ButterflyAsk’s Species & Identification category is your comprehensive resource for identifying butterflies across the globe. Each guide offers in-depth information on butterfly species, including their physical characteristics, color patterns, wing shapes, native habitats, and seasonal behaviors. Whether you’re a beginner, enthusiast, or researcher, our expertly curated articles help you distinguish between similar species and understand their ecological roles. Explore visual identification tips, regional species lists, and detailed comparisons designed to make butterfly recognition accurate and enjoyable.
Identifying a Comma butterfly is easy! Look for its distinctive ragged wing edges and orange-brown coloring with dark spots. The real giveaway? The small, white comma-shaped mark on the underside of its hindwing. Size ranges from 1.75 to 2.25 inches. Found in wooded areas and gardens across North America and Eurasia, Comma butterflies are unique…
Quick Summary: Identifying a Pipevine Swallowtail involves looking for its iridescent blue-black wings, often with distinctive orange spots on the hindwings. Females have more pronounced lighter markings. These butterflies are closely linked to pipevine plants, which their caterpillars exclusively feed on. Observe the butterfly’s size, wing patterns, and habitat to confirm its identity. Have you…
The easiest way to tell a Viceroy butterfly from a Monarch is by looking at their wings. Viceroys have a black line across the hindwing, which Monarchs lack. Also, Viceroys are slightly smaller and have a more erratic flight pattern than Monarchs. Both are beautiful, but now you can tell them apart! Have you ever…
The red-spotted purple butterfly (Limenitis arthemis astyanax) is a striking beauty, known for its iridescent blue-black wings adorned with vibrant red-orange spots. To identify one, look for its size (around 3 inches), dark wings, and the distinctive red spots on the underside. This butterfly loves woodlands and feeds on tree sap and decaying matter, not…
The Spicebush Swallowtail butterfly is a beautiful, dark butterfly known for its iridescent blue markings and fascinating life cycle. To identify it, look for pale green eggs on spicebush or sassafras, caterpillar stages mimicking bird droppings or having large false eyespots, and adults with cream spots and blue dusting on their hindwings. Attract them by…
Want to know about the Speckled Wood butterfly? This adaptable butterfly, with its distinctive speckled wings, thrives in woodland areas. To identify them, look for their dark brown wings with cream or yellow spots. They love dappled sunlight and are commonly seen fluttering in shaded woods, using their excellent camouflage to blend in with the…
The Eastern tailed-blue butterfly (Cupido comyntas) is a small, charming butterfly found throughout eastern North America. Known for its iridescent blue color and delicate “tails” on its hindwings, it’s a delightful sight in gardens and fields. This butterfly favors legumes like clover and beans as host plants for its caterpillars, and it plays a vital…
The Zebra Swallowtail butterfly is known for its striking black and white stripes, much like a zebra! These beautiful butterflies are found mainly in the eastern United States. They are unique because they are the only swallowtail butterfly that feeds exclusively on pawpaw trees. To spot them, look for their long tails and graceful flight…
The Painted Lady butterfly (Vanessa cardui) is one of the most widespread butterfly species in the world. This adaptable butterfly is known for its beautiful orange, brown, and black wings, and its impressive migratory journeys. You can identify them by the small white spots on the black tips of their forewings and the four small…
The Mourning Cloak butterfly is easy to identify! Look for its dark brown wings with a distinct yellow border and bright blue spots. This medium-sized butterfly is one of the first to emerge in spring and can be found in various habitats, including forests, parks, and urban areas. Keep an eye out for its unique…
The Small Skipper butterfly is a delightful, orange-winged insect common across Europe and parts of Asia. It’s known for its quick, darting flight and preference for grassy habitats. Identifying it is easy with its small size, hooked antennae, and the golden-orange hue of its wings. This butterfly is a vital pollinator and a welcome sight…
Quick Summary: Fritillary butterflies can be tricky to identify! Look closely at their size, wing patterns (especially the spots and bands on the underside), and the habitat where you find them. Key features include orange or brown wings with black markings, and often silver spots on the hindwings. Comparing your observations with a field guide…