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FAMILIAR BUTTERFLIES OF
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[Scientific name noted when
available]
Butterfly Conservation and Delight
Anise Swallowtail,
Papilio zelicaon
Clodius Parnassian, Parnassius
clodius
Eastern Black Swallowtail, Papilio polyxenes
Eversmann's Parnassian, Parnassius eversmanni
Giant Swallowtail, Papilio
cresphontes
Old World Swallowtail, Papilio machaon
Oregon Swallowtail Papilio
bairdii oregonia
Palamedes Swallowtail, Papilio palamedes
Phoebus Parnassian, Parnassius
phoebus
Pipevine Swallowtail, Battus
philenor Polydamas Swallowtail, Battus polydamas
Schaus' Swallowtail, Papilio
aristodemus
Short-tailed Swallowtail, Papilio brevicauda
Spicebush Swallowtail, Papilio troilus
Tiger Swallowtail, Papilio
glaucus
Two-tailed Tiger Swallowtail, Papilio
multicaudata
Zebra Swallowtail, Eurytides
marcellus
Becker's White, Pieris
chloridice beckerii
Cabbage White, Pieris
rapae
California Dogface, Colias
eurydice
Checkered White, Pieris
protodice
Chiricahua Pine White, Neophasia terlootii
Cloudless Giant Sulphur, Phoebis sennae
Common Sulphur, Colias
philodice
Creamy Marblewing, Euchloe
ausonia
Dogface Butterfly, Colias
cesonia
Dwarf Yellow, Nathalis
iole
Falcate Orangetip, Anthocharis
midea
Great Southern White, Ascia
monuste
Little Yellow, Eurema
lisa
Mead's Sulphur, Colias
meadii
Olympia Marblewing, Euchloe olympia
Orange Sulphur, Colias
eurytheme
Orange-barred Giant Sulphur, Phoebis philea
Pima Orangetip, Anthocharis
pima
Pine White, Neophasia menapia
Queen Alexandra's Sulphur, Colias alexandra
Sara Orangetip, Anthocharis
sara
Sleepy Orange, Eurema
nicippe
Statira, Phoebis
statira
Tailed Orange, Eurema
proterpia
Veined White, Pieris
napi White Angled
Sulphur,
Anteos clorinde
Acmon Blue, Plebejus
acmon
American Copper, Lycaena
phlaeas
Atala, Eumaeus atala
Blue Copper, Lycaena
heteronea
Bog Elfin, Callophrys
lanoraieensis
Bramble Green Hairstreak, Callophrys affinis
apama
Bronze Copper, Lycaena
hyllus
Brown Elfin, Callophrys
augustus
Cassius Blue, Leptotes
cassius
Colorado Hairstreak, Hypaurotis
crysalus
Cycad Butterfly, Eumaeus
minijas |
Early Hairstreak, Erora
laeta
Eastern Pine Elfin, Callophrys
niphon
Eastern Tailed Blue, Everes
comyntas
Edith's Copper, Lycaena
xanthoides editha
Edwards' Hairstreak, Satyrium
edwardsii
Gorgon Copper, Lycaena
gorgon
Gray Hairstreak, Strymon
melinus
Great Purple Hairstreak, Atlides halesus
Great Gray Copper, Lycaena
xanthoides
Greenish Blue, Plebejus
saepiolus
Harvester, Feniseca
tarquinius
Henry's Elfin, Callophrys
henrici
High Mountain Blue, Plebejus
glandon franklinii
Lupine Blue, Icaricia
icariodes
Lustrous Copper, Lycaena
cupreus
Mormon Metalmark, Apodemia
mormo
Moss Elfin, Callophrys
mossii
Nelson's Hairstreak, Callophrys
nelsoni
Nivalis Copper, Lycaena
nivalis
Northern Blue, Lycaeides
idas
Olive Hairstreak, Callophrys
gryneus
Orange-bordered Blue, Lycaeides
melissa
Orange-veined Blue, Lycaeides
melissa?
Purplish Copper, Lycaena
helloides
Red-banded Hairstreak, Calycopis cecrops
Ruddy Copper, Lycaena
rubidus
Shasta Blue, Lycaena
melissa
Silver-banded Hairstreak, Chlorostrymon simaethis
Silvery Blue, Glaucopsyche
lygdamus
Sonoran Blue, Philotes
sonorensis
Spring Azure, Celastrina
argiolus
Swamp Metalmark, Calephelis
muticum
Tailed Copper, Lycaena
arota American Painted
Lady, Cynthia virginiensis Amymone, Cystineura amymone ? Atlantis Fritillary, Speyeria atlantis Baltimore, Euphydryas phaeton Banded Daggerwing, Timetes chiron ? Bog Fritillary, Proclossiana eunomia Bordered Patch, Chlosyne lacinia Buckeye, Precis coenia California
Tortoiseshell,
Nymphalis californica California Sister, Limenitis bredowii Compton
Tortoiseshell,
Nymphalis vau-album Crimson-patched
Longwing,
Synchloe janalis ? Diana, Speyeria
diana Edwards' Fritillary, Speyeria edwardsii Eighty-eight
Butterfly,
Diaethria clymena Empress Louisa, Asterocampa sp. Fatima, Anartia fatima Florida Leafwing, Anaea floridalis Florida Purplewing, Eunica tatila tatilista Gillette's
Checkerspot Leanira, Chlosyne leanira Goatweed Butterfly, Anaea andria Gray Comma, Polygonia comma Great
Spangled Fritillary, Speyeria cybele Gulf Fritillary, Dione vanillae Hackberry Butterfly, Asterocampa celtis Harris' Checkerspot, Chlosyne harrisii Julia, Anthocharis
sara julia ? Lorquin's Admiral, Limenitis lorquini |
Malachite, Siproeta
stelenes bipalgiata Meadow Fritillary, Boloria bellona Milbert's
Tortoiseshell,
Aglais milberti Mimic, Hypolimnas
misippus Monarch, Danaus plexippus Mountain Emperor, Chlorippe montis Mourning Cloak, Nymphalis antiopa Nokomis Fritillary, Speyeria nokomis Painted Crescent, Phyciodes picta Painted Lady, Cynthia cardui Pearl Crescent, Phyciodes tharos Phaon Crescent, Phyciodes phaon Queen, Danaus
gilippus Question Mark, Polygonia interrogationis Red Admiral, Vanessa atalanta Red-spotted Purple, Limenitis arthemis astyanax Regal Fritillary, Speyeria idalia Ruddy Daggerwing, Marpesia petreus Satyr Anglewing, Polygonia satyrus Silver-bordered
Fritillary,
Boloria selene Snout Butterfly, Libytheana
bachmanii Tawny Emperor, Asterocampa clyton Variegated
Fritillary,
Euptoieta claudia Viceroy, Limenitis archippus Waiter, Marpesia coresia West Coast Lady, Vanessa carye White Admiral, Limenitis arthemis White Peacock, Anartia jatrophae Zebra, Heliconius charitonia Arctic Grayling, Oeneis bore Chryxus Arctic, Oeneis chryxus Common Alpine, Erebia epipsodea Creole Pearly Eye, Lethe creola Eyed Brown, Lethe eurydice Gemmed Satyr, Cyllopis gemma Georgia Satyr, Neonympha areolatus Little Wood Satyr, Megisto cymela Mitchells' Marsh
Satyr, Neonympha mitchelli ? Northwest Ringlet, Coenonympha sp. Ochre Ringlet, Coenonympha sp Pearly Eye, Lethe portlandia Prairie Ringlet, Coenonympha sp Red Satyr, Megisto rubricata Red-disked Alpine, Erebia discoidalis Common
Checkered Skipper, Pyrgus communis Dakota Skipper, Hesperia dacotae Horace's Duskywing, Erynnis horatius Lace-winged
Roadside Skipper, Amblyscirtes aesculapius Least Skipperling, Ancycloxypha numitor Long-tailed Skipper, Urbanus proteus Sandhill Skipper, Polites sabuleti Silver-spotted
Skipper,
Epargyreus tityrus Whirlabout, Polites vibex Yehl Skipper, Poanes yehl Yucca Giant Skipper, Megathymus yuccae |
Introduction
Peterson & Pyle (1993) noted that, Watching butterflies is a
visual activity; like birdwatching or birding. it trains the eye. But we can usually approach butterflies
more closely than we can birds. We do
not need binoculars to see them well.
Most of you who are fascinated by butterflies, if you live in the
eastern or central parts of the United States or Canada, will want to own A
Field Guide to the Butterflies. Or,
if you live in the West.... A Field Guide to Western Butterflies. These guides offer shortcuts in recognizing
even the most confusing butterflies, using little arrows that point to the
special features or marks by which one kind of butterfly may be known from
another. Some, like the Monarch, are
readily distinguished from all other butterflies except for one-- its mimic,
the Viceroy. In the Field Guide an
arrow points to the black line across the lower wing, a line that the Monarch
lacks.
Even a person who is colorblind can become skilled at identifying most
butterflies by the shape of the wing, the pattern, venation, and even the
manner of flight; but, for most of us, color is the first step....
Many groups of butterflies are basically similar in color. Sulphurs are usually yellow, fritillaries
orange, blues blue, wood nymphs brown.
Basic color is a useful first clue when putting names to them, but
color alone is not enough to identify most butterflies on the species
level. Most sulphurs, for example,
are yellow. You must also look at
other details to narrow your butterfly down to a Common Sulphur, a Dogface,
and Orange Sulphur, or whatever.
Nevertheless, color is step number one.
There are literally hundreds of species of butterflies in North
America..... Some of the most
familiar butterflies are those that feed on the nectar offered by the common
roadside flowers.
Parts of a Butterfly.
The diagram shows the makeup of a typical butterfly. You need to become familiar with its parts
for identification. Every butterfly has
four wings, each with an upper side (above) and an underside (below). The wings may be held in an open or closed
position, depending upon what a butterfly is doing-- basking in the sun,
hiding from predators, or courting, for example. The colors on the wings come from scales. These are tiny shingles that cover both
butterflies and moths, setting them apart from all other insects. Some of these scales are colored by
pigments, others are shaped so they bend the light like a prism to create
iridescent or metallic colors.
