Butterflies are not just beautiful—they play a vital role in our ecosystems. From the iconic Monarch to the glowing Blue Morpho, each species brings its own charm and story. In this guide, I’ll walk you through 15 common butterflies you’re likely to spot in gardens, fields, or forests. You’ll learn how to identify them, where they live, and what makes each one special.
1. Monarch Butterfly
The Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is one of the most iconic and recognizable butterflies in the world. Known for its vibrant orange wings with black veins and white spots, this butterfly is famous for its remarkable long-distance migration across North America. It plays a vital role in pollination and serves as a powerful symbol of transformation in nature.
Identification
- Wingspan: 3.5 to 4 inches
- Color: Bright orange wings with black borders and white spots
- Veins: Bold black veins across the wings
- Sex difference: Males have two black scent glands on hindwings; females do not
- Caterpillar: Yellow, black, and white stripes with tentacle-like filaments
Habitat
Monarchs are commonly found in open fields, meadows, gardens, and along roadsides where milkweed grows. Milkweed is their primary host plant, and they rarely stray far from it during breeding seasons.
Diet
Adult Monarchs feed on nectar from various flowering plants including milkweed, goldenrod, and lantana. Caterpillars feed exclusively on milkweed, which makes them toxic to predators.
Behavior
Monarchs are solitary fliers and undertake one of the longest insect migrations in the world. Eastern populations migrate from Canada and the U.S. to Mexico for the winter, while western populations migrate to California.
Life Cycle
Their life cycle includes four stages: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa (chrysalis), and adult butterfly. Monarchs typically go through four generations each year, with the final generation being migratory.
2. Painted Lady
The Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui) is a widespread butterfly known for its adaptability and migratory nature. It can be found on nearly every continent and is often spotted in gardens, parks, and meadows. Its striking blend of orange, black, and white patterns makes it easy to recognize.
Identification
- Wingspan: 2 to 2.9 inches
- Color: Orange wings with black markings and white spots near the tips
- Underside: Mottled brown with four small eye spots on the hindwings
- Caterpillar: Dark with spiny bristles and yellow side stripes
- Flight Pattern: Fast and erratic
Habitat
Painted Ladies are versatile and inhabit a variety of environments including fields, roadsides, gardens, and even deserts. They often appear in large numbers during migration seasons.
Diet
Adults feed on nectar from thistle, aster, cosmos, zinnias, and other composite flowers. Caterpillars prefer thistles, mallow, and hollyhock.
Behavior
These butterflies are strong migrants, often traveling thousands of miles. Unlike Monarchs, Painted Ladies do not return to their original starting point. They breed throughout their migration journey.
Life Cycle
Their lifecycle includes egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages. In warmer climates, they may complete several generations per year.
3. Red Admiral
The Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta) is a striking butterfly known for its bold black wings highlighted with red-orange bands and white spots. It’s a familiar sight in temperate regions and is particularly attracted to gardens and areas with rotting fruit or nectar-rich flowers.
Identification
- Wingspan: 1.8 to 3 inches
- Color: Black wings with red-orange bands across forewings and hindwings
- Forewings: White spots near the tips
- Underside: Mottled brown, providing camouflage
- Caterpillar: Dark spiny body with light markings
Habitat
Red Admirals are commonly found in woodlands, gardens, coastal areas, and near moist places like rivers and marshes. They are highly adaptable to urban and suburban settings.
Diet
Adults feed on flower nectar and are especially drawn to overripe fruit, sap flows, and bird droppings. Caterpillars feed primarily on nettles.
Behavior
They are territorial and may chase other butterflies or even humans. Red Admirals are also migratory, moving north in spring and returning south in fall in some regions.
Life Cycle
Like most butterflies, they go through a complete metamorphosis: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Multiple broods can occur in warmer climates.
4. Cabbage White
The Cabbage White (Pieris rapae) is one of the most common and easily recognized butterflies in gardens and agricultural areas. Often considered a pest by farmers due to its caterpillar’s appetite for cabbage and related plants, it is nonetheless an important pollinator in many ecosystems.
