Butterflies of the family Nymphalidae, commonly known as brush-footed butterflies, are among the most diverse and captivating species in the insect world. They are named for their reduced forelegs, which resemble tiny brushes, and are known for their vibrant colors, unique patterns, and fascinating behaviors. Found in gardens, forests, meadows, and wetlands across the globe, these butterflies not only add beauty to nature but also play important roles in pollination. This article explores 17 remarkable types of brush-footed butterflies, highlighting their identification, color patterns, habitats, behaviors, and diets.
1. Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus)
The Monarch butterfly is one of the most iconic butterflies in the world, well known for its striking orange wings and extraordinary migration. As a member of the brush-footed butterfly family, it symbolizes beauty, endurance, and transformation.
Identification
- Medium to large butterfly with a wingspan of 3.5–4 inches
- Bright orange wings crossed with black veins
- Black wing edges with scattered white spots
Color Pattern
The Monarch’s wings display a brilliant orange base highlighted by bold black venation. The outer border of the wings is thick and black, decorated with white dots. Males are distinguished by thinner veins and two dark scent spots on their hindwings.
Commonly Found Area
Monarchs are native to North and South America. They thrive in meadows, open fields, gardens, and along roadsides. Every year, they famously migrate from the United States and Canada to central Mexico, traveling thousands of miles.
Behaviors
Monarchs are most famous for their remarkable multi-generational migration. They fly during the daytime, and during rest periods, they cluster in large groups on trees. Their navigation depends on the sun’s position and an internal biological compass.
Diet
Adult Monarchs feed on nectar from flowers such as milkweed, goldenrod, and thistle. Caterpillars rely solely on milkweed leaves, which contain toxins that make them unpalatable to predators, serving as a natural defense.
2. Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui)
The Painted Lady is one of the most widespread butterfly species, admired for its delicate patterns and adaptability to different climates. It is sometimes called the “Cosmopolitan” butterfly due to its global presence.
Identification
- Medium-sized butterfly with a wingspan of 2–2.9 inches
- Orange-brown wings with black and white markings
- Underside has mottled brown with small eye spots
Color Pattern
The forewings show orange with black tips marked by white spots. Hindwings are orange-brown with subtle black spots, while the underside displays complex brown patterns that provide camouflage.
Commonly Found Area
Painted Ladies are found on every continent except Antarctica and South America. They inhabit meadows, fields, gardens, and roadsides. Seasonal migrations occur across vast distances, including Europe to Africa.
Behaviors
Known for strong migratory flights, Painted Ladies can travel thousands of miles. They are fast flyers and often seen visiting flowers during the day. Their behavior includes frequent basking with wings open to absorb heat.
Diet
Adults feed on nectar from thistles, asters, zinnias, and many wildflowers. Caterpillars consume plants such as thistle, hollyhock, and mallow.
3. Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta)
The Red Admiral is a striking butterfly with bold red-orange bands, known for its territorial behavior and adaptability to various climates.
Identification
- Medium-sized with a wingspan of 2–3 inches
- Black wings with bright red-orange bands
- White spots near the tips of forewings
Color Pattern
The forewings are black with a diagonal red-orange band and white spots near the tips. Hindwings are bordered with red-orange edges. The underside is mottled brown and gray, offering camouflage.
Commonly Found Area
Found throughout North America, Europe, North Africa, and Asia. Habitats include woodlands, gardens, parks, and coastal areas. In colder climates, they migrate south for winter.
Behaviors
Red Admirals are highly territorial and aggressive toward intruders. They are often seen basking in sunny spots and are active from spring through autumn. They also migrate seasonally depending on climate.
Diet
Adults feed on nectar from flowers like buddleia, milkweed, and asters. They also drink sap, rotting fruit, and tree juices. Caterpillars feed mainly on nettle plants.
4. Mourning Cloak (Nymphalis antiopa)
The Mourning Cloak is a distinctive butterfly known for its dark, velvety wings edged with pale borders. It is admired for its long lifespan and ability to survive harsh winters.
Identification
- Large butterfly with a wingspan of 3–4 inches
- Dark maroon to brown wings with pale yellow borders
- Blue spots line the edges near the borders
Color Pattern
The wings are a rich, dark maroon that appears almost black in some light. The outer edges are bordered by a creamy yellow band, with a row of iridescent blue spots inside the border. The underside is mottled dark gray, providing camouflage.