Because scales fall off or fade as a butterfly ages, its colors may
change somewhat. The patterns on the
wings serve many functions-- camouflage (such as false eyespots to fool
predators), attracting mates, and so on.
These patterns may vary from place to place and often differ between
sexes.
Peterson & Pyle (1993) refer to the upper- and undersides of the
wings; to the base, cell, tip, and margins or borders of wings, and to
forewings and hindwings. All these
are labeled on the diagram. The wings
and legs attach to the thorax, the middle of the body between the head and
the abdomen. On the head are the
large, many-faceted eyes, the knobbed antennae (moths have pointed ones), and
the coiled, drinking-straw tongue or proboscis. Usually the body parts are brown or black, but they may be covered
with colorful, furry scales. Life History.
Butterflies have four life stages.
The adults mate and the female lays eggs, which hatch into tiny
caterpillars or larvae. These, feeding
on particular kinds of host plants, grow and shed their skins. Finally, out comes the chrysalis or
pupa. Within this case, one of the
greatest miracles in nature takes place as the larval material rearranges
itself to become the adult butterfly.
When it is ready, the butterfly emerges, spreads and dries its wings,
and begins the cycle once more.
Identification. Just
like birds, most butterflies possess field marks-- special features that will
help you in telling them apart.....
Other facts-- such as locality, plant association, and flight period--
help in identification as well.
Observing Butterflies.
First you must find butterflies.
The most important factor is sunshine. While some butterflies come out on cloudy days, most are sun
worshipers. Different species fly at
different times, from early spring to late autumn, and a few even fly in
midwinter as long as the days are sunny and warm. Butterflies seek flowers, so you must do the same. Not all gardens and wildflowers have
nectar that is equally attractive to butterflies, so you will want to learn
which flowers in your area are their favorites. Phlox, thistle, milkweed, butterfly bush, and dandelions are
always good. Butterflies also love
tree sap, rotting fruit, carrion, and animal scat. Damp patches of sand or mud attract butterflies-- swallowtails,
sulphurs, blues, and skippers are avid mud-puddlers. When you can identify the plant on which
the butterfly's caterpillar feeds, you have another good clue to finding it.
Having once found butterflies, you then must approach them very
gently. Move quietly and make no
quick movements. This way you can
creep very close-- close enough to take a butterfly onto your finger or to
observe it with a hand lens.
Binoculars are useful for spotting butterflies that are too high, far,
or wary to approach.
Butterfly Diversity.
Diversity refers to how many different kinds there are. In North America, butterflies are about as
diverse as birds, much less so than flowers.
Most that accompany this section are common species. Others are especially beautiful or
interesting for their natural history.
Their colors and patterns range from brilliant and striking to soft
and simple.
Scientists do not all agree on how many butterfly families there
are. Within the brush-footed family
there are several groups that others consider to be separate families. Regardless of family names, you will
quickly see how all longwings fit together but differ from fritillaries, for
example. It is more important to get
to know the butterfly itself as a living creature than to worry about
classification. With common sense and
open eyes, you will gain a feel for evolutionary relationships among
butterflies. Observing them and coloring
their pictures are useful ways of getting started.
Butterfly Conservation and Delight. Many butterflies can live only in certain
places..... If those places are
destroyed, the butterflies die out. .....several endangered species that
prove this point-- Schaus' Swallowtail, Atala, Mitchell's Marsh Satyr, and
the Dakota Skipper. Rarities like
these should be collected sparingly, if at all. But for the most part, it is habitat destruction rather than
collecting that threatens rare butterflies.
If you go on to study insects in depth, you will probably form a
collection. With care and common
sense, insect collecting need not be damaging and it is necessary for the
progress of entomology (the scientific study of insects). But most butterfly lovers would prefer to
enjoy butterflies alive. They do so
by watching, photographing, or gardening for butterflies. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The largest and some of the most colorful butterflies belong to the
family Papiliionidae, which includes the swallowtails. Most swallowtails have tails on their hind
wings that serve to distract birds from the butterfly's body. The family also includes the very unique
waxy white and red-spotted parnassians, which live in mountains of the
northern states. Swallowtails occur
in most parts of the world. Spicebush
Swallowtail, Papilio
troilus <LEP1> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
This butterfly occurs in the eastern United States, its name coming
from the caterpillar's host plant.
Often found in fields and gardens, especially near woods. Here it gathers nectar on bush
honeysuckle. The velvety black wings
and body are yellow -spotted. Two
rows of bright orange spots enclose starry clouds of blue or green scales on
the hindwings. Pipevine
Swallowtail, Battus philenor <LEP2 > (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
Small greenish spots run around the edges of the wings. The forewings are jet black, but the
hindwings with their tails shimmer with a brilliant blue or blue-green
iridescence. The caterpillars feed on
poisonous pipevines, which give the adults an awful taste. Birds avoid them and several other
butterflies that have come to mimic the Pipevine. The example here is on Japanese honeysuckle. Tiger
Swallowtail, Papilio glaucus <LEP3> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH-1)
(SKETCH-2)
Common in every eastern city, this big bright swallowtail prefers
phlox and thistle for nectar. A
similar species lives throughout the western United States. Both are lemon-yellow with black
tiger-stripes. The underside, as
shown in the drawing, has a field of blue patches along the outer part. Orange spots run along the outer edge of
the hindwing. Here it is on garden
phlox. Palamedes
Swallowtail, Papilio palamedes <LEP4> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH-1)
(SKETCH-2)
This species is especially abundant in the southeastern woods of the
United States. Palamedes has very
broad wings enabling it to fly well.
The lower surface is generally dark brown with yellow spots. A row of orange chevrons crosses the
hindwing, each lined with brilliant blue.
Orange-red spots edge the wing to below the long, rounded tail. Giant
Swallowtail,
Papilio cresphontes
<LEP5> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
This is the largest butterfly in North America, reaching almost 6
inches across. The huge, saddled
caterpillar, known as the Orange Dog, feeds on citrus. It resembles the dropping of a bird, so
that predators usually avoid it. The
wings are mostly black with yellow bands above, yellow with black bands
below. Both sides have an orange spot
near the tip of the body, with blue crescents. Two Giants are shown feeding on the nectar of lilac. Zebra
Swallowtail, Eurytides marcellus <LEP6> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
This species has the most pronounced tail of all North American
swallowtails. Black stripes alternate
with creamy white bands, and a scarlet streak crosses the middle of the
hindwing. A pair of red spots, then
two blue ones, lead down to the long tail.
This striking butterfly is found only where pawpaw grows as the larvae
feed on this plant. Anise Swallowtail, Papilio
zelicaon <LEP7> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
This species and its relative differ from the Tigers by having yellow
bands across black wings instead of black stripes on yellow. Blue spots rim the hindwings, leading down
to the black-pupilled orange spot inward from the black tails. Anise Swallowtails commonly seek mates on
mountaintops. Two-tailed Tiger Swallowtail,
Papilio multicaudata
<LEP8> (COLOR PRINT)
(SKETCH)
It sports a pair of tails on each hindwing. The bright yellow wings and abdomen carry narrow black
stripes. A field of blue liens inside
the marginal yellow spots, and the two spots below the tails are
red-orange. Two-tailed Tigers soar
through western canyons where wild cherries provide nectar and host-plant
forage. The picture shows one
visiting teasel. Short-tailed
Swallowtail, Papilio brevicauda <LEP9> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
This species occurs only in the Maritime region of Canada. Like other black swallowtails, its larval
host plants are in the carrot family.
Its color is very black, with yellow spots, giving each spot an orange
flush toward the outer edge. There is
some blue between the yellow spot rows of the hindwing. Eastern
Black Swallowtail, Papilio polyxenes <LEP10> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
This is a common swallowtail in gardens, meadows and wetlands of the
Rockies. Bright orange spots parallel
the yellow spots below, with clouds of blue scales between them. Only the corner spot near the body is
orange above. It occurs commonly in
gardens around carrots. Schaus'
Swallowtail, Papilio aristodemus <LEP11> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
Sometimes called the Ponceanus Swallowtail, it is an endangered
species. Destruction of its tropical
hardwood hammock habitat in Florida has brought it near extinction. Efforts have been made to save it. The general color below is mustard yellow
with brown bands. The large patch on
the hindwing is rusty-red, lined by sky-blue on its outer edge. It is shown feeding on nectar of red
hibiscus. Old
World Swallowtail, Papilio machaon <LEP12> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
Mostly an arctic butterfly in North America, it is common in Europe
and Asia. The black wings have broad
yellow bands and are peppered with yellow scales near the body. A row of blue-scaled patches runs around
the hindwing above the black tails, ending in a large orange spot that is
rimmed with black and capped with blue.
Also called Artemisia Swallowtail Oregon
Swallowtail, Papilio bairdii oregonia <LEP13> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
A denizen of the hot basalt canyons of the Columbia River, this beauty
is the official Oregon State Insect.
It has the same pattern as the Anise and Old World Swallowtails, but
its bands and spots are deeper yellow.
The orange spot with a blue cap on the hindwing has a flattened black
dot in it. The dot is round on the
Anise and missing in the Old World. Phoebus
Parnassian, Parnassius phoebus <LEP14> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
Although the parnassians only slightly resemble swallowtails, they are
indeed closely related. Phoebus is
waxy white in color, with charcoal edges to the forewing, black spots near
the base, and two or three ruby spots in between. Each hindwing, inwardly edged with black, bears a bright red
spot near the middle. Polydamas
Swallowtail, Battus polydamas <LEP15> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
Also called the Gold Rim because its black-velvet wings are neatly
margined with yellow spots above. The
underside shows red spots on wings and body.
These are thought to warn birds away because the Polydamas acquires
the bad taste of pipevines, its caterpillars' host plants. Shown here feeding on lantana nectar. Eversmann's
Parnassian, Parnassius eversmanni <LEP16> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
This butterfly occurs only in Alaska and Northwestern Canada in
America. It is the only yellow
parnassian. The male is brighter
yellow with two red spots on each wing below, while the female is paler and
has its red spots running together into a streak on the underside of the hindwing. Clodius
Parnassian, Parnassius clodius <LEP17> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
Parnassians occur in the western United States. Clodius flies lower in the mountains than
Phoebus and differs by lacking any red spots on the forewing. It is scarlet appearing only in the
central spots of the hindwings.
