Butterflies are among the most captivating and diverse insects, known for their vibrant colors, delicate wings, and graceful flight. With over 17,000 species worldwide, each butterfly has unique characteristics that make it special.
In this guide, we’ll explore 30 types of butterflies, detailing their appearance, habitats, and fascinating traits. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a gardener looking to attract butterflies, or simply curious about these beautiful creatures, this article will help you identify and appreciate them.
From the well-known Monarch and Swallowtail to the rare Glasswing and Apollo Butterfly, each species comes with its own story. Let’s dive in and discover these winged wonders!
1. Monarch Butterfly
The Monarch is one of the most iconic butterflies, easily recognized by its bright orange wings with black veins and white spots along the edges. It has a wingspan of 3.5 to 4 inches.
Monarchs are famous for their long migrations, traveling thousands of miles from North America to Mexico each year. Their caterpillars feed exclusively on milkweed, which provides them with toxins that make them unappealing to predators.
These butterflies prefer open fields, gardens, and meadows. Due to habitat loss and climate change, their population has declined, making conservation efforts crucial.
2. Swallowtail Butterfly
Swallowtail butterflies are large and striking, with distinctive tail-like extensions on their hindwings, resembling a swallow’s tail. They come in various colors, including yellow, black, and blue, with intricate patterns.
They are strong fliers and are commonly seen in gardens, meadows, and open fields. Some species mimic toxic butterflies to deter predators, while their caterpillars often resemble bird droppings for camouflage.
Swallowtails are widespread across different continents. They play an essential role in pollination and add beauty to natural landscapes with their elegant flight.
3. Blue Morpho Butterfly
The Blue Morpho is known for its shimmering, iridescent blue wings that make it one of the most stunning butterflies. Native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America, it has a wingspan of up to 6 inches.
While the upper side of its wings is vibrant blue, the underside is brown with eye-like patterns, helping it blend into the environment when resting. This camouflage protects it from predators.
Blue Morphos are powerful fliers and often glide through dense forests. They primarily feed on fermenting fruit, making them a unique part of the butterfly world.
4. Painted Lady Butterfly
The Painted Lady is a widely distributed butterfly with orange and brown wings decorated with black and white markings. It thrives in various habitats, from gardens to deserts.
Known for its incredible migration, it travels long distances between continents. Some populations migrate from North Africa to Europe, covering thousands of miles each year.
Their caterpillars feed on thistles and nettles, making them common in butterfly gardens. Painted Ladies are strong and fast fliers, often seen fluttering around flowers for nectar.
5. Red Admiral Butterfly
The Red Admiral is a striking butterfly with black wings, bold red-orange bands, and white spots near the tips. It is found in North America, Europe, and Asia.
These butterflies are known for their territorial behavior, often defending feeding spots from other butterflies. They are commonly seen visiting gardens and parks for nectar.
Red Admirals prefer nettles as their host plants, where their caterpillars grow. They are strong fliers and can adapt to different climates, making them a resilient butterfly species.
6. Cabbage White Butterfly
The Cabbage White is a small, pale butterfly with white wings and black markings on the tips. Males have a single black spot on each forewing, while females have two.
It is one of the most common butterflies worldwide and is often found in gardens, fields, and agricultural areas. Their caterpillars feed on cabbage, kale, and other cruciferous plants, making them a known pest to farmers.
Despite their simple appearance, they are strong fliers and can travel long distances. They thrive in both urban and rural environments.
7. Zebra Longwing Butterfly
The Zebra Longwing is named for its striking black-and-white striped wings, resembling a zebra’s pattern. It has a slow, graceful flight and a wingspan of about 3 to 4 inches.
Found in the southern U.S., Central America, and South America, it thrives in warm, tropical regions. Unlike most butterflies, it feeds on pollen as well as nectar, which helps it live longer than other species.
These butterflies are social and often roost in groups at night. Their caterpillars feed on passionflower plants, which make them toxic to predators.