Commonly Found Area
Widely distributed across North America, Europe, and Asia. Found in woodlands, parks, orchards, and riverbanks. They often overwinter in tree crevices or under bark.
Behaviors
Mourning Cloaks are among the earliest butterflies seen in spring, sometimes flying on warm winter days. They are territorial and often defend their perches. Known for their long lifespan of up to 10–11 months.
Diet
Adults feed on tree sap, especially from oak and willow, as well as rotting fruit. They rarely visit flowers. Caterpillars feed on willow, poplar, and elm leaves.
5. Common Buckeye (Junonia coenia)
The Common Buckeye is easily recognized by its bold eyespots and earthy wing colors, which help deter predators.
Identification
- Medium-sized butterfly with a wingspan of 1.5–2.7 inches
- Brown wings with orange bars and several large eyespots
- Hindwings display two prominent eyespots
Color Pattern
The wings are brown with orange bands across the forewings. Multiple eyespots in shades of black, blue, and orange provide a striking defense pattern. The underside is light brown with faint markings, offering camouflage.
Commonly Found Area
Common in the United States, especially in open fields, roadsides, and gardens. They are also found in Central America and the Caribbean. Populations increase in late summer and fall due to migrations.
Behaviors
Common Buckeyes are active, quick flyers, often basking in the sun with wings spread. Their eyespots serve as a defense mechanism to startle predators. They are also migratory in colder regions.
Diet
Adults feed on nectar from asters, chicory, and verbena. Caterpillars feed on plantain, snapdragon, and toadflax species.
6. Question Mark (Polygonia interrogationis)
The Question Mark butterfly is named after the small silver mark shaped like a question mark on the underside of its hindwing. It is a woodland species often seen basking or feeding on unusual food sources.
Identification
- Medium to large butterfly with a wingspan of 2.5–3 inches
- Angular wings with jagged edges
- Underside of hindwing has a small silver “?” marking
Color Pattern
The upper side of wings is orange with black spots, and the forewings have a dark border. The hindwings have violet outer edges in summer forms, while winter forms appear darker. The underside is mottled gray-brown for camouflage.
Commonly Found Area
Distributed throughout eastern North America in woodlands, parks, and gardens. They are also common in areas with elm and hackberry trees.
Behaviors
Question Marks are territorial and often perch in sunny clearings. They overwinter as adults and are among the first butterflies to appear in spring. Their irregular wing edges help them blend into tree bark when resting.
Diet
Adults feed on tree sap, rotting fruit, carrion, and dung more often than flower nectar. Caterpillars consume elm, hackberry, and nettle leaves.
7. American Lady (Vanessa virginiensis)
The American Lady is a colorful butterfly known for its striking patterns and two large eye spots on the hindwings’ underside, which help in predator deterrence.
Identification
- Medium-sized butterfly with a wingspan of 1.75–2.7 inches
- Orange wings with black borders and white spots
- Two large eyespots on the underside of hindwings
Color Pattern
The forewings are orange with black tips and prominent white patches. Hindwings show orange-brown patterns with two large eyespots on the underside, providing strong defense against predators.
Commonly Found Area
Widespread in North America, especially in open areas, fields, gardens, and meadows. They also extend into Central America and the Caribbean.
Behaviors
American Ladies are fast flyers and often bask with wings open in sunny spots. They migrate seasonally and are commonly observed in late summer. Their eye spots play a defensive role by drawing predator attacks away from vital body parts.
Diet
Adults feed on nectar from asters, marigolds, and goldenrod. Caterpillars feed on plants such as cudweed, pussytoes, and everlasting.
8. Viceroy (Limenitis archippus)
The Viceroy is famous for its mimicry of the Monarch butterfly, a strategy that helps it avoid predators. Though similar in appearance, it has distinct differences that set it apart.
Identification
- Medium-sized butterfly with a wingspan of 2.5–3 inches
- Bright orange wings with black veins
- Distinct black horizontal line across hindwings
Color Pattern
Viceroys closely resemble Monarchs, with orange wings bordered in black and dotted with white spots. The key distinguishing feature is the black line running across the hindwings. The underside is paler but carries similar markings.
Commonly Found Area
Widely distributed across North America, especially near wetlands, ponds, lakes, and marshy areas where willow and poplar trees grow.
Behaviors
Viceroys are strong, quick fliers and are highly territorial. Their mimicry of the Monarch provides protection from predators, as both species are unpalatable. They often bask with open wings and perch on vegetation near water.
