-
How does it behave?
The Spicebush Swallowtail has a graceful, fluttering flight pattern and is often seen in wooded areas or near its host plants. While adult butterflies are active in the warmer months, they can be quite elusive, staying mostly in shaded areas or high trees to avoid predators. Their striking blue coloration helps them blend into the foliage of trees.
Importance in Nature
-
Role in the ecosystem:
-
As a pollinator, the Spicebush Swallowtail contributes to the reproduction of many wildflowers. Its larvae also help control the growth of certain shrubs by feeding on the leaves of plants like spicebush and sassafras.
Cool Facts
Fun Facts:
-
Spicebush Swallowtails are known for their dramatic flight, often gliding gracefully before making quick turns.
-
The butterfly’s striking blue markings are a result of tiny scales on its wings that reflect light in a way that creates the iridescent effect.
-
The larvae of Spicebush Swallowtails can change color depending on their environment, offering them better camouflage against predators.
Conservation Status
Is the Spicebush Swallowtail endangered?
The Spicebush Swallowtail is not considered endangered, though habitat loss and pesticide use could threaten their populations. Preserving their natural habitats, such as woodlands and areas with spicebush, is crucial to maintaining their numbers.
How to Get More of these Butterflies
Spicebush Swallowtail butterflies (Papilio troilus) rely on specific plants for their larvae. These host plants provide food for the caterpillars, and planting them can attract more of these beautiful butterflies to your garden. Here’s a list of host plants that the Spicebush Swallowtail butterfly uses:
-
Lindera species
-
Lindera benzoin (Spicebush)
-
Lindera melissifolia (Laurel Spicebush)
-
Sassafras species
-
Sassafras albidum (Common Sassafras)
-
Other Lauraceae family species
-
Persea americana (Avocado)
-
Ocotea species (in some tropical areas)
-
These plants serve as food sources for the larvae, where they feed on the leaves. The adult butterflies enjoy nectar from a variety of flowers, including lilacs and milkweeds. If you’re planning to attract Spicebush Swallowtails, planting any of these host plants will help!
-
Always make sure to plant species native to your area!
Check out our resources page to find native plants for your area!
Zebra Swallowtail Butterfly
Basic Identification Facts
-
Common Name: Zebra Swallowtail Butterfly
-
Scientific Name: Eurytides marcellus
-
Meaning of Scientific Name: The genus Eurytides refers to a group of butterflies with large, bright wings, while marcellus is thought to reference the Roman emperor Marcellus, due to the butterfly’s elegant and royal appearance.
Appearance:
The Zebra Swallowtail is a striking butterfly, easily recognized by its long, black-and-white striped wings. The upper side of its wings is white with black stripes, and the tails on its hindwings extend gracefully, giving it a distinctive, elegant appearance. The black-and-white coloration resembles the pattern of a zebra, which is how it got its name. In flight, it’s like a small, delicate kite fluttering through the air.
Habitat and Range
-
Where does it live?
-
Zebra Swallowtails are primarily found in the southeastern United States, from the Gulf Coast to parts of the Midwest and up to southern parts of the Northeast. They prefer habitats with open woodlands, meadows, and areas with plenty of their host plants, particularly near rivers and wetlands.
-
Fun Fact: Zebra Swallowtails are often seen fluttering around the edges of forests, where they rest in the shade before darting off in search of nectar!
Diet
-
What does it eat?
-
Adult Zebra Swallowtails feed on nectar from a variety of flowers, including purple coneflowers, lilacs, and milkweed. Their long proboscis allows them to reach into flowers and sip nectar, but their larvae are more particular in their diet. Zebra Swallowtail caterpillars feed exclusively on pawpaw leaves, a fruit tree found in certain wooded areas.
-
Fun Fact: The larvae of the Zebra Swallowtail are known for their vibrant green coloration and distinctive black markings, making them look quite different from the adult butterflies!
Behavior
-
Zebra Swallowtails are fast flyers, often seen darting back and forth between flowers and their host plants. They are skilled at evading predators, thanks to their erratic flight pattern. These butterflies are also known for their graceful, long tails on their hindwings, which help them balance in flight.
Importance in Nature
-
Role in the ecosystem:
-
As pollinators, Zebra Swallowtails help many plants reproduce by transferring pollen from one flower to another. Their larvae also help regulate the growth of pawpaw trees, supporting the balance of their ecosystem by feeding on the leaves.
Cool Facts
Fun Facts:
-
Zebra Swallowtails are fast and agile flyers, darting swiftly through gardens and open woodlands.
-
The long tails on the Zebra Swallowtail’s hindwings are thought to help with flight balance and possibly confuse predators.
-
Their striking black-and-white coloration serves as a warning to predators, signaling that they are difficult to catch and not an easy meal.
Conservation Status
-
Is the Zebra Swallowtail endangered?
-
The Zebra Swallowtail is not currently endangered, but habitat destruction, particularly the loss of pawpaw trees, can threaten their populations. Supporting native plant growth and preserving woodlands can help maintain a healthy environment for these beautiful butterflies.
