Simply Butterflies: Backyard Butterfly Guide



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Butterfly Releases - Why it's OK

View the International Butterfly Breeder's Association position on Butterfly Releases.

Gardening for Butterflies

Follow these guidelines and keep butterflies in your garden all season!

Guide to Backyard Butterflies

Whether you want to become a butterfly pro or identify the butterfly in your garden, this guide has the information for you.

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Common North American butterflies.
Whether you want to become a butterfly pro or simply identify that butterfly in your garden this guide has the information for you.
Scroll through all of the butterflies or click the one you want to jump to:
American Copper Baltimore Checkerspot Buckeye Cabbage White Checkered White Clouded Sulphur Cloudless Sulphur Common Checkered Skipper Dogface Eastern Black Swallowtail Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Giant Swallowtail Gray Hairstreak Great Purple Hairstreak Great Spangled Fritillary Green Comma Gulf Fritillary	Malachite Monarch Mourning Cloak Orange Sulphur Painted Lady Pearly Crescentspot Pipevine Swallowtail Question Mark Red Admiral Red-Spotted Purple Silver Spotted Skipper Spicebush Swallowtail Spring Azure Tailed Blue Viceroy Zebra Longwing Zebra Swallowtail
Swallowtails Papilionidae
Swallowtails are large, brightly colored butterflies. There are over twenty varieties found throughout North America, many residing in different sections of the country. The most noticeable thing about a Swallowtail is the club-like extension from the hind wing. This extension is used to for protection against predator attacks.
Giant Swallowtail Papilio cresphontes With an average wingspan of 4½-6”, the Giant Swallowtail is the largest of all the North American swallowtails. This beautiful swallowtail has black wings with rows of yellow spots. The creamy white and brown larvae grow to be 2½” long. The chrysalises are also large, often more than 1½” long. Host plants: Citrus, Hop Tree, Prickly Ash, Rue Nectar plants: Lantana, Orange Top of Page Pipevine Swallowtail Battus philenor The Pipevine is found throughout the United States, with the exception of the northern Rockies. This is a beautiful type of swallowtail, with an ebony forewing and blue iridescent hind wing. The Pipevine is not often attacked by predators, most likely because its preferred diet causes is to be distasteful. The average wingspan of the Pipevine Swallowtail stretches 3”. Host plants: Dutchman’s pipe, Knotweed, Virginia snakeroot, Wild Ginger, Pipevines Nectar plants: Orchid, Azalea, Honeysuckle Top of Page Spicebush Swallowtail Papilio troilus This swallowtail is also referred to as the Green or Green Clouded butterfly due to the greenish tint to the male’s hind wings. The forewing is black with a row of white spots. The Spicebush is found throughout Eastern North America. Because is it easily confused with the ill-tasting Pipevine Swallowtail, predators often leave it alone. The average wingspan of the Spicebush is 4”. Host plants: Spicebush, Sassafras Nectar plants: Jewelweed, Honeysuckle, Lantana Top of Page Eastern Black Swallowtail Papilio polyxenes The Eastern Black Swallowtail is found throughout the Midwest and Eastern North America. The wings are a beautiful combination of black and blue, with orange and white spots. This swallowtail is smaller than most, with an average wingspan of 3”. Host plants: Carrots, Celery, Parsley, Rue, Texas Turpentine Broom, Dill Nectar plants: Phlox, Milkweed Top of Page Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Papilio glaucus The Tiger is found throughout Eastern North America, including Canada and even Alaska. This swallowtail has bright yellow wings with black stripes. The female Tigers sometimes emerge from their chrysalis chocolate or black colored, and can mimic the colorations of the Pipevine Swallowtail, to keep away predators. The average wingspan of the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail is 3-5½”. Host plants: Variety of trees and shrubs including birch, cherry, lilac, and tulip Nectar plants: Sunflower, Honeysuckle, Bee Balm, Buddleia Top of Page Zebra Swallowtail Eurytides marcellus The Zebra Swallowtail has black and white striped triangular wings and long tails. The hind wings have a few red and blue spots. The average wingspan is 4½-6”. Host plants: Pawpaw Nectar plants: Asters, Cosmos, Daisy, Lantana, Milkweed, Pentas Top of Page