Otherwise it is mainly milky white with black spots. Females are dusky and largely transparent,
and have more red spots underneath.
Caterpillars feed on bleeding hearts.
The family Pieridae includes many common and familiar
butterflies. Sulphurs tend to live on
plants in the pea family, while most of the whites have mustard family host
plants. Several pierids migrate in
huge numbers, often out to sea. While
some are farm and garden pests, whites and sulphurs add a great deal of color
to the world. The marblewings and
orangetips also in this family are among our most beautiful butterflies. Chiricahua
Pine White, Neophasia terlootii <LEP18> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
An autumn flier in the Chiricahua Mountains of southeastern Arizona,
this white occurs around the ponderosa pines. Its larvae feed on the needles. The males appear distinctly different from the females. The underside of the male is white with
black veins and large black forewing patch.
The female is Halloween-colored: bright reddish orange with black
veins, wing margins and forewing cells. Pine White, Neophasia menapia <LEP19> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
Another browser on pine needles, the Pine White is found throughout
much of the western United States.
Its upper side is all chalky white except for an intricate pattern of
black around the outer part of the forewing.
The underside of the female hindwings is wreathed in red. During some years this species erupts into
vast flights of millions of individuals. Veined White,
Pieris napi
<LEP20> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
This butterfly occurs over much of the Northern Hemisphere. Individuals can vary greatly in
appearance. It is a typical spring
Veined White with heavily marked veins below. The veins appear olive-gray against a white background. Also called Mustard White after the family
of its chosen host plants. One of
these is cardamon, on which it is shown nectaring. Falcate
Orangetip, Anthocharis midea <LEP21> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
It receives its name from the hooked wing tip, which is surrounded by
orange in the male. Otherwise white
above with a black spot in the forewing cell. The female is shown with her underside in view. She is delicately but beautifully marbled
with yellowish green scales. It is
found in spring in the East around cresses, mustards and nectar flowers. Great
Southern White, Ascia monuste <LEP22> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
This large butterfly of the Southeast is mostly white, with black
triangles pointed in along the forewing margins. A very dark form of the females occurs, most often in summer. Usually fairly numerous, the Great
Southern White at times builds up into huge masses of butterflies which move
out in search of fresh food. Cabbage
White, Pieris rapae <LEP23> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
Occurs in every garden where plants of the cabbage family are
grown. They flutter about these
plants in summer. A European species,
it was introduced over 100 years ago to North America. Ever since it has spread to nearly every
part of the continent. Mostly a pure,
creamy white, it has black spots on the forewings, charcoal forewing tips,
and a yellow underside hue. Sara
Orangetip, Anthocharis sara <LEP24> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
In flight this species appears as two little orange flags fluttering
on the breeze. There is a white part
connecting them. A delicate spring
butterfly of the West, it lives from the sea to the high mountains. The male has milky white wings with brilliant
orange tip bordered with black. He
sips nectar from wild strawberry. The
female has pale yellow wings, also with orange tips, and her hindwing
undersides are delicately marbled with grass-green scales. Checkered
White, Pieris protodice <LEP25> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
This is a common butterfly of open spaces. Through the seasons it varies greatly in appearance, but it
always has a white base with darker markings. Females tend to be more heavily spotted than males. Marks on the underside of the forewings
are charcoal-black, while those on the hindwing are olive-green. The drawing shows it taking nectar from
spreading dogbane. Creamy
Marblewing, Euchloe ausonia <LEP26> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
It is found mainly in western mountains. The top of the wings are creamy white with black markings near
the tips. The undersides have a
spring-green marbled pattern against a white background. The butterfly's large round eye is bright
green, and the furry scales on its head have a greenish sheen. Becker's
White, Pieris chloridice beckerii <LEP27> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
This attractive butterfly inhabits the hot, dry dusty sagebrush desert
of North America. It is clear white
above with a crisp pattern of black marks.
The forewing cell spot stands out as a thick black square. These spots are repeated below, along with
a pronounced network of yellow-green scales around the veins. Olympia
Marblewing, Euchloe olympia <LEP28> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
This species inhabits the open plains and Prairie of North
America. The narrow, rounded wings
are linen-white, with a sparse network of marbled yellow-green bars crossing
the hindwing beneath. A delicate rosy
flush radiates out from the base of some individuals. Orange
Sulphur, Colias eurytheme <LEP29> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
This bright butterfly, common in summer over much of North America,
has followed the spread of alfalfa.
Hence it is often known as the Alfalfa Butterfly. The picture shows a female upper side,
sunny orange with yellow-spotted black borders, black spot on forewing, and a
red one on the hindwing. The males's
underside shows orange yellow with a row of brown dots and a silver
spot. Drawing shows a pair on the flower
of red clover. California
Dogface, Colias eurydice <LEP30> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
The name comes from the poodle shape on the forewing of this
California State Butterfly. The face
shimmers with a rosy purple, surrounded by inky black. A rich shade of tangerine orange colors
the hindwings. It is also known as
the Flying Pansy. Dwarf Yellow,
Nathalis iole
<LEP31> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
Also called the Dainty Sulphur, this species is a strong migrant. It flies northward in spring, sometimes
hundreds of miles. The dark form
female is pictured. Lemon-yellow
above with black tips and edging to the forewing, olive-green below except
for orange inner forewing and dark marks. Common
Sulphur, Colias philodice <LEP32> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH-1)
(SKETCH-2)
Butterflies probably got their name from a species such as this. The upperside is truly buttery, with a
coal-black margin. Below it resembles
the Orange Sulphur, with which it shares the alfalfa fields. Dogface
Butterfly, Colias cesonia <LEP33> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
This is similar to the California Dogface, except the poodle-heads are
orange or else the whole upperside is bright yellow with black borders. With a yellow forewing and green hindwing
below, it resembles a leaf when at rest.
It is common in the California deserts. Cloudless
Giant Sulphur, Phoebis sennae <LEP34> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
This large sulphur deserves the name.
It is clear sulphurous yellow above.
The underside has a greenish tone and varying amounts of reddish dots
and speckling. Great numbers gather
in the South during some years, then make mass movements toward the
North. Some individuals reach
destinations well beyond their breeding range. Sleepy
Orange, Eurema nicippe <LEP35> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
This species in fact does not seem sleepy when chased, shifting into a
rapid zigzag flight. The upperside is
deep burnt orange with irregular black borders. The orange carries over to the forewing below. The underside of the hindwing is golden,
with rusty speckling ranging from light bands to heavy clouds. Queen
Alexandra's Sulphur, Colias alexandra <LEP36> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
A sulphur of the Rocky Mountains and surrounding areas. The very bright yellow wings of the male
are set off by sharp black margins.
The female is a paler shade of yellow, and has only a bit of charcoal
dusting around the forewing tips.
Underneath, this butterfly is colored a cool green. It perches on a host plant, the golden
banner. Pima
Orangetip, Anthocharis pima <LEP37> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
This species is common in the Sonora Desert in early springtime, where
it feeds on wildflowers. The Pima is
as colorful as any flower. The
combination of bright yellow wings with intensely orange wingtips gives a
memorable impression. The orange
patches are bounded by black markings, and the hindwings are green-marbled
below. Mead's
Sulphur, Colias meadii <LEP38> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH-1)
(SKETCH-2)
This species obtained its name from a lepidopterist who discovered it
in Colorado. This brilliant sulphur
flies in high mountain tundra. The
wings are colored deep orange with jet black borders. The eyes are green, and the furry scales
around the head are bright pink, as is the fringe of the wings. The showy daisy is a favorite nectar
flower. Tailed
Orange, Eurema proterpia <LEP39> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
Also called the Proterpia Orange.
The tails are longer in winter generations of this southern
species. The male underside, as shown,
should be colored golden-orange with rusty mottling. The top edge of the forewings is banded
with black above. Shown nectaring on
butterfly weed. Statira,
Phoebis statira
<LEP40> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
One of the tropical giant sulphurs, Statira just makes it into the
southern tips of the United States.
The upperside is largely yellow, with a broad white outer border. The underside is yellow, with white
crossing the middle of the forewing.
Sometimes seen migrating in great numbers out at sea. Orange-barred Giant Sulphur,
Phoebis philea
<LEP41> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
Like its relatives, this big beauty flies rapidly but dallies at
flowers or to lay eggs on sennas. The
upperside is rich lemon-yellow, with a bright orange bar on the
forewing. Any combination of mottled
pink and orange, with pearly spots in the middle of the hindwing, may be
shown by the variable underside. The
female is deep yellow with black marks on an orange band across the bottom of
the hindwing. Little
Yellow, Eurema lisa <LEP42> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
A common immigrant from the South along the East Coast, the Little
Yellow is found in all kinds of open places.
This mating pair show their undersides-- yellow with some black over
scaling, rusty smudges, and a sooty mark near the upper edge of the hindwing. White
Angled Sulphur, Anteos clorinde <LEP43> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH) A very large, unique butterfly, also
called Clorinde. It is resident in
Texas but strays northward. The broad
wings are like white cotton sheets.
Each has a black spot in the cell, ringed with red. A bright yellow bar stands out on the
forewing, extending from the upper edge toward the middle.
Mostly small and fast-flying, the gossamer wings tend toward metallic
colors and iridescence. The Gossamer
Wing family Lycaenidae includes
hairstreaks and elfins, coppers, blue, the carnivorous Harvester, and the
metalmarks (sometimes put in their
own family, ARiodinidae). Most people
overlook these tiny fliers, but they are well worth paying attention to for
their brilliance and fascinating behavior. Great
Purple Hairstreak, Atlides halesus <LEP44> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
Its other name, Great Blue Hairstreak, may be more suitable. The upperside is the deepest, most
brilliant iridescent blue, on the body as well as the wings. A black border on the wings and greenish
reflections may show, especially in the spots near the long tails. Our largest hairstreak. Its caterpillars feed on mistletoe,
parasites of oak trees. Atala,
Eumaeus atala
<LEP45> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
A beautiful Bahamian butterfly.
