There’s something magical about spotting a pink butterfly in the wild. Their soft colors, often mixed with hints of orange and peach, make them feel almost unreal. I’ve always been fascinated by these gentle fliers, so I put together a list of 17 pink butterflies that truly stand out. Whether you’re a nature lover or just curious, these butterflies are a real treat to discover.
1. Pink Glasswing
The Pink Glasswing is a delicate and rare butterfly known for its partially transparent wings tinged with pink hues. Its subtle elegance and shimmering patterns make it a favorite among butterfly watchers and photographers. Despite the name, it often exhibits blends of pink, orange, and soft purples that create a stunning visual effect in sunlight.
Identification
- Transparent forewings with soft pink sheen
- Hints of orange near the wing bases
- Narrow black borders on wing edges
- Small, slim body with orange and white accents
- Wingspan ranges between 5–7 cm
Color Pattern
The Pink Glasswing displays a translucent wing surface that softly reflects shades of pink, enhanced by orange gradients near the center and along the veins. These colors shimmer more vibrantly in natural light, especially against green backdrops.
Habitat
This butterfly typically inhabits tropical and subtropical rainforests, favoring humid environments with plenty of flowering plants.
Behavior
Pink Glasswings are slow fliers, often hovering near nectar-rich flowers. They are also known to be quite elusive, making sightings rare and special.
2. Rosy Maple Moth
Though technically a moth, the Rosy Maple Moth is often admired like a butterfly due to its vivid colors and delicate appearance. Its cotton-candy shades of pink and yellow, with occasional orange tones, make it stand out among North American species.
Identification
- Forewings are bright pink with yellow-orange bands
- Fuzzy body with yellow and pink fur
- Wingspan ranges from 3.2 to 5 cm
- Antennae feathery in males, slender in females
- Legs and underside show hints of soft orange
Color Pattern
A blend of warm pink, yellow, and subtle orange gives the Rosy Maple Moth a unique pastel look. The orange tinge especially shows near the upper wing base and on the thorax.
Habitat
Commonly found in deciduous woodlands, especially where maple trees are abundant.
Behavior
They are nocturnal and often rest during the day on tree trunks, blending into colorful foliage.
3. Pink-spotted Cattleheart
The Pink-spotted Cattleheart is a large, tropical butterfly known for its dark wings and striking pink and orange accents. Native to Central and South America, it is often seen fluttering near forest edges and tropical gardens.
Identification
- Forewings are black with white spots
- Hindwings have vivid pink and orange patches
- Wingspan reaches up to 11 cm
- Red thorax markings
- Slim black body with small pink spots near the abdomen
Color Pattern
Dark black base wings create a strong contrast with bright pink and orange spots, especially on the hindwings. These colors intensify when wings are spread during flight.
Habitat
Prefers tropical lowland rainforests and can often be spotted along riverbanks and flowering bushes.
Behavior
This butterfly is active during the day and is a fast, erratic flier. It often feeds on nectar and minerals from moist soil.
4. Crimson Rose
The Crimson Rose is a striking swallowtail butterfly admired for its elegant wings and bright coloration. Though predominantly red and black, it often features a soft pinkish-orange hue, especially on its hindwings, giving it a warm, vibrant look in motion.
Identification
- Forewings are black with white streaks
- Hindwings are crimson-red with soft pink-orange gradients
- Body is black with red spots on the thorax
- Wingspan ranges between 9–11 cm
- Long tails on hindwings
Color Pattern
The hindwings show a deep crimson that often blends into a pink-orange tone, especially around the edges. The body’s red dots and underwing shine also contribute to its fiery appearance.
Habitat
Found in South and Southeast Asia, especially in open forests, gardens, and coastal areas.
Behavior
Known for its slow, graceful flight. Males often mud-puddle, while both sexes are frequently seen around nectar-rich flowers.
5. Pink Tiger Swallowtail
The Pink Tiger Swallowtail is a rare variation of the common Tiger Swallowtail, exhibiting soft pink and orange tones in its striped wings. Its vibrant contrast and tail streamers make it one of the most beautiful butterfly variants in North America.
Identification
- Pale pink wings with dark tiger-like stripes
- Hints of orange along the lower hindwings
- Tails are elongated and black
- Wingspan ranges from 8–10 cm
- Blue and pink shading near the rear edges
Color Pattern
The soft pink base is overlaid with dark brown or black stripes, and orange spots appear near the bottom of the hindwings. This blend of pink and orange gives it a warm, sunset-like look.
Habitat
Typically found in temperate woodlands, gardens, and meadows, especially near water bodies.
Behavior
Flies during the day in a gliding motion. Adults are often seen sipping nectar from wildflowers and basking in the sun.
6. Pink Tip
The Pink Tip butterfly is a visually captivating species, named for its uniquely colored wing tips. While the base of its wings is usually creamy white or light yellow, the outer edges glow with shades of pink and light orange, especially in females. It’s a subtle yet elegant butterfly native to various parts of Africa and Asia.
