Types of Butterflies in Alabama
The butterfly species found in Alabama, with their fascinating colors, exhibit rich diversity. This southeastern state has high mountainous ridges, Black Belt prairie, flat coastal plains, river deltas, lakes, springs, and deep valleys, providing these species with different habitats. Many species do not reside here throughout the year, as adult butterflies emerge from their chrysalides during particular times of the year when weather and food resources are the best for survival.
The eastern tiger swallowtail (Papilio glaucus) and monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) are Alabama’s state butterflies. Species from all the six butterfly family that flutter here are listed below.
Brush-Footed (Nymphalidae)
- Red-spotted Purple (Limenitis arthemis)
- Viceroy (Limenitis archippus)
- ‘Astyanax‘ Red-spotted Purple (Limenitis arthemis astyanax)
- Hackberry Emperor (Asterocampa celtis)
- Tawny Emperor (Asterocampa clyton)
- Goatweed Leafwing (Anaea andria)
- Zebra Heliconian (Heliconius charithonius)
- Diana Fritillary (Speyeria diana)
- Great Spangled Fritillary (Speyeria cybele)
- Gulf Fritillary (Agraulis vanillae)
- Variegated Fritillary (Euptoieta claudia)
- Monarch (Danaus plexippus)
- American Snout (Libytheana carinenta)
- American Lady (Vanessa virginiensis)
- Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui)
- Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta)
- Eastern Comma (Polygonia comma)
- Question Mark (Polygonia interrogationis)
- Gorgone Checkerspot (Chlosyne gorgone)
- Silvery Checkerspot (Chlosyne nycteis)
- Pearl Crescent (Phyciodes tharos)
- Phaon Crescent (Phyciodes phaon)
- Texan Crescent (Phyciodes texana)
- Mourning Cloak (Nymphalis antiopa)
- Common Buckeye (Junonia coenia)
- Baltimore (Euphydryas phaeton)
Gossamer-Winged (Lycaenidae)
- Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus)
- Banded Hairstreak (Satyrium calanus)
- Striped Hairstreak (Satyrium liparops)
- King’s Hairstreak (Satyrium kingi)
- Coral Hairstreak (Satyrium titus)
- Eastern Pine Elfin (Callophrys niphon)
- Juniper Hairstreak (Callophrys gryneus)
- Great Purple Hairstreak (Atlides halesus)
- Spring Azure (Celastrina ladon)
- Summer Azure (Celastrina neglecta)
- Eastern Tailed-Blue (Cupido comyntas)
- Red-banded Hairstreak (Calycopis cecrops)
- Small Copper (Lycaena phlaeas)
- Harvester (Feniseca tarquinius)
- Eastern pygmy-blue (Brephidium pseudofea)
Whites and Sulphurs (Pieridae)
- Southern Dogface (Colias cesonia)
- Orange Sulphur (Colias eurytheme)
- Clouded Sulphur (Colias philodice)
- Little Yellow, Little Sulphur, or Little Sulfur (Eurema lisa)
- Fairy Yellow, Barred Yellow or Barred Sulphur (Eurema daira)
- Sleepy Orange (Eurema nicippe)
- Small White (Pieris rapae)
- West Virginia White Butterfly (Pieris virginiensis)
- Checkered White/ Southern Cabbage Butterfly (Pontia protodice)
- Dainty Sulphur/Dwarf Yellow (Nathalis iole)
- Cloudless Sulphur (Phoebis sennae)
- Falcate Orangetip (Anthocharis midea)
- Great Southern White (Ascia monuste)
Metalmark (Riodinidae)
- Swamp Metalmark (Calephelis muticum)
- Little Metalmark (Calephelis virginiensis)
Swallowtail (Papilionidae)
- Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus)
- Palamedes Swallowtail (Papilio appalachiensis)
- Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes)
- Spicebush Swallowtail (Papilio troilus)
- Appalachian Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio appalachiensis)
- Zebra Swallowtail (Eurytides marcellus)
- Pipevine Swallowtail (Battus philenor)
Skipper (Hesperiidae)
- Cofaqui Giant-Skipper (Megathymus cofaqui)
- Yucca Giant-Skipper (Megathymus yuccae)
- Wild Indigo Duskywing (Erynnis baptisiae)
- Zarucco Duskywing (Erynnis zarucco)
- Horace’s Duskywing (Erynnis horatius)
- Juvenal’s Duskywing (Erynnis juvenalis)
- Dreamy Duskywing (Erynnis icelus)
- Mottled Duskywing (Erynnis martialis)
- Sleepy Duskywing (Erynnis brizo)
- Northern Cloudywing (Thorybes pylades)
- Southern Cloudywing (Thorybes bathyllus)
- Confusing Cloudywing (Thorybes confusis)
- White Checkered-Skipper (Pyrgus albescens)
- Common Checkered-Skipper (Pyrgus communis)
- Silver-spotted Skipper (Epargyreus clarus)
- Long-tailed Skipper (Urbanus proteus)
- Common Sootywing (Pholisora catullus)
- Golden Banded-Skipper (Autochton cellus)
- Hoary Edge (Achalarus lyciades)
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the official state butterflies of Alabama?
Alabama has two official state butterflies: the Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) and the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus). These species are celebrated for their widespread presence and recognizability across the state’s diverse ecosystems, from the coastal plains to the northern mountain ridges, representing Alabama’s rich biodiversity.
Why does Alabama have such a diverse butterfly population?
Alabama’s rich butterfly diversity stems directly from its wide variety of habitats. The state’s geography includes mountainous ridges, Black Belt prairie, flat coastal plains, and river deltas. This ecological variation provides the specific host plants and nectar sources required by numerous butterfly species to complete their life cycles.
Are all butterfly species in Alabama active year-round?
No, most butterfly species in Alabama are not active year-round. Many have specific flight periods, with adults emerging from their chrysalides only when weather conditions and food resources are optimal. This seasonal activity means different species will be visible at different times throughout the spring, summer, and fall.
What is the largest family of butterflies found in Alabama?
The largest family of butterflies in Alabama is Nymphalidae, commonly known as the brush-footed butterflies. This group is incredibly diverse and includes well-known species like the Monarch, Viceroy, various Fritillaries, Emperors, and Crescents. They are named for their reduced, brush-like front legs not used for walking.
Can you find the Zebra Heliconian butterfly in Alabama?
Yes, the Zebra Heliconian (Heliconius charithonius), also called the zebra longwing, can be found in Alabama. This distinctive species is recognized by its long, narrow wings with bold black and pale yellow stripes. It typically inhabits the southern parts of the state, favoring subtropical woodland and garden habitats.
How can you distinguish a Viceroy from a Monarch butterfly in Alabama?
You can distinguish a Viceroy from a Monarch in Alabama by a key marking on the hindwings. The Viceroy has a distinct black line that runs across its hindwings, which the Monarch lacks. While they share a similar orange and black pattern, this postmedian line is the most reliable identifier.
What are some examples of Gossamer-Winged butterflies in Alabama?
Examples of Gossamer-Winged butterflies (family Lycaenidae) in Alabama include various hairstreaks, blues, and elfins. Common species are the Gray Hairstreak, Great Purple Hairstreak, Eastern Pine Elfin, and the Spring Azure. These butterflies are typically small, often with delicate, iridescent wings, and are found across the state.