Once common in Florida, Atala became nearly extinct in the United
States due to habitat changes and development. Just a few small colonies are known now, where the larvae feed
on coontie. On the underside, the
wings are matte black with several rows of sapphire blue spots and a large
fire-engine red spot that extends onto the abdomen as well. The upperside is black on the edges and
veins, otherwise bright shiny green with a green thorax and red abdomen. Cycad
Butterfly, Eumaeus minijas <LEP46> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
This close cousin of Atala looks like it except for having more black
above, the iridescence bluer green, and the hindwing row of spots lime
green. Beneath, the fringe and spots
are blue-green, except for the red patch and abdomen. Found in North America only in Texas. Early
Hairstreak, Erora laeta <LEP47> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
Famous for its rarity and mystery.
Some collectors believe it lives mostly in the canopy of the eastern
hardwood forest.
The basic color beneath is a cool bluish green. All of the spots as well as the wing
fringes are brick-red with white edges. Silver-banded
Hairstreak, Chlorostrymon simaethis <LEP48> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
Sometimes called Sarita. The
chartreuse wings are crossed by silvery-white bands. Farther out there is a wavy chestnut brown
area, next a row of frosty brown patches, finally the white wing fringes and
white-tipped brown tails. Bramble
Green Hairstreak, Callophrys affinis apama ?
<LEP49> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
One of a number of green hairstreaks in the West. The wings below are bright apple green
with a warm brown band across the forewing and small white spots on the
hindwing. Caterpillars feed on lotus
and buckwheat, become butterflies in springtime. Olive
Hairstreak, Callophrys gryneus <LEP50> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH-1)
(SKETCH-2)
Here is a hairstreak of the East, often common around its host, red
cedars. The complex pattern of the
underside involves a bright olive-green background crossed by rows of clear
white bars. Regions around the bars
are reddish brown, and the outerband of spots is frosty. Nelson's
Hairstreak, Callophrys nelsoni <LEP51> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
Different groups of Nelson's Hairstreaks feed on different western
cedars and may be separate species.
Their coloration varies also.
The one shown is deep purplish with a flush of rusty through much of
the forewing, white bars, black dots, frosty margin of the hindwing. Colorado
Hairstreak, Hypaurotis crysalus <LEP52> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
A large spectacular hairstreak, the Colorado darts around scrub oaks
in the Southwest. Deep amethyst
purple covers the upperside except for black margins, a black bar outside the
forewing cell and bright orange spots in the corner of each wing. The underside is warm bray-brown crossed
by black-edged white bands, with orange spots and a band of sky blue around
the outer edge. Gray
Hairstreak, Strymon melinus <LEP53> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
Common countrywide, with a broad diet from hops to beans. The wings range from a clear, dove gray to
dark slate gray, above and below.
Rows of white bars are edged inwardly with black.. Just in from each tail lies a red-orange
spot with a black pupil. The tails
and bright spot distract birds from the head and body of the hairstreak. Red-banded
Hairstreak, Calycopis cecrops <LEP54> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
This pretty hairstreak abounds in the South. Gray-brown wings are crossed by a broad red band, lined with
white and with white hoops in the thickest red part. Black spots run around the rim, and the
one between the tails is often ringed with red. A blue patch lies below the longer tail. Edwards'
Hairstreak, Satyrium edwardsii <LEP55> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
Here two of these active butterflies are jostling for territory. Most of the wing surface is tan, and most
of the markings are black with white edges.
Inside the fringe a row of red-orange diamonds runs down to the
tails. Below the tails shine a
sky-blue patch and a bright red streak. Eastern
Pine Elfin, Callophrys niphon <LEP56> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
Like a very similar western species, this elfin feeds as a caterpillar
on pine needles. The colors below are
different shades of brown and gray, with white streaks. Brown triangles point inward from the
frosted and checkered margins. Henry's
Elfin, Callophrys henrici <LEP57> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
Although quite widespread in the East, this little butterfly is not
common. It is strongly two-toned
below. The inner part of the hindwing
is chocolate, that of the forewing cinnamon, and the outer half of both is
toasty brown. Moss Elfin,
Callophrys mossii
<LEP58> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
The western elfin was named for a Mr. Moss, but it also frequents
mossy rock faces and outcrops. The
caterpillars feed on stonecrop. The
inner part of the wings is dark brown, the outer part reddish brown, margin
is white. Shown here on pearly
everlasting.. Bog Elfin,
Callophrys lanoraieensis
<LEP59> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
This species occurs in moist, peaty places with Bog Coppers and Bog
Fritillaries. The zigzag markings
below are smudged, and dark brown patches alternate with cocoa bands. White scales run through the middle and
margin of the underside. Shown here
nectaring on pearly everlasting. Brown Elfin,
Callophrys augustus
<LEP60> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
Both the larvae and adults frequent blueberry flowers. Common in many kinds of places over much
of North America, Brown Elfins vary in color. The one shown is dark brown above and mahogany, reddish brown,
below. The inner half is darker than
the outer part. American
Copper, Lycaena phlaeas <LEP61> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
This species is also found in Europe, where in England it is known as
the Small Copper. The forewing above
is fiery orange with dark brown spots and borders. The pattern is reversed on the hindwing, with red spots and
bands against dusky brown. The
coloration beneath is similar except the orange is paler and the brown
lighter and grayer with inky black spots. Ruddy Copper,
Lycaena rubidus
<LEP62> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
The most brilliant of our coppers is wholly copper except for tiny
black dots and narrow black and white margins. The female is duller and spottier. As it flies, the male Ruddy flashes copper and silver because
the underside is silky white. It
predominates in the western half of North America. Tailed
Copper, Lycaena arota <LEP63> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
Shown here basking with its wings partly open, as is common posture
for coppers. This species has orange
tails with orange and black markings next to them, like hairstreaks. This male's upper forewing is brown. The underside has alternating bands of
cream and cocoa-color, and a broad orange streak through the forewing. Bronze
Copper, Lycaena hyllus <LEP64> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH-1)
(SKETCH-2)
The upperside is deep brown with purplish highlights, black dots and a
flaming orange zigzag band around the edge of the hindwings. The orange border repeats below, and the
dots are black, against the silvery white hindwing and the clear, pale orange
forewing with its light gray edge. A
favorite habitat is the swamplands of the East. Harvester,
Feniseca tarquinius
<LEP65> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
This is a relative of the coppers with a unique life history. Its caterpillars are predators of certain
woolly aphids. The adults may visit
the aphids also for honeydew. The
irregular, interior area of the forewings and the lower halves of the
hindwings are pumpkin orange: the rest is black, with thin white fringes. Blue Copper,
Lycaena heteronea
<LEP66> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
The color is bluer than any true blue, yet its wing veins and other
structures prove it to be an unusual kind of copper. With the exception of the thin white
fringe and black border, the male's entire upper surface shimmers metallic
blue. There are also greenish and
silvery highlights, which are the effects of prism like scales. This is strictly a western species. Nivalis
Copper, Lycaena nivalis <LEP67> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
An alternative name is the Lilac-bordered Copper, referring to the
broad, irregular band of soft lilac-purple that surrounds the underside of
the hindwing. Orange crescents run
through the lilac field. The rest of
the lower surface is a rich orange yellow, with black spots. Nivalis refers to snow. The insect inhabits the cool mountains of
the West. Gorgon
Copper, Lycaena gorgon <LEP68> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
A California copper that is associated with wild buckwheat, as are
many gossamer-winged butterflies. The
male is purplish brown, but the female shown here has a complicated pattern
of pale yellow-orange, black spots, and dusky brown borders and patches. Light orange hoops run along the lower
margin of the hindwing. Shown here
nectaring on false dandelion. Purplish
Copper, Lycaena helloides <LEP69> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
With the proper lighting, the brown wings of the male shine with a
stunning irridescent purple. The
forewing borders are brown, the hind wing edging is orange and dots are
black. The underside of the hindwing
is cocoa-brown with orange zigzags, the forewing light orange, with brown
dots over all. A common adaptable
species whose larvae feed on docks.
Adults visit flowers such as balsamroot. Edith's
Copper, Lycaena xanthoides editha <LEP70> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
Edith was the sweetheart of an early lepidopterist, who named this
pretty butterfly for her. It lives in
the West, occurring in both Yosemite and Yellowstone national parks. The female shown is dusky brown with pale
orange patches bearing black spots. A
pale orange pattern encirciles the bottom edge of the hindwing. Shown here probing forget-me-not. Great
Gray Copper, Lycaena xanthoides <LEP71> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
Except for a black dot on the forewing, a touch of orange on the
hindwing crescents, and the thin white fringe, the Great Gray Copper is just
what the name implies. The shade of
gray is dark and brownish. It is most
abundant in the Midwest where it is found near wtercourses and milkweed
flowers. Lustrous
Copper, Lycaena cupreus <LEP72> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
A very metallic and bright little copper, and one of a number of
butterflies that occur mostly on high mountain rockslides above
timberline. It is all clear, fiery
orange-copper except for black dots and a black border with a white fringe. Orange-veined
Blue, Lycaeides melissa ? <LEP73> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
The color is not truly blue but deep brown, its veins lined with
coppery orange scales. A broad orange
band along the lower part of the hindwings has black spots running into the
blackish border, itself surrounded by a pale fringe. This species occurs only in the mountains
of Southern California. Spring Azure,
Celastrina argiolus
<LEP74> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH-1)
(SKETCH-2)
A favorite herald of spring.
An early-season female is shown with deep violet-blue and prominent
black borders on the forewings and marginal spots on the hindwings. As is true with many blues, its fringe is
whitish. Because its caterpillars
feed on buds and blowers of many kinds of native shrubs, the Spring Azure
occurs very widely. Shown here
examining Indian plum. Eastern
Tailed Blue, Everes comyntas <LEP75> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
There is also a western species.
In both the wings are the clearest deep silvery blue above on the
males, though the female is gray. The
male shown also has black spots around the edge, the one nearest the little
tail being orange-capped. Beneath,
the color is light gray, with spots of charcoal and two of orange by the
tail. The body, fringe, and tails are
white. Often found around clover. Acmon Blue,
Plebejus acmon <LEP76>
(COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
Another name is the Emerald-studded Blue, because of shiny green-blue
spots on the underside. The one shown
is a male, bright blue with black borders.