Identification
- Creamy white forewings with distinct pink-orange tips
- Hindwings are rounded and pale yellow
- Wingspan ranges from 5 to 6.5 cm
- Slender body with light pink shading
- Females show brighter pink tones than males
Color Pattern
The key attraction is the upper forewing tip, which features a blend of soft pink and orange that fades into the lighter base. In sunlight, these colors can appear even more pronounced, giving it a delicate, almost blushing effect.
Habitat
Common in open woodlands, dry savannas, and garden environments, especially where flowering plants are abundant.
Behavior
They exhibit a slow and graceful flight. Males often patrol territories, while females flutter low near host plants to lay eggs.
7. Pink Pansy
The Pink Pansy is a colorful butterfly known for its eye-catching patterns and warm-toned wings. While it shares similarities with the more common Blue and Yellow Pansies, this variation showcases a delightful mix of pink, peach, and orange hues. Native to parts of Southeast Asia, it thrives in sunny, open spaces.
Identification
- Upper wings are peach-pink with rounded orange eye spots
- Lower wings display pink tones with brown outlines
- Wingspan ranges from 6 to 7.5 cm
- Rounded wings with slightly scalloped edges
- Small, light brown body with pink shading
Color Pattern
The wing surface features gradients of pink, orange, and salmon tones, with eye spots marked by deeper orange and black rings. The pink tones dominate the central area, while the orange is more visible toward the edges.
Habitat
Typically found in grasslands, agricultural fields, and garden edges in tropical and subtropical regions.
Behavior
Often basks with wings open in full sun. It flies close to the ground and returns to the same perches repeatedly. Active during mid-morning to early afternoon.
8. Rosy Periwinkle Butterfly
The Rosy Periwinkle Butterfly is a lesser-known beauty that takes its name from the tropical flower it mimics and feeds on. Its wings carry a soothing pink and periwinkle blend, with hints of orange near the inner edges, giving it a soft, pastel glow.
Identification
- Forewings are rosy pink with periwinkle tint near the edges
- Hindwings show pale orange shading toward the base
- Wingspan ranges between 4.5–6 cm
- Slender antennae and pale pink body
- Delicate, slightly transparent wings
Color Pattern
A harmonious mix of rosy pink, soft purple, and gentle orange tones. The orange usually appears close to the body, blending gradually into pink and lilac across the wings.
Habitat
Found near tropical gardens, coastal shrubs, and in regions where Rosy Periwinkle plants grow, especially in Madagascar and surrounding islands.
Behavior
Flies low and slow, often hovering around flowers. It prefers warm, sunny mornings and avoids strong winds.
9. Hypolimnas salmacis (Pink Form)
This pink form of Hypolimnas salmacis, also known as the Blue Diadem, is a rare morph where females or region-specific individuals show soft pinkish-orange hues in place of their usual blue. This variation is most commonly observed in certain West African habitats.
Identification
- Wings broad with pink-orange blush replacing blue
- Black borders with small white patches
- Wingspan ranges from 7–9 cm
- Body dark with a slight pink tone near the thorax
- Slight iridescent shine on wings in sunlight
Color Pattern
The pink variation shows a peachy-pink wash over the central part of the wings, bordered with black and speckled with white dots. Some individuals show a gradient from soft pink to a muted orange on the hindwings.
Habitat
Inhabits forest edges, riverbanks, and flower-rich clearings across parts of West Africa.
Behavior
Fast flier and often territorial. Frequently visits flowers and damp patches. Males are known to patrol sunny spots, while females stay low and are more secretive.
10. Painted Jezebel
The Painted Jezebel is a vibrant butterfly found throughout South and Southeast Asia. Though commonly known for its yellow and red hues, some regional variants show soft pink and orange washes, especially on the underside of their wings. Its fluttering flight and colorful pattern make it a garden favorite.
Identification
- Forewings are white with black veins and tips
- Hindwings show pinkish-orange to reddish hues underneath
- Wingspan ranges from 6 to 8 cm
- Slender white body with black head and thorax
- Females often duller but still carry warm tones
Color Pattern
The upper side features contrasting black and white, while the underside shines with pink, orange, and reddish-yellow patches. In some lights, the pink blends softly with the orange, giving a watercolor-like appearance.
Habitat
Often seen in gardens, open woodlands, and urban parks across India, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
Behavior
Known for its fluttery, almost erratic flight. Frequently feeds on nectar and prefers sunlit areas. Often seen gliding among flowering shrubs in the morning and late afternoon.
11. Pink Leafwing
The Pink Leafwing is an extraordinary butterfly whose wings resemble dried leaves with a beautiful pink-orange blush, especially when viewed from certain angles. This clever camouflage and unique color pattern make it a rare sight and a treasure among butterfly watchers.
Identification
- Wing shape mimics curled or torn leaves
- Dorsal side shows pink to orange with dark edges
- Underside is brown and vein-like, resembling dead leaves
- Wingspan ranges from 7 to 9.5 cm
- Compact, leaf-like body with brown and pink tones
Color Pattern
The upper wings are washed in pink and pale orange, often edged in black or brown. The underside blends in with forest litter, while the top reveals beautiful warm colors when in flight.
Habitat
Primarily found in tropical and subtropical forests of Central and South America, especially dense rainforests.