Brush-Footed Butterflies Nymphalidae
There are over 150 species of Brush-Footed Butterflies found in North America. They received their name because their forelegs are reduced to small to be used for walking.
Painted Lady Vanessa cardui Also called the Thistle Butterfly, this is one of the most widespread types of butterfly and can be found almost everywhere in North America. The wings are covered with orange and brown blotches, and the top of the forewings are tipped in black with white spots. The Painted Lady will hibernate in areas with mild winter conditions, while others will migrate south. The average wingspan is 2¼”. Because of its friendly character, flexible living conditions, and versatility, this is one of the most common butterfly used for releases. The larva is one of the few types which can be fed by artificial food, which makes it easy to observe the life cycle from your home or school! Host plants: Thistle, Hollyhock, Mallow Nectar plants: Thistles, Aster, Cosmos, Blazing Star, Ironweed, and Joe-pye Weed Top of Page Monarch Danaus plexippus Perhaps the most commonly known butterfly in North America, the Monarch has beautiful orange and black wings. This butterfly feeds on Milkweed, which makes it toxic to many predators. Monarchs are found throughout North America, and are famous for their unbelievable fall migration to Mexico. The average wingspan of the Monarch is 4 ½-6”. Host plants: Milkweed Nectar plants: Milkweed, Asters, Cosmos, Lantana, Pentas, Daisy, Red Clover, Zinnia Top of Page Viceroy Limenitis archippus Although the Viceroy is smaller, it mimics the coloration of the Monarch which keeps birds and other predators away. This butterfly can be found just about anywhere in the United States. The average wingspan of the Viceroy is 3”. Host plants: Many trees including Aspen, Apple, Cherry, Willow, and Plum Nectar plants: Milkweed, Asters, Cosmos, Lantana, Pentas, Daisy, Red Clover, Zinnia Top of Page Red-Spotted Purple Limenitis arthemis The wings of the Red-Spotted Purple are an iridescent blue with small red and white dots. The underside is reddish brown with red and o range spots. This butterfly is found in eastern North America. Although its darting flight and zigzag patterns allow it an easy escape long before you can identify it, you can often find it on rotting fruit or in gardens. The average wingspan is 3¼”. Host plants: Many trees including Apple, Aspen, Cherry, Poplar, and Willow Nectar plants: Milkweed, Asters, Cosmos, Lantana, Pentas, Daisy, Red Clover, Zinnia Top of Page Great Spangled Fritillary Speryeria cybele The Great Spangled is the largest of all Fritillaries in North America, with its wingspan nearing 4”. This butterfly is found throughout the northern United States and into Canada. The wings are a common blend of oranges, sienna, and burnt umbers, and its forewings are marked with black spots. After the caterpillar hatches from the egg it will hibernate through the winter. Several months later it will awaken from its slumber and find fresh food, in the form of violets. Host plants: Violets Nectar plants: Milkweed, Asters, Cosmos, Lantana, Pentas, Daisy, Red Clover, Zinnia Top of Page Mourning Cloak Nymphalis antiopa The Mourning Cloak is found almost anywhere in North America. This butterfly has brownish maroon wings dotted with blue and edged with cream. Unlike most other butterflies, they are communal. After the groups of eggs hatch, the caterpillars will feed in groups and move in unison. The average wingspan is 3¼”. Host plants: Elm tree, Poplar tree, Willow tree Nectar plants: Rotting fruit, meadow flowers Top of Page Question Mark Polygonia interrogationis The Question Mark is found throughout the Southern, Midwest and Eastern areas of the United States. The forewings wings are a combination of earthy colors with black dots, and a thin lavender border. This butterfly received its name from the silver question mark found on the underside of its hind wing. The average wingspan is 2½”. Host plants: Elm tree, Hackberry tree Nectar plants: Rotting fruit, meadow flowers Top of Page Green Comma Polygonia faunus This is the most common form of the Comma butterfly in North America. The heavily angled wings are oranges with brown spots and black borders. This butterfly received its name because of the silver comma formed on the undersurface of its hind wing. The Green Comma is found throughout the Northern United States and into Canada. The average wingspan is 2”. Host plants: Rhododendron, Azalea, Birch, Willow Nectar plants: Various fruit Top