Broad, wavy, orange bands with black spots line the hindwings. Feeds on wild buckwheat over a wide range
in North America. Orange-bordered
Blue, Lycaeides melissa <LEP77> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
The black body and brown wings of the female shown are speckled with
metallic blue scales. Orange borders
are scalloped with brown dots, edged by a white fringe. It is also known as the Melissa Blue, and
a famous endangered race in New York State is called the Karner Blue. Lupine Blue,
Icaricia icariodes
<LEP78> (COLOR
PRINT) (SKETCH)
The host plant is mainly wild buckwheat and not lupine. The silvery gray underside has black
spots, orange hoops with black caps enclosing gemlike blue dots. The iridescent blue upperside is
black-margined and white-fringed with orange hoops. Cassius Blue,
Leptotes cassius
<LEP79> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
This wanderer of the Deep South has a complicated pattern interplay of
gray-brown and cream. The two largest
spots are black with blue centers and orange rims. Northern
Blue, Lycaeides idas <LEP80> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
A mountain-loving species whose name comes from its range around the
Northern Hemisphere. It haunts
trailsides and creeks, nectaring as shown in the drawing on yellow wild
daisies and other wild flowers. The
color is deep indigo blue with a narrow black border and white fringe and
body fur. High
Mountain Blue, Plebejus glandon franklinii <LEP81> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
Found in the high country and arctic climates of North America. It is colored above a gray-brown, shot
with pale blue, while the warm gray underside has outstanding white
spots. The fringes are white with
borders and a discal spot black. Sonoran Blue,
Philotes sonorensis
<LEP82> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
A light shiny blue uniquely marked with orange patches on the fore-
and hindwings, black spots and checkered fringes. It inhabits the mountains and deserts of California and Baja California. It is memorable for its lovely pattern. Blackburn's
Bluet, <LEP83> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
Also called the Hawaiian Blue, this is one of only two butterflies
native to those islands. The pure
grass-green underside and contrasting deep blue upperside with black edging
make it very attractive in flight, but difficult to find at rest. Greenish
Blue, Plebejus saepiolus <LEP84> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
The male has bright blue wings with greenish reflections. Shown here is a female, with her soft
brown, black-dotted underside. She is
perching on white clover, a common host plant. Shasta Blue,
Lycaena melissa <LEP85> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
This female's wings are dark coppery brown with white fringes and
orange zigzags, and with bright blue scales invading from the blue furry
thorax outward. Shasta Blues fly high
in the Sierra Nevada and Rocky Mountains.
They are also found on prairies, but are scarce in between. Silvery Blue,
Glaucopsyche lygdamus
<LEP86> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
This species is among the very bluest of blues. It flies over much of the North American
continent, where it occurs in man y habitats. The color is a light, sky blue with metallic highlights, black
edge, and white fuzzy fringe. Pixie,
<LEP87> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
The Pixie does not look like the other metalmarks although it belongs
with them. It is mostly jet black and
sports a bright red spot near the base of each wing, a row of scarlet around
the hindwings, and yellow forewing tips.
It is especially common in Texas. Ares
Metalmark, <LEP88> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
Metalmarks are sometimes placed in their own family, Riodinidae. The Ares is brown with black spots, its
hindwings orange-flushed. It flies in
the Southwest, and like other metalmarks, it frequently perches with the
wings spread out. Blue
Metalmark, <LEP89> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH-1)
(SKETCH-2)
A tropical butterfly that may reach to South Texas. Its body and wings are metallic blue with
black bars and spots, and its eyes are yellow. The white fringe is checkered with black. Mormon
Metalmark, Apodemia mormo <LEP90> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
A brightly colored small butterfly of the drier parts of the American
West. It varies greatly, but is typically
dark brown, banded with deep orange, spotted and checkered with clear
white. Shown here visiting western
wallflower. The wild buckwheat is a
favorite host plant of the larvae as well as a nectar source for adults. Swamp
Metalmark, Calephelis muticum <LEP91> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
Found commonly in swamplands of the East, it is one of three
northeastern metalmark species. Shown
is the group's typical metallic silvery bars. It is otherwise a rusty brown crossed by rows of dark brown
dots and marks.
The Nymphalidae is the largest and most diverse butterfly family,
numerous all over the world. They
range from small to large, and most are bright and colorful, with striking
patterns. Some, such as
tortoiseshells, hibernate through the winter as adults; others migrate. Traditionally, milkweeds (including the Monarch) longwings and
snouts have been placed in separate families Danaidae, Heliconidae and Libytheidae. But they all have the tiny forelegs that
give the family its name and show other signs that they are related. Baltimore,
Euphydryas phaeton
<LEP92> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
The Baltimore is the official State Butterfly of Maryland. It has black wings with red-orange spots
near the base and all around the edges, white spots and crescents in
between. Shown here on turtlehead,
favorite food plant of the caterpillar. Gillette's
Checkerspot, <LEP93> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
This is the only checkerspot of the West which is easy to
identify. Its broad, orange-red bands
alternating with rows of white spots and black filling make its appearance
unique. Grand Teton and Yellowstone
national parks are favorite areas. Leanira,
Chlosyne leanira
<LEP94> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
The mountain forms and males are darker than females and checkerspots
of the dry basin and range country of the West. The ground color of the male is dark brown, its spots vanilla
except for the outermost ones, which are orange. Orange bars occur near the forewing tip. The female's underside forewing is light
orange, with yellow spots. The
hindwing shows a black chain and veins against a creamy yellow background. Harris'
Checkerspot, Chlosyne harrisii <LEP95> (COLOR PRINT)
(SKETCH)
This species haunts moist meadows in the Northeast where irises and
asters grow. Shown here visiting an
aster, the butterfly has broad black borders, orange spot-bands across the
middle, and black and orange networks near the base. Frequently numerous. Phaon
Crescent, Phyciodes phaon <LEP96> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
The name comes from the pale crescent-shaped marking along the outer
edge of the hindwing below. Here shown
on a favorite nectar source, the beggar's tick. The rest of the hindwing is pale cheesy colored with brown
marks and orange spots. The forewing
is orange with black and yellow patches. Pearl
Crescent, Phyciodes tharos <LEP97> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
A familiar butterfly, known for its habit of flying out at other
insects. It frequently visits mud and
flowers. Here it is shown taking
nectar from showy daisy. The amount
of blackish marking varies with sex and season, but the open orange middles
of the wings typify most Pearl Crescents.
Frequently seen in sunny, flowery places during summer. Painted
Crescent, Phyciodes picta <LEP98> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
This crescent is shown visiting alfalfa for nectar. The hindwing is pale, clear yellow with a
dark mark by the crescent. The forewing
is orange painted with black and white patches and a yellow tip. These bright crescents fly along ditches
and roadsides, laying their eggs on asters. Janais Patch,
<LEP99> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
Its black wings holds a small galaxy of white spots. On the hindwings, great scarlet patches
occur. Like many other butterflies
resident in Mexico and farther south, the Janais patch colonizes southern
Texas until a cold winter drives it back.
It is attracted to the sweet nectar of yellow and pink lantana. Definite
Patch, <LEP100> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
This is a checkerspot. Its
forewing has orange spots alternating with black, and a row of white dots
along the edge. Black lines encircle
the white spots and bigger red patches on the hindwings. The Definite Patch lives in thorny places
in the Southwest. Bordered
Patch, Chlosyne lacinia <LEP101> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH-1)
(SKETCH-2)
Also called Scudder's Patched Butterfly, it is widespread and common
in the Southwest and Mexico. The
patch varies from place to place, the one shown here being a female from
Texas that is visiting a favorite food plant, the sunflower. Her borders are black with an outer row of
yellow spots, an inner row of white dots.
There is a broad area of fiery orange, and black bases with orange
spots. Nokomis
Fritillary, Speyeria nokomis <LEP102> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
A large and rather rare fritillary of the southwestern mountains. Because it occurs around moisture in
generally arid areas, drainage and water diversion threaten its survival. The female shown is taking nectar from a
thistle, a favorite activity of the fritillaries. The wings are olive green, banded with pale yellow toward the
outside. The spots in rows are
shining silver, and the forewing is flushed with pink at the base. Great
Spangled Fritillary, Speyeria cybele <LEP103> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
The upperside of the male and underside of the female are shown in the
drawing.. Both are nectaring on
scarlet cardinal flower. The male is
brilliant golden-orange, with a intricate pattern of black spots. The female's hindwing is rich
reddish-brown with a yellow outer band, the Aspangles being the silvered
spots scattered across the wing and running around its rim. A common species in the East and a
favorite with butterfly gardeners. Regal
Fritillary, Speyeria idalia <LEP104> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
This is the largest fritillary and also one of the most specialized. It prefers virgin prairies, which has made
it rare ans such have been disturbed in the Great Plains and to the
east. The drawing shows it perching
with its wings closed and showing an olive hindwing spattered with large
silver spots. The forewing is very
bright orange with black marks and more silver around its edges Edwards'
Fritillary, Speyeria edwardsii <LEP105> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
Named after a great pioneer American lepidopterist, this is another
large fritillary of the West. Its
larvae feed only on violets. The
adults shown are visiting purple horsemint.
The underside is mostly bluish green, studded with big, metallic
silver orbs. Toward its base, the
forewing has a pretty pink flush. Variegated
Fritillary, Euptoieta claudia <LEP106> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
This is not a true fritillary, lacing silver spots. The name comes from a complex pattern of
brown, white, and orange scaling on the underside. Frosty white areas and veins run through the tan base color,
while the inner part of the forewing is bright orange. Eyespots are bluish-black. The caterpillars feed on many kinds of
plants, not common in most butterflies.
Every spring this resident of the South populates the northern states,
only to die back with the frosts of autumn. Diana,
Speyeria diana
<LEP107> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH-1)
Diana, named for the Green goddess of the woods, is one of the most
strikingly dimorphic butterflies. The
males and females look entirely different.