8. Mourning Cloak Butterfly
The Mourning Cloak is a unique butterfly with dark maroon wings, bordered by a yellow edge and blue spots. It has a wingspan of 3 to 4 inches and is known for its long lifespan, sometimes living up to a year.
Unlike many butterflies, it can survive cold temperatures and is often one of the first butterflies seen in early spring. It hibernates during winter, hiding under tree bark or leaf litter.
Mourning Cloaks prefer wooded areas and gardens, feeding on tree sap, rotting fruit, and nectar. Their caterpillars, known as spiny elm caterpillars, feed on willow and elm leaves.
9. Common Buckeye Butterfly
The Common Buckeye is easily identified by its brown wings with large, bold eyespots that help deter predators. It has orange bars and white patches on its wings, creating a striking appearance.
This butterfly prefers open fields, gardens, and roadsides. It is a fast and erratic flier, often staying close to the ground.
Buckeye caterpillars feed on snapdragons, plantains, and toadflax plants. Adult butterflies enjoy basking in the sun and are often seen sipping nectar from flowers like asters and lantanas.
10. Viceroy Butterfly
The Viceroy closely resembles the Monarch but can be distinguished by its black horizontal line across the hindwings. It is slightly smaller, with a wingspan of 2.5 to 3 inches.
This butterfly mimics the toxic Monarch to avoid predators, but unlike Monarchs, Viceroys are also unpalatable due to the willow and poplar leaves their caterpillars consume.
Viceroys are found near wetlands, meadows, and forests. They are strong fliers and often perch on leaves or flowers, making them easy to spot in nature.
11. Gulf Fritillary Butterfly
The Gulf Fritillary is a bright orange butterfly with black spots and elongated wings, giving it a distinct appearance. The undersides of its wings are brown with silver markings.
This butterfly is commonly found in the southern United States, Central America, and parts of South America. It prefers warm climates and is often seen fluttering around passionflower vines, which serve as its host plant.
Gulf Fritillaries are fast fliers and love open gardens, meadows, and fields. Their caterpillars are orange with black spines and feed exclusively on passionflowers.
12. Clouded Yellow Butterfly
The Clouded Yellow is a vibrant yellow butterfly with black-bordered wings and a small orange spot on the forewings. Its underwings are greenish-yellow, providing great camouflage.
This species is highly migratory and can be found across Europe, North Africa, and Asia. It prefers open grasslands, meadows, and coastal areas where its caterpillars feed on clovers and legumes.
Clouded Yellows are strong and rapid fliers, often traveling in large numbers during migrations. They are particularly noticeable in late summer and early autumn.
13. Question Mark Butterfly
The Question Mark butterfly gets its name from a small, silver question mark-like marking on the underside of its wings. Its wings are orange with black spots, while the undersides resemble dried leaves.
This butterfly is found in forests, gardens, and parks across North America. It has a unique diet, feeding on tree sap, rotting fruit, and even animal droppings instead of relying solely on nectar.
Question Mark caterpillars feed on elm, nettles, and hackberry trees. Adults hibernate during winter and emerge in early spring, making them one of the first butterflies to appear after the cold season.
14. Peacock Butterfly
The Peacock Butterfly is one of the most beautiful butterflies, known for its deep red wings with large, iridescent blue and black eyespots that resemble a peacock’s tail.
Native to Europe and Asia, it thrives in woodlands, gardens, and meadows. The eyespots on its wings help scare off predators, making it a well-protected species.
Peacock butterflies hibernate during winter, often hiding in tree hollows or sheds. Their caterpillars are black with spines and feed on nettles, which provide them with a safe and nutritious food source.
15. Brimstone Butterfly
The Brimstone is a pale green or yellow butterfly that blends well with leaves, making it difficult to spot when resting. Males are bright yellow, while females have a more subdued greenish-white color.