Identification
- Wingspan: 1.5 to 2 inches
- Color: Pale white or yellowish wings with black tips
- Markings: One or two black spots on each forewing (two in females, one in males)
- Underside: Light yellow with faint speckles
- Caterpillar: Velvety green with a faint yellow stripe
Habitat
Commonly seen in gardens, farms, meadows, and open grassy areas. It thrives wherever cruciferous vegetables are grown, such as cabbage, kale, and mustard.
Diet
Adults feed on nectar from flowers like dandelions, asters, and red clover. Caterpillars feed voraciously on plants in the Brassicaceae family, including cabbage, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts.
Behavior
Cabbage Whites are active flyers and often flutter low to the ground. Males are territorial and will chase rivals away from potential mates.
Life Cycle
This species can produce multiple generations a year, especially in warmer climates. Eggs are laid singly on host plants, and the caterpillars grow rapidly before pupating.
5. Common Buckeye
The Common Buckeye (Junonia coenia) is easily identifiable by its large, bold eye spots and colorful wing patterns. These eye spots serve as a defense mechanism, deterring predators by mimicking the eyes of larger animals.
Identification
- Wingspan: 2 to 2.8 inches
- Color: Brown wings with orange bands and multiple eye spots
- Forewings: Two orange bars and two eye spots
- Hindwings: Prominent single eye spot on each side
- Caterpillar: Black with white dots and orange bands, covered in spines
Habitat
Buckeyes prefer open, sunny areas such as fields, roadsides, gardens, and grasslands. They are also commonly found near coastlines and sandy habitats.
Diet
Adults feed on nectar from a wide variety of flowers like aster, verbena, and coreopsis. Caterpillars feed on plantain, snapdragon, and other host plants in the figwort family.
Behavior
They are territorial and often bask with wings open. Buckeyes are seasonal migrants in the U.S., moving north in the spring and south in the fall.
Life Cycle
Their life cycle consists of egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages. In warmer areas, multiple generations may occur annually.
6. Black Swallowtail
The Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes) is a striking butterfly known for its deep black wings adorned with yellow, blue, and orange markings. It is a familiar sight in gardens and open fields, especially where parsley and dill are grown.
Identification
- Wingspan: 2.5 to 4 inches
- Color: Black wings with two rows of yellow spots
- Sex difference: Females have more blue on hindwings; males show more yellow
- Hindwings: Two orange eyespots near the tails
- Caterpillar: Green with black bands and yellow spots
Habitat
Black Swallowtails prefer open areas such as meadows, gardens, roadsides, and fields. They are commonly seen in regions where host plants like parsley, fennel, and carrot grow.
Diet
Adult butterflies feed on nectar from thistle, zinnias, and milkweed. Caterpillars feed on plants from the carrot family, including dill, fennel, and Queen Anne’s lace.
Behavior
They often flutter low while searching for nectar or suitable host plants. Males are territorial and will patrol for females.
Life Cycle
Females lay eggs singly on host plants. The caterpillars go through several molts before forming a green or brown chrysalis. Multiple broods can occur each year depending on the climate.
7. Tiger Swallowtail
The Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus) is one of North America’s most recognizable butterflies, thanks to its large size and bold yellow-and-black striped pattern. It resembles the pattern of a tiger, which gives it its name.
Identification
- Wingspan: 3.5 to 5.5 inches
- Color: Bright yellow wings with black tiger-like stripes
- Sex difference: Females may be yellow or entirely black (mimicry form)
- Hindwings: Tails with blue and orange spots near edges
- Caterpillar: Green with large fake eyespots near the head
Habitat
These butterflies are commonly found in woodlands, near rivers and creeks, gardens, and suburban parks. They prefer areas with deciduous trees, which are their larval host plants.
Diet
Adults feed on nectar from milkweed, butterfly bush, and wild cherry. Caterpillars eat leaves from tulip trees, wild cherry, ash, and birch.
Behavior
Tiger Swallowtails are strong, graceful fliers. Males often patrol riverbanks looking for mates, while females lay eggs high in the canopy.