Here the male pursues the female on the wing. He is fiery orange beyond a large
coal-black wingbase. The female has
the same black middle part, but outside of it has pale bluish spots on the
forewing and deep blue patches and bars on the hindwing. It is believed that the blue coloration,
unique among fritillaries, evolved to help her mimic the poisonous Pipevine
Swallowtail. This causes birds to
avoid her. Atlantis
Fritillary, Speyeria atlantis <LEP108> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
There is a lot of variation in the Atlantis over geographic
areas. This species ranges across the
northern part of the United States.
Eastern individuals will sometimes visit gardens, attracted by
black-eyed Susans or other flowers.
It is hard to draw but simple to color, the border and all the spots
being black. The rest of the body is
pumpkin-orange. Bog
Fritillary, Proclossiana eunomia <LEP109> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
This is a lesser fritillary that is especially fond of bogs. The forewing is pale orange with black
marks and two rows of yellow spots.
These rows carry over onto the hindwing, where bands of pale yellow
alternate with bands of brick red. It
is shown on a plantain. Meadow
Fritillary, Boloria bellona <LEP110> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
The tip of the forewings have a snipped-off appearance . Another lesser fritillary, it is light
orange with black markings. A denizen
of wet meadows, in the East and the West.
The one in the drawing is shown visiting a violet, on which the
caterpillars feed and the adults may gather nectar. Silver-bordered Fritillary,
Boloria selene
<LEP111> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
A widespread fritillary of bogs and meadows, this one also occurs in
Europe. It is a lesser fritillary,
but like the greater fritillaries it has silver spots on its underside. The spots alternate with rows of reddish
brown and tawny. Queen,
Danaus gilippus
<LEP112> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
Milkweed butterflies, such as the Queen and Monarch, are often placed
in the family Danaidae. The Queen has
rich cinnamon wings with black borders and clusters of small white
spots. The black patches on the
hindwings produce chemical perfumes, and show that this individual is a
male. He is nectaring on milkweed,
the same plant that served as host to the caterpillar. In Florida, Viceroys have evolved a dark
race to mimic the Queens. Monarch,
Danaus plexippus
<LEP113> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH-1)
(SKETCH-2)
This is our best known North American butterfly, but it still holds
many mysteries. The bright orange
Monarch has black veins and borders, with white spots around the edges and
peach-colored patches in the black forewing tip area. Common milkweed is its host plant which
nourishes adults and larvae, and makes the Monarch poisonous to birds. Viceroys mimic Monarchs, so birds ignore
them as well. Monarchs breed all
across North America, but in autumn they migrate like birds. A large proportion fly to Mexico or to
California, where they spend the winter in huge clusters among the foliage of
trees. In springtime they return to
their breeding grounds in the North. Crimson-patched
Longwing, Synchloe janalis ? <LEP114> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
Frequently placed in the family Heliconidae to distinguish them from
brush-footed butterflies, the longwings live in the American tropics and feed
on passion flowers. This species is
sometimes found in Texas, here shown feeding on lantana. It is jet black, the forewings have
crimson patches, the hindwings a yellow streak along the top. Julia,
Anthocharis sara julia ?
<LEP115> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
The Julia's long wings are almost entirely clear. They deep orange above except for a black
spot along the upper edge. The body
is clothed in furry orange scales.
The caterpillars feed on passion flower vines. It occurs in southern Texas and Florida,
sometimes occurring in swarms. Gulf
Fritillary, Dione vanillae <LEP116> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
This longwing is considered a fritillary because as with most
butterflies it has brilliant metallic silver spots beneath. On the hindwing and the tip of the
forewing, these spots are set in a field of olive-gold. The rest of the forewing changes to
crimson-pink. It is common across the
South and all around the Gulf of Mexico.
It prefers flowers of the beggar's tick and lantana, and the
caterpillars feed on passion vine.. Zebra,
Heliconius charitonia
<LEP117> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
Occurring in the Southeast, this longwing haunts hammocks in the
Everglades. It is common where
passion flower vines grown in woody spots, even in towns, as these are food
for the caterpillar. It is a
beautiful sight to observe numbers of Zebras gathering in a tree for their
evening's roost. The color scheme is
simple: yellow stripes and spots against a black velvety background. Viceroy,
Limenitis archippus
<LEP118> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
The Viceroy looks very much like the Monarch, although it is not
closely related. This mimicry gives
it protection from birds that have learned to avoid the distasteful
Monarchs. Its deep orange color,
black veins and borders, and white dots are like those of the Monarch. But it also has a black line around the
hindwing past the middle. Viceroys
occur around willows, especially along watercourses. The banded admirals are close relatives. Lorquin's
Admiral, Limenitis lorquini <LEP119> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
This species occurs on the West Coast. The upperside is basically blackish brown, crossed by bands of
large creamy spots. It is distinguished
from the other banded admirals by its orange forewing tips. The males establish and defend
territories, often on willow branches.
The one in the drawing is shown visiting spreading dogbane, a
preferred nectar source for many butterflies. White
Admiral, Limenitis arthemis <LEP120> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
Occurring in southern Canada and the northeastern United States, it is
also known as the Banded Purple.
However, its color is not really purple, but its black is rich and
deep. Beyond the milk-white bands lie
rows of bright blue crescents, the innermost of these on the hindwings being
capped with russet. The preferred
host plant is birch. California
Sister, Limenitis bredowii <LEP121> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH) This species derives its name from the
black with white bands that reminded someone of a nun's habit. However, the wings also have a bright
orange patch on the tip of the forewing.
Rusty orange bars highlight the wings, especially beneath, and the underside
has purplish blue bands along the border and body. Rotting plums and other fruits are sought out by Sisters. Red-spotted
Purple, Limenitis
arthemis astyanax
<LEP122> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH-1)
(SKETCH-2)
It closely resembles Banded Purples, minus the bands, and is often
regarded as the same species. The
upperside, shown in the drawing, is shiny blue-black, with blue concentrated
toward the edges of the hindwings.
The underside is blackish brown with brick-red spots, blue-barred
along the margins. Pavon,
<LEP123> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
Patterned like the admirals, this species is actually related to the
hackberry butterflies. Dusky whitish
bands cross the wings, which shine deep purple when struck by direct
sunshine. The patches near the
forewing tips glow bright orange.
Very different, the underside is light tan with a white band, black
eyespots, and brown lines. This
species occurs primarily in Mexico, but occasionally drifts into Texas. Milbert's
Tortoiseshell, Aglais milberti <LEP124> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH) Tortoisshells have decidedly different
upper and lower surfaces. Milbert's
above is chocolate brown with a two-toned band-- yellow inside, orange
outer-- orange basal spots, and blue dots in the dark margin. Below there is no such fire-rim pattern, just
a dark brown basal half, tan band, and dark border. Thus it blends exactly into tree bark. It is widespread in North America, here
shown on western sneezeweed. Compton
Tortoiseshell, Nymphalis vau-album <LEP125> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
The name tortoishell comes from the blending of orange, tawny and
black above. There is one white spot
on each wing, near the upper, outer edge.
The Compton lives in cooler woodlands, where it is camouflaged against
tree trunks. Predators are startled
when it flies because of its bright colors. California
Tortoiseshell, Nymphalis californica <LEP126> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
In some years this species swarms in the Sierra Nevada and Cascade
Mountains. The perch shown in the
drawing is a common posture for brush-footed butterflies. It shows part of the orange-brown
upperside with its black patches and borders and white spots near the
tips. The underside is mottled brown,
tan and frosty. Question
Mark, Polygonia interrogationis <LEP127> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
There are two seasonal forms of the eastern anglewing. In summer forms the hindwings are almost
completely black. In the autumn form
both the fore- and hindwings are bright reddish orange with heavy brown
markings. Both forms have a
lilac-purple border, narrower on the black-spotted summer butterflies. The autumn generation survives the winter
as adults, which in turn produce the summer form generation. Satyr
Anglewing, Polygonia
satyrus <LEP128> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
Similar to the tortoiseshells, anglewings possess ragged wing margins
that help their dull undersides blend in with leaves and bark. The Satyr is a butterfly of the West and
the brightest of all anglewings. It
is fiery light orange turning to golden toward the tails of the hindwings,
marked with inky spots and reddish brown borders. The spiny caterpillars eat stinging nettle. Gray Comma, Polygonia comma <LEP129> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
Commas and Question Marks are really anglewings. The names refer to tiny silver marks on
the underside of the hindwing.
Otherwise the underside is grayish brown with darker striations and a
frosty forewing tip. The upperside is
reddish tawny, brown spotted and bordered, with orange dots in the broad
hindwing border. Commas fly away
quickly, but usually return to one spot. Mourning
Cloak, Nymphalis
antiopa <LEP130> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
This species is easily identified by sight if not by name, as it has a
unique coloration and pattern. The
body and the larger part of the wings are deep chocolate brown with maroon
reflections. Long rows of deep blue
spots run all around the wings just inside the light yellow borders. This species is really a tortoishell that
flies all over and prefers elms and willows. Waiter,
Marpesia coresia
<LEP131> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
A common tropical species that is occasionally found in southern
Texas. The upperside is dark
brown. Beneath, as shown in the
drawing, the crisp white inner half of the wings contrasts with the brown
outer part. A reddish streak lines
the white part, another runs around the outer edge to the shorter of the
tails, ending in a blue spot. This
pattern resembles a waiter's uniform. Ruddy
Daggerwing, Marpesia petreus <LEP132> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
The wings have a strange shape that ends in daggertails. They are colored ruddy orange, with dark
brown stripes and tails. It is a
resident of southern Florida. The
caterpillars feed on fig leaves and the adult on fig fruit. Close relatives are the Ruddy Daggerwing
and Waiter. Banded
Daggerwing, Timetes chiron ? <LEP133> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
This is a tropical brush-foot that lives as far north as Texas and
Florida. The outer half of the
underside is reddish tan, with two violet bands running across. The inner half has rusty lines across a
silky white background. The body is
white. Florida
Leafwing, Anaea floridalis <LEP134> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
This brilliant butterfly may be found in southern Florida woodlands
where croton grows. The upper side is
flaming red-orange, making it startling when it flies nearby. Then, when the Leafwing alights, the
bright color disappears. The
underside is colored like a dead leaf, and the wing shape enhances the
camouflage. Goatweed
Butterfly, Anaea andria <LEP135> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
The caterpillar's host plant is goatweed, from which the name
derives. It occurs commonly in the
Southeast. The female shown is tawny
orange above with brown along the edges and invading the wings. Individuals in the rainy season have
longer tails that are colored violet, and more pointed wingtips than those of
drier months. Goatweed Butterflies
are rapid flies, but are attracted to baits of rotting fruit. Buckeye,
Precis coenia
<LEP136> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
The large eyespots giving this species its name have yellow rims and
black, blue, and violet centers. Most
of the remaining upper side is warm brown, but there are two orange bars on
each forewing, a buff band outside them, and orange below the hindwing
eyespots. Among the many flowers
visited by this rapid flier is plantain, on which the caterpillar also
feeds. Migrations occur in autumn. Hackberry
Butterfly, Asterocampa
celtis <LEP137> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
The caterpillars are jade green and confined to leaves of hackberry
trees for food. Both caterpillar and
chrysalis blend beautifully with the foliage. When the adult closes its wings you may see a complicated
pattern of brown lines on a purplish white background and rows of black,
white-centered, yellow-rimmed eyespots. Tawny
Emperor, Asterocampa clyton <LEP138> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
This species is more common in the Southeast than elsewhere, feeding
on hackberry. Its forewings are
colored rich reddish tawny, with black bars and bands and rows of golden
spots. The hindwings are tawny at the
base, becoming black outwardly with rows of tawny-ringed black spots. The individual shown in the drawing is
visiting rotting orange persimmons. Empress
Louisa, Asterocampa sp. <LEP139> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
Discovered during the second half of the 20th Century, this hackberry
butterfly occurs in South Texas and Mexico.