Diet
Adults feed on nectar, carrion fluids, dung, and tree sap, especially from willow and poplar. Caterpillars feed primarily on willow, poplar, and cottonwood leaves.
9. Great Spangled Fritillary (Speyeria cybele)
The Great Spangled Fritillary is one of the most common fritillaries in North America, admired for its bright orange wings decorated with bold black spots and silvery markings.
Identification
- Large butterfly with a wingspan of 2.5–4 inches
- Orange wings with black spots and patterns
- Underside of hindwings has silvery spots surrounded by pale bands
Color Pattern
The upper side is bright orange with rows of black dots and streaks. The underside is light brown with silver spots and pale tan bands that distinguish it from other fritillaries.
Commonly Found Area
Found throughout North America in open meadows, fields, woodland edges, and gardens. Most common in areas rich with violets, the host plants for its larvae.
Behaviors
These butterflies are strong, steady fliers often seen gliding over meadows. Males actively patrol for females, and females spend more time searching for suitable host plants. They overwinter as larvae.
Diet
Adults feed on nectar from milkweed, thistles, coneflowers, and bergamot. Caterpillars feed on violets, emerging in spring after overwintering.
10. Variegated Fritillary (Euptoieta claudia)
The Variegated Fritillary is a widespread butterfly with intricate wing patterns that make it stand out from other fritillaries. Unlike many related species, its larvae feed on a wide variety of plants.
Identification
- Medium-sized butterfly with a wingspan of 1.75–2.7 inches
- Orange-brown wings with dark spots and crossbars
- Underside is mottled brown with less silver than other fritillaries
Color Pattern
The wings have a rich orange-brown tone with black spots and zigzag crossbars. The underside shows light and dark brown mottling, providing camouflage when resting.
Commonly Found Area
Found throughout North and South America in open fields, gardens, roadsides, and disturbed areas. It is more tolerant of varied habitats compared to other fritillaries.
Behaviors
Variegated Fritillaries are solitary and less territorial. They are fast flyers, often staying close to the ground while feeding or searching for host plants. Unlike many fritillaries, they produce multiple broods per year.
Diet
Adults feed on nectar from passionflowers, violets, and asters. Caterpillars feed on a wide range of plants including violets, passionflowers, plantains, and purslanes.
11. Gulf Fritillary (Dione vanillae)
The Gulf Fritillary is a bright, tropical butterfly well known for its brilliant orange color and striking silver spots on the wing underside.
Identification
- Medium to large butterfly with a wingspan of 2.5–3.7 inches
- Bright orange wings with black streaks and spots
- Underside of hindwings shows large silver-white spots
Color Pattern
The dorsal side is vivid orange with black markings. The ventral side of the wings is brownish with bold silver spots, making it easy to identify in flight and at rest.
Commonly Found Area
Common in the southern United States, Central America, and South America. Often found in gardens, parks, and open fields, especially where passionflowers grow.
Behaviors
Active during warm, sunny days, Gulf Fritillaries are strong fliers and frequently visit flowers. They are known for courtship displays and long seasonal presence in tropical regions.
Diet
Adults feed on nectar from lantana, passionflowers, and zinnias. Caterpillars feed almost exclusively on passionflower leaves, from which they acquire protective toxins.
12. Hackberry Emperor (Asterocampa celtis)
The Hackberry Emperor is a medium-sized butterfly known for its attraction to unusual food sources and its close association with hackberry trees.
Identification
- Wingspan of 2–2.8 inches
- Brown wings with darker bands and eye spots
- Underside is pale with small eye spots for camouflage
Color Pattern
The upper wings are tan to dark brown with black and orange markings. Hindwings display small eyespots, while the underside is light brown with subtle patterns, helping them blend into bark or leaf litter.
Commonly Found Area
Widely distributed across the United States, especially in the Midwest and South. Closely tied to hackberry trees, their only larval host plants.
Behaviors
Hackberry Emperors are curious and often land on humans to sip sweat or tears. They rarely visit flowers, instead preferring rotting fruit, carrion, and animal droppings. They are active, fast flyers and rest with wings spread flat.
Diet
Adults feed on tree sap, rotting fruit, dung, and carrion fluids. Caterpillars feed solely on hackberry leaves.
13. Tawny Emperor (Asterocampa clyton)
The Tawny Emperor is a close relative of the Hackberry Emperor, with similar habits but distinct coloration and markings.
