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FAMILIAR
BUTTERFLIES OF
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[Scientific
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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. |