How to Get More of these Butterflies
Zebra Swallowtail butterflies (Eurytides marcellus) are dependent on specific plants for their larvae. The caterpillars only feed on the leaves of pawpaw trees, while the adults seek nectar from a variety of flowers. Here’s a list of host plants that Zebra Swallowtail butterflies typically use for their larvae:
-
Asimina species (Pawpaw Trees)
-
Asimina triloba (Common Pawpaw)
-
Asimina parviflora (Smallflower Pawpaw)
-
Asimina angustifolia (Narrowleaf Pawpaw)
-
These plants serve as food sources for the larvae, which feed exclusively on pawpaw leaves. The adult butterflies enjoy nectar from a variety of flowers, including purple coneflowers, lilacs, and other nectar-rich blossoms. If you’re looking to attract Zebra Swallowtails, planting pawpaw trees and nectar plants in your garden is the key!
-
Always make sure to plant species native to your area!
Check out our resources page to find native plants for your area!
Great Spangled Fritillary Butterfly
Basic Identification Facts
Common Name: Great Spangled Fritillary Butterfly
Scientific Name: Speyeria cybele
Meaning of Scientific Name: The genus Speyeria refers to a group of fritillary butterflies, with cybele being derived from the name of an ancient Greek goddess associated with nature and fertility.
Appearance:
The Great Spangled Fritillary is an eye-catching butterfly, known for its large, vibrant copper colored wings adorned with black spots and borders. Their undersides are beautifully patterned with a mix of copper and brown, helping them blend into their environment. The distinctive "spangled" appearance comes from the silver-like spots on their lower wings, giving them a stunning, shimmering effect. These butterflies are large, with a wingspan of up to 3 inches, making them easy to spot as they flutter through your garden.
Habitat and Range
Where do they live?
Great Spangled Fritillaries are commonly found in open woodlands, meadows, and fields across North America. Their range spans from southern Canada to parts of the northeastern United States, down through the Midwest and into the Appalachian region. They thrive in habitats with abundant wildflowers, especially those with their specific host plants.
Fun Fact: These butterflies are often seen in sunny meadows, where they bask in the warmth before flying off to find nectar!
Diet
What do they eat?
Adult Great Spangled Fritillaries feed on nectar from a variety of wildflowers, including purple coneflowers, milkweed, goldenrod, and black-eyed Susans. Their long proboscis allows them to easily sip nectar from many flower species, ensuring a rich food source throughout their lifecycle.
However, their larvae are more particular about their diet. Fritillary caterpillars primarily feed on violet plants (Viola species). This makes planting violets in your garden a great way to attract these butterflies and provide nourishment for the next generation.
Fun Fact: The larvae of the Great Spangled Fritillary have a bright greenish-brown color and distinctive markings, allowing them to blend into the leaves of their host plants, protecting them from predators!
Behavior
Great Spangled Fritillary butterflies are known for their graceful yet erratic flight patterns. They dart back and forth between flowers, sipping nectar and basking in the sun. These butterflies are also excellent at evading predators, using their swift flight and camouflage to stay safe.
Importance in Nature
Role in the Ecosystem:
As pollinators, Great Spangled Fritillary butterflies play a crucial role in helping plants reproduce by transferring pollen between flowers. This process supports biodiversity and ensures the continued health of ecosystems. Additionally, their larvae help regulate the growth of violet plants, contributing to the balance of their native habitat.
Cool Facts
-
Great Spangled Fritillary butterflies are fast and agile, capable of flying at speeds up to 12 miles per hour.
-
The silver spots on the underside of their wings, often referred to as "spangles," give them their unique, glittering appearance.
-
They are known for their territorial behavior, especially when feeding on their favorite nectar plants.
Conservation Status
Are Great Spangled Fritillary Butterflies Endangered?
No, the Great Spangled Fritillary butterfly is not currently endangered, but habitat loss and the destruction of violet plants (their primary food source) can threaten their populations. By planting native plants and avoiding pesticides in your garden, you can help provide the necessary resources to support these beautiful butterflies.
How to Attract Great Spangled Fritillary Butterflies to Your Garden
To attract Great Spangled Fritillary butterflies, it’s important to plant a combination of nectar-rich flowers and host plants for their larvae. Here’s a list of plants that can help attract these butterflies:
Host Plants for Great Spangled Fritillary Larvae:
-
Violets (Viola species): The primary food source for fritillary caterpillars. Planting a variety of native violets will help support the butterfly’s larvae.
-
Wild Violets (Viola sororia, Viola pedata, etc.): These violets are perfect for attracting fritillary larvae and can be grown in shaded or woodland areas.
Nectar Plants for Adult Great Spangled Fritillaries:
-
Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea): This hardy, native flower is a favorite nectar source for adult fritillaries.
-
Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta): Known for attracting a wide range of butterflies, including the Great Spangled Fritillary.
-
Goldenrod (Solidago species): Another nectar-rich flower that will help support adult fritillaries.
-
Milkweed (Asclepias species): Perfect for attracting Monarchs and other butterflies, while adding color to your garden.
By planting a mix of violets and nectar-rich flowers, you can create a butterfly haven that will attract these stunning butterflies and support their lifecycle.
How to Get Started
Ready to create a butterfly-friendly garden? Start by planting native violets and nectar flowers in your yard. Choose a selection of butterfly host plants and nectar plants to make your garden a welcoming space for the Great Spangled Fritillary and other butterflies!
Check out our resources page to find native plants for your area!