Her wings are a warm, light brown with blackish around the tips where
there are white spots. The unpupilled
black eyespots around the hindwings have tan rims, and the hindwing
scalloping is dark brown. Mountain
Emperor, Chlorippe montis <LEP140> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
This species occurs in canyons of the Southwest where hackberry trees
occur in the wild. The Mountain
Emperor has the usual pattern for a hackberry butterfly which is lighter
toward the body and darker outward, with white spots and black eye like
circles. However, its color is a
richer, more red brown than that of most of its relatives. Snout
Butterfly, Libytheana
bachmanii <LEP141> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
The Snout also feeds on hackberries.
It is outstanding by having a long snout that is formed by its palpi
sticking straight out in front of its face.
It also goes through great migrations. The upper side is dark brown with creamy spots toward the
clipped wingtip and large tawny patches on each wing. Beneath, the hindwing and forewing tip are
mottled with mauve and cocoa. The
forewing base is orange. The drawing
shows it feeding on nectar of Florida dogwood. Kamehameha,
<LEP142> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
One of two native Hawaiian butterflies, its name commemorates the
former Hawaiian king. The largest and
brightest of the painted ladies, it may be found in forests and clearings on
all the major islands of Hawaii. The
outer tip of the forewings is black with white spots. The rest is brilliant red-orange with
black markings. Long brown hairs make
the part of the wings near the body more ruddy than the rest. Red Admiral,
Vanessa atalanta
<LEP143> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH-1)
(SKETCH-2)
This caterpillar feeds on nettle almost everywhere from the sub-Arctic
well into the tropics. Red Admirals
are frequently found basking in the sun and visiting rotting fruit and fresh
flowers, such as the gumweed shown in the drawing. The wings are deep velvety black. The bands are vermilion red, with black dots in the band on the
hindwing, ending in two blue spots near the body. The forewing tips have white spots, and white crescents run all
around the wing margins. The species
is commonly observed throughout North America. West
Coast Lady, Vanessa carye <LEP144> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
Resembling the Painted Lady, this is a Pacific Slope species. The field marks with which to distinguish
it are: The bar in a black area at the end of the cell on the upper forewing
is orange, the eyespots on the upper hindwing are large and blue, and the
brown and white mottling below has a yellowish cast. Otherwise the color above is orange-peel
orange, with black markings and white spots.
The orange shows on the base of the forewing beneath. The drawing shows it visiting cheeseweed. American
Painted Lady, Cynthia virginiensis <LEP145> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
Similar to the other ladies except more pink, especially below on the
lower half of the forewing. The
hindwing has blue spots which are prominent on the upper side and very large
below, where they have black and yellow rings around them. It is generally light brown below with
white bands and network. It is also
known as the Hunter's Butterfly. It
is most common in the East. The
individual in the drawing is shown on red zinnia. Painted Lady,
Cynthia cardui
<LEP146> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
The larval host plant is thistle, where adults frequently are
found. Painted Ladies cannot
withstand northern winters, but will fly north every year from milder
climates to the south. Because it can
be found all over the world, the Painted Lady's other name is Cosmopolitan
Butterfly. The main color is salmon
orange, more pink on the underside of the basal forewing. White spots stand out on the black tips,
and blue spots run around the hindwing.
The underside is mottled brown and white. Amymone, Cystineura
amymone ? <LEP147> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
This is a frail-looking little butterfly that sometimes flies long
distances in great numbers. It
usually is found around the Gulf of Mexico and farther south. The upper side is mostly gray, but the
underside is usually shown because it perches with wings closed. The underside is a pretty ochre-orange,
crossed by bands of pearly white. Fatima,
Anartia fatima
<LEP148> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
In South Texas, the Fatima flies in early spring and again in late
autumn. The ground color is blackish
brown. White spots lie in the
forewing tips. Vanilla bands sweep
across all wings, ending in red spots.
More crimson spots make up an inner band on the hindwings. Crimson-banded
Black, <LEP149> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
It may be found in South Texas, but is more rare than the Fatima. Its simple, striking pattern is
beautiful. The velvety black wings
have no markings other than the wavy, bright crimson band, and thin white
crescents enhancing the scalloped edge of the hindwings. It is shown here nectaring on beggar's
tick, favored by many southern butterflies. Mimic,
Hypolimnas misippus
<LEP150> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
This is a very unusual, exotic butterfly that is thought to have come
to the West Indies with the slave trade.
It is found in much of the Old World.
The female shown in the drawing mimics the African Milkweed Butterfly,
a relative of the Monarch. Her wings
are bright orange rimmed with black.
There are white patches in the black tips and white dots around the
black margin. It is sometimes called
the Blue Moon because of the male's white orbs surrounded by iridescent blue,
all set against a night-black background.
Shown here nectaring on lantana. Florida
Purplewing, Eunica tatila tatilista <LEP151> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
The wings shimmer with an ultraviolet iridescence when extended in
light. In the shade they appear
brown, the color of the outer, white-spotted parts in all lights. It is common in the Everglades woodlands
of south Florida. White
Peacock, Anartia jatrophae <LEP152> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
A species of the Deep South and American tropics, it occasionally
wanders north. It normally perches
warily with its wings closed. The
background is pearly white.
Pinkish-brown bands and orange lines and crescents mark the
wings. Two blue-centered,
orange-rimmed eyespots lie in a brown band.
The outer margin is salmon orange. Blue Wing,
<LEP153> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
Indigo bands of the wings alternate with black. The color is deeper than the pale blue of
the water hyacinth on which it is shown perching. White spots tip the forewings.
Although other kinds of blue wings occur farther south, this species
barely reaches South Texas. Malachite,
Siproeta stelenes bipalgiata
<LEP154> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
The species was named for the mineral malachite, which has a lacy green
pattern similar to that on the butterfly's wings. They are colored pale jade, mixed with the dark brown that
forms the border. Malachites visit
Florida and the West Indies, and sometimes in occur in Texas. The individual in the drawing is visiting
a spiderwort. Eighty-eight
Butterfly, Diaethria clymena <LEP155> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
Another tropical species that turns up in Florida on rare
occasions. Its name derives from the
black A88" pattern on the white underside. The base of the underside forewing is pinkish red, the tip
black-banded white. The black upper
side has light green bands on each wing.
The family Satyridae may be a subgroup of the brush-footed
butterflies. Most of them are colored
softly with browns and grays and rusts.
Most bear eyespots on their wings.
These false eyes serve as targets for birds. Aiming for the eyes, they miss the butterfly's body. Satyrs haunt woodland glades and meadows
where their caterpillars feed on grasses.
Almost everywhere grasses grow, some browns fly, including in the high
arctic. Pearly Eye,
Lethe portlandia
<LEP156> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH-1) (SKETCH-2)
This species inhabits woods of the East where it perches on tree
trunks and flies rapidly among the dappled shadows. The color underneath is light brown, with a lilac hue and a
pearly sheen. Brown lines cross the
wings, and an orange-like line runs around the rims. The brown eyespots lie in a loose buff
band and have orange rings around them and blue or pearly pupils. Creole
Pearly Eye, Lethe creola <LEP157> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
The female rarely shows her upper side except in flight. It is a light buckskin brown, with a pale
tan area toward the edge. A long row
of black-brown spots runs through this lighter field. The female will lay her eggs on maiden
cane after the male locates her within the cane brake. Eyed Brown,
Lethe eurydice
<LEP158> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
The pair of Eyed Browns shown perching on a sedge head, are typical
satyrs. They occur in moist meadows
of the Northeast and Midwest. The
upper side presents a warm cocoa-brown aspect with lighter tan patches and
blue-black, white-centered, yellow-rimmed eyespots. The pattern repeats below but the color is darker brown with
still darker lines and more distinct eyespots. Large
Wood Nymph, <LEP159> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
Sometimes called the Blue-eyed Grayling, its eyespots are indeed blue
and white, centered within black and yellow rings. This species flies over much of the continent and exhibits many
forms. The one shown here has the
forewing eyespots embedded in a large patch of canary yellow. The rest is light brown striated with dark
brown, the outer half of the hindwing paler.
It may be found in woods at their grassy edges, at sap or fruit or
taking nectar on such flowers as alfalfa. Great
Basin Wood Nymph, <LEP160> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
The individual shown is visiting yellow sweet clover. It is dark brown with a lighter fringe and
pale yellow rings around its black eyespots.