Life Cycle
Their life cycle includes egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages. They typically produce two generations per year in the north and more in southern climates.
8. Viceroy Butterfly
The Viceroy Butterfly (Limenitis archippus) is often mistaken for the Monarch due to its similar orange and black coloring. However, it can be identified by a distinct black line that runs across its hindwings. This mimicry helps deter predators, as they associate the Viceroy’s look with the unpalatable Monarch.
Identification
- Wingspan: 2.5 to 3.1 inches
- Color: Orange wings with black veins and borders, plus a horizontal black line on hindwings
- Mimicry: Resembles the Monarch Butterfly but smaller
- Caterpillar: Brown and green with humps and a bird-dropping-like appearance
- Underside: Pale brown with subtle orange and black markings
Habitat
Viceroys are commonly found near water sources like marshes, ponds, and wetlands, where their host plants—willow, cottonwood, and poplar—thrive.
Diet
Adults feed on nectar from milkweed, thistle, and goldenrod. They also feed on tree sap, decaying fruit, and dung. Caterpillars feed on willow and poplar leaves.
Behavior
Viceroys are territorial and often perch with their wings spread flat. They fly in quick, short bursts and are often spotted basking in the sun.
Life Cycle
The life cycle includes egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages. Caterpillars overwinter in rolled leaves and pupate in spring. There are typically two to three generations per year.
9. Gulf Fritillary
The Gulf Fritillary (Dione vanillae) is a vibrant orange butterfly with long wings and distinctive silvery spots on the underside. It’s commonly found in the southern United States, especially in warm, tropical, and subtropical regions.
Identification
- Wingspan: 2.5 to 3.7 inches
- Color: Bright orange wings with black spots on the upper side
- Underside: Brown with large silvery-white spots
- Caterpillar: Orange with black spines and stripes
- Shape: Long, narrow wings compared to other fritillaries
Habitat
Gulf Fritillaries are often seen in gardens, parks, open fields, and roadsides—especially where passionflower vines grow, which serve as their host plants.
Diet
Adults feed on nectar from lantana, passionflower, and verbena. Caterpillars eat the leaves of various passionflower species.
Behavior
They are fast and fluttery fliers. Males patrol large areas in search of females, and both sexes are highly attracted to passionflower patches.
Life Cycle
Eggs are laid singly on or near passionflower vines. Caterpillars feed heavily and then pupate into chrysalises that resemble dried leaves. Multiple generations occur annually in warm climates.
12. Clouded Sulphur
The Clouded Sulphur (Colias philodice) is a bright yellow butterfly commonly seen fluttering over open fields and roadside flowers. Its vibrant color and rapid flight make it a familiar sight across much of North America.
Identification
- Wingspan: 1.5 to 2.7 inches
- Color: Lemon-yellow wings with a black border (darker in males)
- Underside: Pale yellow or greenish with a small silver or white spot on the hindwing
- Caterpillar: Green with a white stripe and fine hairs
- Sex difference: Females may appear more white or pale
Habitat
Found in meadows, grassy fields, roadsides, gardens, and open countryside. They prefer areas with clover and other legumes.
Diet
Adults feed on nectar from clover, milkweed, dandelion, and alfalfa. Caterpillars feed on various legumes including clover, alfalfa, and vetch.
Behavior
Clouded Sulphurs are fast flyers and often fly low to the ground. They can be seen in large numbers in blooming fields and may fly in groups with similar species.
Life Cycle
They produce several broods per year, with eggs laid singly on host plants. Caterpillars develop quickly, and the butterfly can overwinter as a pupa in colder climates.
13. Orange Sulphur
The Orange Sulphur (Colias eurytheme), also known as the Alfalfa Butterfly, closely resembles the Clouded Sulphur but features bright orange wings. It’s one of the most widespread and abundant butterflies in North America.