This butterfly is found across Europe and Asia, preferring woodlands, hedgerows, and gardens. It has a long lifespan, sometimes surviving up to a year.
Brimstone caterpillars feed on buckthorn and alder buckthorn leaves. Adults emerge early in spring and are one of the first butterflies to be seen after winter hibernation.
16. Green Hairstreak Butterfly
The Green Hairstreak is a small yet striking butterfly with bright green wings that help it blend seamlessly with leaves. The undersides of its wings are a vivid green, while the upper sides are brown, but they are rarely visible.
Found across Europe, Asia, and North America, this butterfly prefers grasslands, heathlands, and woodland edges. It is territorial and often returns to the same perch repeatedly.
Its caterpillars feed on various plants, including gorse, buckthorn, and heather. Green Hairstreaks are strong fliers despite their small size and are often seen basking in the sun.
17. Small Tortoiseshell Butterfly
The Small Tortoiseshell is a beautifully patterned butterfly with orange wings, black and yellow markings, and a blue border along the edges. It has a wingspan of about 2 inches.
Common in Europe and parts of Asia, this butterfly is often found in gardens, meadows, and woodland clearings. It hibernates during winter and emerges in early spring, making it one of the first butterflies seen each year.
Its caterpillars feed on nettles, forming clusters on leaves. Adults are frequent visitors to flowers like buddleia and thistles, where they feed on nectar.
18. Comma Butterfly
The Comma butterfly has ragged, scalloped wings with a deep orange color and black spots. It gets its name from the small, white, comma-shaped marking on the underside of its wings.
Native to Europe and Asia, it thrives in woodlands, gardens, and hedgerows. Its unique wing shape helps it mimic dead leaves, providing excellent camouflage against predators.
Comma caterpillars feed on nettles, hops, and elm leaves. Adults hibernate in winter and emerge in early spring, often appearing before many other butterflies.
19. Apollo Butterfly
The Apollo butterfly is a rare and stunning species with white wings adorned with black spots and striking red or orange eyespots. It has a large wingspan, sometimes reaching up to 4 inches.
Found in mountainous regions of Europe and Asia, it prefers alpine meadows and rocky slopes. This butterfly is highly sensitive to climate change, and conservation efforts are in place to protect its habitats.
Apollo caterpillars feed on stonecrop and other succulent plants. Adults have a slow and graceful flight, often gliding over flowers while searching for nectar.
20. Clipper Butterfly
The Clipper is a tropical butterfly with large, fast-flying wings that feature vibrant patterns in blue, green, or brown, depending on the subspecies. It has bold white patches and intricate markings.
Native to Southeast Asia, it thrives in rainforests, gardens, and butterfly farms. It is known for its rapid, gliding flight and sudden bursts of speed.
Clipper caterpillars feed on passionflower and related plants. This butterfly is commonly seen in butterfly conservatories due to its striking beauty and active behavior.
21. Malachite Butterfly
The Malachite Butterfly is a striking species with bright green wings bordered by black and brown patterns. Its wingspan ranges from 3 to 4 inches, making it quite noticeable in flight.
Found in Central and South America, it thrives in tropical forests, gardens, and open fields. Unlike many butterflies, it prefers to feed on rotting fruit rather than flower nectar.
Malachite caterpillars feed on plants like ruellia and acanthus. Adults are often seen resting with their wings open, displaying their vibrant green patterns.
22. Glasswing Butterfly
The Glasswing Butterfly is unique for its transparent wings, which make it nearly invisible in its natural habitat. The wing edges are lined with brown and orange, giving them a delicate appearance.
Native to Central and South America, it prefers rainforests and tropical regions. This butterfly’s glass-like wings provide excellent camouflage against predators.
Glasswing caterpillars feed on toxic plants, which make both the caterpillars and adults unpalatable to birds. Adults feed on flower nectar and have a slow, graceful flight.