of Page Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta The Red Admiral is found almost anywhere in North America. The wings are black with red patches and white spots, which to camouflage it in its wooded background. The average wingspan is 2”. Host plants: Nettle, Hop Nectar plants: Cosmos, Milkweed, Indian blanket Top of Page Buckeye Juonoia coenia The Buckeye is found throughout the United States and parts of Canada and Mexico. Its wings have bars of orange, blotches of white and very pronounced ocelli (pretend eyes). These are used to ward off predators, by making it appear to be something else. The average wingspan of the Buckeye is 2¼”. Host plants: Plantain, Snapdragon, Stonecrop, Verbena, other garden flowers Nectar plants: Indian blanket, Lantana, Cosmos, Clover Top of Page Baltimore Checkerspot Euphydryas phaeton The Baltimore butterfly is commonly fount east of the Rocky Mountains. Its wings are a patchwork of orange, white, brown, and black spots. The wingspan size varies significantly based on the area it resides, as Southern butterflies tend to be larger than their Northern relatives. The average wingspan is 2”. Host plants: Turtlehead, False Foxglove, Plantain, White Ash Nectar plants: Lobelia, Purple Coneflower, Indian blanket Top of Page Pearly Crescentspot Phyciodes tharos Also called Old Pearly, this is one of the most common types of meadow butterflies. Found throughout most of the United States and into Canada, this butterfly is very territorial and will “attack” anything it judges as a threat to its territory. The orange wings have black patches and zigzags. The average wingspan is 1¼”. Host plants: Asters Nectar plants: Zinnia, Daisy, Clovers, Goldenrod Top of Page
Gossamer Wings Lycaenidae
There are approximately 100 species of these small butterflies in North America. Gossamers hold their wings closed when at rest. The males have reduced forelegs, while the females have six fully developed legs.
Great Purple Hairstreak Atlides halesus The Great Purple is found through most of the United States, except in the northern states. The brownish charcoal colored wings display beautiful sheens of blue, violet, and green when in the sunlight. The average wingspan is 1½” Host plants: Mistletoe Nectar plants: Daisy, Purple Coneflower, Clovers Top of Page Gray Hairstreak Strymon melinus The Gray is the most common Hairstreak in North America, found almost anywhere in the United States and into Canada and Mexico. Because of its small size and less colorful wings, it is often overlooked or considered a pest because of its large numbers. The average wingspan is 1”. Host plants: Cotton, Mallow, Strawberry, Legumes, Mints Nectar plants: Yarrow, various meadow flowers Top of Page American Copper Lycaena phlaeas This little butterfly is found throughout the Northern United States and Canada. It is often called the Small Copper because of its small size and coppery tinted wings. The wings are rusty orange with black spots and brown borders. The average wingspan is 1”. Host plants: Sheep sorrel, curly dock, mountain sorrel Nectar plants: Various meadow flowers including Daisy, Dandelion, Clover, and Milkweed Top of Page Tailed Blue Everes comyntas This small, but beautiful butterfly is found throughout the United States. The wings are purple with black dashes and orange spots. The average wingspan is 1”. Host plants: Clovers, Beans, Peas Nectar plants: Various meadow flowers including Daisy, Dandelion, Clover, and Milkweed Top of Page Spring Azure Ceslastrina ladon Also called the Common Blue, this is one of the first butterflies to be found in the spring. This is a very common butterfly found almost anywhere in North America. The powder blue wings are decorated with silvery gray patterns and black and red spots. The average wingspan is 1”. Host plants: Blueberry, California Lilac, Meadowsweet, Viburnums, Dogweeds Nectar plants: Various meadow flowers including Daisy, Dandelion, Clover, and Milkweed Top of Page
Sulphurs and Whites Pieridae
Sulphurs and Whites are found all over North America. Adults have six fully developed legs and are agile flyers. While some found in flower gardens, most prefer fields and grasses for egg laying.