Behavior
When resting, it folds its wings to mimic dead leaves. When disturbed, it flashes its colorful upper side to confuse predators. Prefers shaded, moist areas near forest floors.
12. Pink-bordered Charaxes
The Pink-bordered Charaxes is a powerful, swift-flying butterfly belonging to the Charaxinae family. It is best known for the soft pink or orange-pink edging on its otherwise dark wings, creating a bold contrast. Native to African forests, it’s both elusive and visually striking.
Identification
- Broad black or dark brown wings
- Pink to orange-pink borders, especially on hindwings
- Wingspan ranges from 8 to 10 cm
- Strong, muscular body built for fast flight
- Slight tails on hindwings
Color Pattern
The edges of the wings are lined with pinkish-orange, creating a brilliant outline against the dark background. When the light hits just right, the border appears to shimmer in shades of rose and coral.
Habitat
Found in tropical forests and wooded savannas across central and western Africa, particularly near fruit-bearing trees.
Behavior
Highly territorial and fast-moving. Often attracted to fermenting fruit and tree sap rather than flowers. Males patrol high canopies, while females fly lower to lay eggs.
13. Roseate Swallowtail
The Roseate Swallowtail is a dazzling butterfly with rich pink and orange undertones spread across its wide wings. It belongs to the swallowtail family and is known for its elegance, long tails, and glowing rose-colored patches. Native to parts of Central America and the Caribbean.
Identification
- Deep black wings with rose-pink to orange-pink markings
- Long tails on hindwings
- Wingspan ranges from 9 to 11 cm
- Pink-orange blush near the center and outer hindwings
- Slender body with pink shading along the abdomen
Color Pattern
The hindwings feature a glowing rose tone that often shifts toward orange in natural sunlight. The contrast with the dark wing base gives it a bold and regal appearance.
Habitat
Prefers tropical forests, mountain slopes, and flowering clearings in Central America and some Caribbean islands.
Behavior
Strong flier with graceful glides. It is drawn to bright flowers and often seen fluttering high around forest paths or sipping nectar from sunny garden blooms.
14. Blushing Beauty
The Blushing Beauty is a rare butterfly admired for its soft, pastel-colored wings that seem to blush with shades of pink and orange. Found mostly in Southeast Asian rainforests, its gentle coloring gives it an ethereal and almost magical appearance among the greenery.
Identification
- Wings are pale pink with soft orange wash toward the outer edges
- Slight brown borders on forewings
- Wingspan ranges from 6.5 to 8 cm
- Slim body with pinkish-brown tones
- Rounded wings with minimal patterning
Color Pattern
The central wing area is a gentle pink, fading into a warm orange near the tips. This smooth gradient resembles a natural blush, with subtle brown veining that enhances the soft look.
Habitat
Prefers humid lowland forests and lightly shaded areas with abundant flowers.
Behavior
Flies slowly and erratically at low levels. Tends to rest with wings open, revealing its soft tones. Often seen near moist ground and blooming plants.
15. Pink Admiral
The Pink Admiral is a striking butterfly species known for its rich contrast between dark base wings and bold pink-orange markings. Its regal posture and vibrant flashes of color during flight have earned it admiration in both natural and cultivated environments.
Identification
- Dark brown to black wings with bright pink-orange bands
- Hindwings have curved pink lines or patches
- Wingspan ranges from 7.5 to 9 cm
- Thick body with reddish-pink thoracic area
- Upper forewings slightly angular
Color Pattern
The vibrant pink bands often carry a warm orange undertone, especially near the wing edges. These bands run diagonally across the forewings and spread softly along the hindwings.
Habitat
Found in temperate forests, wooded trails, and flower gardens in mountainous and subtropical regions.
Behavior
An agile and territorial flier. Often perches on rocks or tree trunks in the sun, occasionally darting out to chase other butterflies or feed from nectar and overripe fruit.
FAQs
1. Are pink butterflies naturally occurring or are they rare color variants?
Yes, pink butterflies are naturally occurring, but they are relatively rare. Many pink-toned butterflies are either regional color morphs or possess blends of pink with other colors like orange, red, or purple, often influenced by lighting and wing scale structure.
2. What causes the pink and orange colors in butterfly wings?
Butterfly colors come from microscopic scales on their wings. Pink and orange shades are usually caused by pigment-based coloration, and sometimes by structural coloration that reflects light in specific ways. These hues can appear more intense depending on sunlight angles.
3. Where can I commonly see pink butterflies?
Pink butterflies are more commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions, including Southeast Asia, Central America, parts of Africa, and South America. Gardens, rainforests, and flowering meadows are ideal spots for sightings.
4. Do pink butterflies serve any special ecological role?
Like other butterflies, pink species play vital roles as pollinators and as part of the food chain. Their bright colors may serve to attract mates or warn predators, depending on the species.
5. Can I attract pink butterflies to my garden?
Yes, by planting nectar-rich flowers like lantana, milkweed, zinnias, and periwinkles, and ensuring a pesticide-free environment, you can attract a variety of colorful butterflies—including pink-toned ones—depending on your local region.