Identification
- Wingspan of 2–2.6 inches
- Rich orange-brown wings with dark lines and small eyespots
- Underside is mottled pale brown for camouflage
Color Pattern
The upper wings are tawny orange with black spots and wavy lines. Unlike the Hackberry Emperor, it has fewer markings and a warmer overall tone. The underside is light brown with subtle patterns.
Commonly Found Area
Found in the eastern and southern United States, always near hackberry trees. Common in parks, wooded edges, and suburban areas.
Behaviors
Tawny Emperors are strong, fast fliers and rarely visit flowers. Like their relatives, they are attracted to rotting fruit, animal droppings, and carrion. They often perch in sunny spots or on human clothing.
Diet
Adults feed on tree sap, decaying matter, and rotting fruit. Caterpillars depend entirely on hackberry leaves for growth and development.
14. White Peacock (Anartia jatrophae)
The White Peacock is a graceful butterfly recognized for its delicate white wings patterned with brown and orange markings. It is common in warm regions and often seen fluttering near wetlands.
Identification
- Wingspan of 2–2.8 inches
- White wings with brown borders and orange accents
- Hindwings marked with small eyespots
Color Pattern
The wings are primarily white with brown borders and fine orange bands. Small black spots and pale eyespots are visible on the hindwings. The underside is paler with muted markings, blending well with the environment.
Commonly Found Area
Found in the southern United States, Central America, and South America. Frequently seen near ponds, marshes, canals, and moist open fields.
Behaviors
White Peacocks are calm, slow fliers, often basking with wings open in the sun. They are territorial and males often patrol small areas near water.
Diet
Adults feed on nectar from Spanish needles, shepherd’s needles, and other wildflowers. Caterpillars feed on water hyssop, frogfruit, and other low-growing plants.
15. Zebra Longwing (Heliconius charithonia)
The Zebra Longwing is an elegant butterfly with elongated wings striped in black and yellow, giving it a zebra-like appearance. It is also notable for its social roosting behavior.
Identification
- Wingspan of 2.8–4 inches
- Long, narrow black wings with yellow stripes
- Slender body with similar coloration
Color Pattern
The wings are black with bold, parallel yellow stripes. The underside is similar but duller, with muted tones that enhance camouflage in shaded habitats.
Commonly Found Area
Found in the southern United States, Mexico, Central America, and South America. Prefers subtropical forests, gardens, and hammocks.
Behaviors
Zebra Longwings are slow, graceful fliers and known for roosting communally in groups at night. They are highly social compared to most butterflies and live longer than many species.
Diet
Adults feed on both nectar and pollen, which extends their lifespan. Caterpillars consume passionflower leaves, from which they obtain protective toxins.
16. Julia Butterfly (Dryas iulia)
The Julia Butterfly, also known as the Flambeau, is a striking species with long, narrow orange wings that make it easily recognizable. Its beauty and graceful flight make it a favorite in butterfly gardens.
Identification
- Wingspan of 3.5–4 inches
- Long, narrow wings with bright orange coloration
- Thin black borders along wing edges
Color Pattern
The wings are vivid orange with fine black borders and faint markings. The underside is pale brown with subtle streaks, offering camouflage when resting with wings closed.
Commonly Found Area
Native to the southern United States, Central America, and South America. Found in open woodlands, tropical forests, and gardens.
Behaviors
Julia Butterflies are active and strong fliers, often gliding gracefully in sunny habitats. Males patrol territories in search of females, while both sexes frequently bask with wings open.
Diet
Adults feed on nectar from lantana, shepherd’s needle, and passionflower. Caterpillars rely on passionflower leaves, which provide toxins for predator defense.
17. Malachite (Siproeta stelenes)
The Malachite is a vibrant butterfly named for its unique green coloration resembling the mineral malachite. It is one of the most beautiful and recognizable species in tropical regions.
Identification
- Wingspan of 3–4 inches
- Bright green wings with thick black borders
- Underside displays pale green and brown tones
Color Pattern
The wings are bright lime-green with bold black outlines and markings, creating a striking contrast. The underside is patterned with light green and brown for camouflage.
Commonly Found Area
Distributed across Central America, South America, and southern parts of Florida and Texas. Common in tropical forests, gardens, and open sunny areas.
Behaviors
Malachites are powerful fliers, often gliding through forest clearings. They frequently bask in sunny spots and feed actively during the day. Their striking coloration makes them easy to spot even at a distance.
Diet
Adults feed on nectar, rotting fruit, and tree sap. Caterpillars feed on plants from the Acanthaceae family, particularly ruellia species.