Identification
- Wingspan: 1.4 to 2.8 inches
- Color: Bright orange upper wings with black borders
- Underside: Pale yellow to greenish, often with one or two small dark spots
- Caterpillar: Green with white side stripes
- Sex difference: Females may appear yellower with additional spotting
Habitat
Found in fields, meadows, alfalfa farms, and disturbed open areas. They prefer regions where legumes are abundant.
Diet
Adults feed on nectar from milkweed, goldenrod, clover, and alfalfa. Caterpillars primarily feed on alfalfa and other legumes.
Behavior
They are strong and rapid fliers, often seen in large numbers. Males actively search for females, flying low over fields.
Life Cycle
The Orange Sulphur completes multiple generations per year. Eggs are laid singly on host plants, and the species overwinters in the pupal stage.
14. Blue Morpho
The Blue Morpho (Morpho peleides) is one of the most dazzling butterflies in the world, best known for its brilliant, iridescent blue wings. Native to Central and South America, it thrives in tropical rainforests and often catches the eye with its shimmering appearance in flight.
Identification
- Wingspan: 5 to 6 inches
- Color: Vibrant metallic blue on the upper side, brown with eye spots on the underside
- Underside: Camouflaged with tan and brown tones, featuring several large eye spots
- Caterpillar: Reddish-brown with bright green patches and fine hairs
- Sex difference: Males are more vividly blue than females
Habitat
Found in tropical rainforests, especially near rivers, trails, and open clearings. They often stay near the forest floor or mid-canopy level.
Diet
Adults feed on the juices of rotting fruit, tree sap, and fungi rather than flower nectar. Caterpillars feed on leaves of various leguminous plants.
Behavior
Blue Morphos fly with slow, exaggerated wingbeats, making their blue color flash vividly. When at rest, they close their wings to blend in with surroundings using their brown underside.
Life Cycle
They go through egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages. The chrysalis is bright green and resembles a leaf, helping it stay hidden from predators.
15. Great Spangled Fritillary
The Great Spangled Fritillary (Speyeria cybele) is a large and beautiful orange-brown butterfly with black spots and silvery patches beneath the wings. It’s commonly seen in gardens, fields, and meadows throughout much of North America.
Identification
- Wingspan: 2.5 to 4 inches
- Color: Orange upper wings with black spots; underside has silver spots on a tan and brown background
- Sex difference: Females may appear slightly darker
- Caterpillar: Velvety dark brown to black with spines and orange stripes
- Forewings: Rounded with numerous black spots
Habitat
Prefers open meadows, pastures, fields, and gardens—especially those with violets, which are critical for the larval stage.
Diet
Adults feed on nectar from milkweed, thistle, coneflower, and ironweed. Caterpillars feed exclusively on violet leaves.
Behavior
They are strong and steady fliers, often seen gliding between flowers in sunny areas. Adults emerge in early summer and are active through late August.
Life Cycle
Eggs are laid near violet plants in late summer. The tiny caterpillars hatch but remain dormant until spring, when they begin feeding. There is usually one generation per year.
FAQs
1. How can I attract butterflies to my garden?
Plant native nectar-rich flowers like milkweed, coneflower, lantana, and butterfly bush. Also, include host plants like parsley, dill, and violets for caterpillars. Avoid using pesticides, as they harm butterflies and their larvae.
2. What’s the difference between a butterfly and a moth?
Butterflies are usually active during the day and rest with their wings closed, while moths are typically nocturnal and rest with their wings open or spread flat. Butterflies also have clubbed antennae, whereas moths have feathery or threadlike ones.
3. Why do some butterflies mimic other species?
Butterflies like the Viceroy mimic toxic species such as the Monarch to avoid predators. This form of protective mimicry tricks birds and other animals into thinking they are harmful or unpalatable.
4. What do butterfly caterpillars eat?
Caterpillars have specific host plants they rely on for food. For example, Monarch caterpillars eat milkweed, while Black Swallowtail caterpillars feed on parsley and fennel. Choosing the right plant is vital for their development.
5. How long do butterflies live?
Most adult butterflies live for 2 to 4 weeks. However, some species like the Monarch (migratory generation) and Mourning Cloak can live several months, especially those that hibernate or migrate.