The eyespots target bird attacks away from the body of the butterfly. Sagebrush desert and dry, open woodland
are is preferred habitats. Ochre
Ringlet, Coenonympha
sp. <LEP161> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
The main color of this brightest ringlet is ochre, i.e., a rich,
reddish-gold. The upper side is all
ochre, as is most of the forewing below.
Its tip beyond the yellow-ringed black eyespot is grayish. The hindwing is olive-gray, except for the
buffy lightning-streak across it. The
Ochre Ringlet is very abundant in the Rocky Mountains. Northwest
Ringlet, Coenonympha sp. <LEP162> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
Common in the grasslands of the Pacific Northwest, it is colored like
the Ochre Ringlet, except that the ochre is paler and the olive grayer. It usually lacks the small eyespots. Prairie
Ringlet, Coenonympha sp.
<LEP163> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
This species is closely related to the Ochre and Northwest
ringlets. The forewing has an orange
streak inward from the eyespot, and the hindwing is very olive. Like other satyrs, the caterpillars feed
on grasses. Little
Wood Satyr, Megisto cymela <LEP164> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
This species dodges and darts through tall grass with speed and
skill. It is the most common and
widespread of the wood or grass satyrs.
It is warm brown overall with yellow-ringed, blue-black eyespots
inside darker brown lines that edge the wings. Georgia
Satyr, Neonympha areolatus <LEP165> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH) .
This beautiful small satyr has long oval eyespots with yellow rims and
blue-dotted centers, each located within an ellipse of brick-red lines. More red lines run along the edge and the
base of the wings. It occurs in the
Southeast on grasses. Gemmed Satyr,
Cyllopis gemmav <LEP166>
(COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
Named after the blue and silver eyespots, gold-rimmed, that run
together, all set in a metallic silver patch on the hindwing. Faint reddish lines run around the silver
patch and across the reddish tan wings.
The Gemmed Satyr flies in grassy woods of the Midwest and South. Red Satyr,
Megisto rubricata
<LEP167> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
The species is found in oak woodlands of the arid Southwest. The wings on the upper side are broadly
copper-red with thick brown SKETCHs. Each wing bears one eyespot, black with
yellow rim and pale bluish center. Mitchells'
Marsh Satyr, Neonympha mitchelli ? <LEP168> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
Because the bogs and marshy meadows that this butterflies requires
have been drained or developed, the species is endangered. Only in a few spots south of the Great
Lakes does it survive. Its color is
like the Georgia Satyr except that the eyespots are rounder and more
numerous. White-veined
Arctic, <LEP169> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
Arctics are a group of satyrs prevalent in the Far North and in high
mountains. They blend well with their
backgrounds of rock, lichen and grass.
The species here lives in Labrador and Greenland. Its forewing is olive-tan, the tip frosty
gray like the hindwing with brown speckles.
A darker brown band crosses the hindwing, and the veins stand out
crisply white. The upper side of
females is dull gray-brown, lighter tan on the outer hindwing. Chryxus
Arctic, Oeneis chryxus <LEP170> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
The species flies from the arctic-alpine peaks all the way down to
sagebrush land along the Rocky Mountains.
The female shown here, with her wings spread, is bright tawny, paler
toward the olive-brown margins. Her
eyespots are black with tiny white pupils. Arctic
Grayling, Oeneis bore <LEP171> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
This species haunts the arctic tundra from Sweden to Siberia to Hudson
Bay. The forewing is reddish tawny
with a frosty tip. The frostiness
overs much of the hindwing, which has a tan band near the outer edge and a
brown one across the middle. Magdalena
Alpine, <LEP172> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
This is the only all-black, unmarked butterfly in North America. The color may weather to a soft brown
plush. Magdalena lives only on high
mountain rockslides, where males fly up and down in search of females. They pause to sip nectar from pink moss
campion, which is where they may frequently be found. Common
Alpine, Erebia epipsodea <LEP173> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
Sometimes named Butler's Alpine, it has a pattern typical of many
alpines of the European Alps: chocolate brown wings ringed by clack,
white-centered eyespots lying in cinnamon patches. Newly emerged alpines shimmer with a purplish green iridescence. They live in mountain meadows and clearings
of the American West. Red-disked
Alpine, Erebia discoidalis <LEP174> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
Bearing the common alpine color scheme of deep brown and rusty-red,
this species lacks the eyespots of most other alpines. The rusty disk shows below, but the brown
is clouded with frosty gray scaling, especially the outer portions of the
wings. An Asian and Alaskan species,
it also flies across Canada and southward to the Great Lakes. Here is is shown nectaring on a dandelion. Theano
Alpine, <LEP175> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
The drawing shows two Theano Alpines confronting one another on leaves
of marsh marigold, a perching site favored by these smallest of our
alpines. The high-country colonies
tend to be tight but well populated.
Russet rings of spots surround the dark brown wings. Beneath, the hindwing spots are yellow. Red-bordered
Brown, <LEP176> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
A large satyr, mostly found in Mexico, it inhabits pine woodlands on
the edges of deserts. There it flies
in late summer and autumn. The
scalloped, velvety brown wings run to cocoa on the outer forewing,
cinnamon-red on the hindwing border.
Skippers resemble moths in some ways, with thick, hairy bodies and
short wings. Most are small and rapid
flies, with a skipping motion.
Skippers that are triangular and tawny tend to be grass feeders, while
the others use many host plants.
Skippers succeed in many sorts of habitats and love flowers and
mud. The belong to the family
Hesperiidae. The fast flying Giant
Skippers have their own family, Megathymidae. Zabulon Skipper,
<LEP177> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
This species is common in the East.
The female shown is visiting blue violet for nectar. Her wings are rusty red, heavily speckled
with violet on the outer half. The
fringe and body are also reddish. Yehl Skipper,
Poanes yehl
<LEP178> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
This skipper of the Southwest flashes by in a golden blur. Perched, it looks very orange, with pale
yellow spots and orange legs. Its
gold-tipped antennae are short and hooked, as on most skippers. Sandhill
Skipper, Polites sabuleti <LEP179> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
The manner in which this skipper is perching, with the hindwings in
one plane and the forewings in another, is typical of many skippers. Both the fore- and the hindwings are tawny
orange with dark edges, and black dashes across the forewings. Least
Skipperling, Ancycloxypha numitor <LEP180> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
This is one of our tiniest butterflies. Its forewing is bright orange; hindwing, yellow-gold with light
veins. The orange repeats on the
upper abdomen. Otherwise the body is
white and eyes black. Whirlabout,
Polites vibex
<LEP181> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
Another golden tawny skipper, brown about the edges, but orange
fringed. The black dash on the
forewing is called a skipper's stigma.
The name refers to its speedy, orbiting flight. It is common in Southeastern woodlands. Common
Checkered Skipper, Pyrgus communis <LEP182> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
This skipper is very common in fields and vacant lots. The wings are charcoal checkered with
white; and the fringe is white and black checked. There ire iridescent bluish furry scales on the body. Horace's
Duskywing, Erynnis horatius <LEP183> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
The wings are soft in color but bear a complex pattern. Generally they are chestnut brown, with pale
spots around the hindwings, black patches and glossy white dots on the
forewings. The caterpillars feed on
oak. Lace-winged Roadside Skipper,
Amblyscirtes aesculapius
<LEP184> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
Skippers occurring along the roadside all are rather similar in
appearance. However, this species is
distinctive for the lacy pattern of creamy markings intersected by white
veins against olive-gray wings. Common
Branded Skipper, <LEP185> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
The wings above are tawny basally, brown marginally, with a black
stigma on the forewing and light fringes.
The gold pattern on the upper side is repeated in bright silvery marks
underneath. This species is found in
many forms and many habitats across the Norther Hemisphere and always among
grasses. Dakota
Skipper, Hesperia dacotae <LEP186> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
This uncommon skipper is closely linked to native prairie
grasslands. It has become rare by the
plowing and grazing of the prairies.
It survives in a number of nature reserves, where it visits purple
coneflower. Caterpillars feed on
native grasses. Guava
Skipper, <LEP187> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
Larvae of this heavy Latin American skipper feed on the leaves of
guava. The adults like the
fruits. It is colored with
matte-black wings highlighted by white fringes, two scarlet spots on the
forewing edge, and shiny blue-green streaks and reflections. The red is repeated on its head, the blue
on its body. Silver-spotted
Skipper, Epargyreus clarus <LEP188> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
A large and fast flier, this skipper is common in parks and
gardens. Here is is shown visiting
Japanese honeysuckle. There is a large
silver patch on the underside of the hindwing, and a gold one on the
forewing. Otherwise the wings are a
bright brown. Long-tailed
Skipper, Urbanus proteus <LEP189> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
This spectacular skipper is common in the South. It is so prevalent that it flies in vast
migrations. The wings are brown, the
spots and head are golden. Tails are
gold-rimmed. Long furry scales clothe
the body, rendering it and the bases of the wings iridescent turquoise in
sunlight. Here is is shown nectaring
on pickleweed. Flashing
Astraptes, <LEP190> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
This tropical beauty has a turquoise body, and its head is
blue-green. The wing bases shimmer
metallic sky-blue, and the outer forewing bars are opalescent, white but
reflecting green. All of this color
is against a basic black. Yucca
Giant Skipper, Megathymus yuccae <LEP191> (COLOR PRINT) (SKETCH)
The various species of giant skippers that live in the Southwest all
feed on yucca or agave as larvae. The
caterpillars burrow into the roots of those plants. Giant Skippers fly at considerable speed. The color is usually blackish brown with
yellow patches and a white bar. -------------------------------------------------------- Comstock, J. A. 1927. Butterflies of
California. Author Publ, John Adams
Comstock, Los Angeles, CA. Feltwell, J. 1992. American Nature
Guides. Butterflies of North
America. Smithmark Publ. Inc., New
York.
192 p. Holland, W. J. 1913. The Butterfly
Book. Doubleday, Page & Col, New
York. 382 p. Opler, P. A. & G. O. Krizek. 1984.
Butterflies East of the Great Plains.
The Johns Hoplins University Press,
Baltimore & London. 294 p. Peterson, R. T. & R. M. Pyle. 1993.
Peterson Field Guide Coloring Books: Butterflies. Houghton Mifflin Co.,
Boston, New York. 66 p. |