Cloudless Sulphur Phoebis sennae Also sometimes called the Giant, the Cloudless Sulphur is one of the biggest Sulphurs. It can be found throughout eastern North America. The large wings are a brilliant yellow color, which are brighter on the males. The females have a dark spot on the forewing. The average wingspan is 2½”. Host plants: Senna, Clovers Nectar plants: Hibiscus, Pentas, Bougainvillea, Cassia Top of Page Clouded Sulphur Colias philodice The Clouded Sulphur is found almost anywhere in the United States and Mexico. Its wings are lemon-yellow with a black border and spot on each forewing. The female can be very pale yellow, making it harder to distinguish from other types of butterflies. The average wingspan is 2”. Host plants: Clovers and other Legumes Nectar plants: Various meadow flowers including Daisy, Dandelion, Clover, and Milkweed Top of Page Orange Sulphur Colias eurytheme Also called the Alfalfa Sulphur, this butterfly can be found throughout the United States and Mexico. The wings are a mixture of orange and yellow, with a border of black with yellow spots. The average wingspan is 2”. Host plants: White clover, Vetch, Alfalfa, Lupine Nectar plants: Dandelion, Zinnia, Clovers, Parsley, and various meadow flowers Top of Page Dogface Colias eurydice This striking butterfly is mainly found in California, and is California’s state insect. The wings are yellow decorated with black patterns and a black border. The Dogface gets it name from the pattern on its forewing exhibiting the profile of a dog’s face. The average wingspan is 2”. Host plants: False Indigo, Vetch, Clovers Nectar plants: Clovers, Thistles, and other various meadow flowers Top of Page Checkered White Pontia protodice Checkered Whites are found throughout most of the United States. The wings have a checkered pattern of white and light brown, and can vary greatly. Unlike most butterflies, males do not produce a pheromone for mating. The male’s wing pattern absorbs ultraviolet light, which attracts the females. The average wingspan is 1½”. Host plants: Crucifers, cleome Nectar plants: Indian blanket, Purple Coneflower, Dandelion Top of Page Cabbage White Pieris rapae The Cabbage White can be found almost anywhere in North America. It is considered an agricultural pest because a female can lay nearly a thousand eggs in her lifetime, and the larvae feed off of cabbage. This butterfly is often confused with the Cabbage Moth because of its white appearance. The average wingspan is 1½”. Host plants: Cabbage, Mustard plants Nectar plants: A wide variety of meadow and garden flowers Top of Page
True Skippers Hesperiidae
There are nearly 250 species of Skippers living in North America. They are not usually considered to be attractive because they are small, hairy, and not very colorful. They are often confused with a moth because of their brown colors.
Silver Spotted Skipper Epargyreus clarus The Silver-Spotted Skipper is found throughout all of North America. This is a common butterfly to see in your garden or in a wooded area. The wings are dark brown with light orange blotches in the center. The average wingspan is 2”. Host plants: Beans, Licorice, Wisteria, Locusts Nectar plants: A wide variety of meadow and garden flowers Top of Page Common Checkered Skipper Pyrgus communis The Common Checkered Skipper can be found throughout the United States and Mexico. The wings have a checkered pattern of brown and white. The average wingspan is 1”. Host plants: Hibiscus, Wild Mallows, Hollyhock Nectar plants: A wide variety of meadow and garden flowers Top of Page
Neotropicals
These mesmerizing butterflies have a very tropical appearance to them. They generally have long, thin narrow wings and fly very slowly.
Zebra Longwing Heliconius charitonius The Zebra Longwing prefers the warm weather of the southern United States and Mexico. The long wings are black with yellow stripes. This is one of the few butterflies that can eat pollen which allows it to live longer then most butterflies. At night, large numbers of Zebras will sleep together. When a male Zebra is ready to mate it will find a female chrysalis and open it just enough to mate. The average wingspan of a Zebra Longwing is 3¼”. Host plants: Passionflower Nectar plants: Lantana, Hibiscus, Pentas Top of Page Gulf Fritillary Agraulis vanillae The Gulf Fritillary is found throughout the southern United States. The wings are dark orange with black markings. The average wingspan is 4½-6”. Host plants: Passionflower Nectar plants: Lantana, Hibiscus, Pentas Top of Page Malachite Siproeta stelenes Because the Malachite cannot survive in cold weather it is found mostly in Texas and Florida. The wings are a beautiful pattern of ebony and light green colors. The average wingspan is 2¾”. Host plants: Yerba papagayo and other related species Nectar plants: Rotting fruit, dung, mud Top of Page