23. Purple Emperor Butterfly
The Purple Emperor is a large and majestic butterfly with iridescent purple wings, highlighted by black and white markings. Males have a stronger purple sheen, while females are mostly brown.
Found in European woodlands, this butterfly prefers tree canopies and is rarely seen at ground level. It feeds on tree sap, rotting fruit, and even animal dung instead of nectar.
Purple Emperor caterpillars feed on willow leaves. This butterfly is known for its territorial behavior, often chasing away intruders from its favorite spots.
24. Orange Tip Butterfly
The Orange Tip Butterfly is easily identified by the bright orange patches on the tips of its white wings. Females lack the orange markings and are often mistaken for other white butterflies.
Common in Europe and Asia, it is found in meadows, hedgerows, and gardens. It is one of the first butterflies to emerge in spring, feeding on nectar from wildflowers.
Orange Tip caterpillars feed on plants like garlic mustard and cuckooflower. Adults are strong fliers and actively seek out mates during their short lifespan.
25. White Admiral Butterfly
The White Admiral is a graceful butterfly with deep black wings accented by a bold white band across the center. The undersides are reddish-brown with intricate markings.
Native to Europe, Asia, and parts of North America, it prefers woodland areas where it glides effortlessly through the trees. It feeds on flower nectar and tree sap.
White Admiral caterpillars feed on honeysuckle leaves. This butterfly’s elegant flight and striking coloration make it a favorite among butterfly watchers.
26. Great Eggfly Butterfly
The Great Eggfly, also known as the Blue Moon Butterfly, is a stunning species with deep black wings adorned with iridescent blue and white spots. Males have a more vibrant blue sheen, while females display various brown patterns.
Native to Asia, Australia, and parts of Africa, it thrives in tropical and subtropical regions. It is known for its territorial nature, with males often chasing away rivals.
Great Eggfly caterpillars feed on plants like nettles and lantana. Adults are strong fliers and frequently visit flowers for nectar.
27. Blue Tiger Butterfly
The Blue Tiger Butterfly has striking black wings decorated with shimmering blue or white streaks. It resembles the Monarch Butterfly in shape but has a unique color pattern.
Found in India, Southeast Asia, and Australia, it prefers forests, coastal regions, and gardens. This butterfly is migratory, often moving in large groups during seasonal changes.
Blue Tiger caterpillars feed on milkweed, making them distasteful to predators. Adults are slow and graceful fliers, often seen feeding on nectar-rich flowers.
28. Black Swallowtail Butterfly
The Black Swallowtail is a beautiful butterfly with velvety black wings accented by yellow and blue markings. Males have bolder yellow spots, while females feature more blue on their hindwings.
Native to North America, it is commonly found in fields, gardens, and open meadows. It mimics the toxic Pipevine Swallowtail to deter predators.
Black Swallowtail caterpillars feed on parsley, dill, and fennel, often earning them the nickname “parsley worms.” Adults are strong fliers and frequently seen around flowering plants.
29. Indian Leaf Butterfly
The Indian Leaf Butterfly, also known as the Orange Oakleaf, is a master of disguise. When its wings are closed, it resembles a dry, brown leaf, making it nearly invisible among foliage.
Found in India and Southeast Asia, it prefers forests and wooded areas. When it spreads its wings, it reveals vibrant orange and blue colors, surprising predators.
Indian Leaf caterpillars feed on plants like mango and fig. This butterfly’s remarkable camouflage helps it evade birds and other threats.
30. Long-tailed Skipper Butterfly
The Long-tailed Skipper is easily recognized by its iridescent blue-green body and distinctive long tails on its hindwings. Its wings are brown with lighter markings.
Native to North and South America, it prefers gardens, fields, and tropical forests. It is an active flier, darting quickly between flowers in search of nectar.
Long-tailed Skipper caterpillars, often called “bean leafrollers,” feed on legumes like beans and peas. Their tails and fast movements help them escape predators.
