Types of Butterflies in Arkansas
The geological diversity of Arkansas, including the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains, the Arkansas River Valley, Mississippi River Lowlands, and part of the Gulf Coastal Plain, has made this region an ideal habitat for butterflies. About 170 types of butterflies are found in this southern US state, out of which 62 are ‘true’ butterflies, and 22 are skippers.
Diana fritillary butterfly (Speyeria diana) is the state butterfly of Arkansas.
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)
- Diana (Speyeria diana)
- Great Spangled Fritillary (Speyeria cybele)
- Regal Fritillary (Speyeria idalia)
- Gulf Fritillary (Agraulis vanillae)
- Julia Heliconian (Dryas julia)
- Variegated Fritillary (Euptoieta claudia)
- Zebra Heliconian (Heliconius charithonius)
- Monarch (Danaus plexippus)
- Queen (Danaus gilippus)
- American Snout (Libytheana carinenta)
- American Lady (Vanessa virginiensis)
- Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui)
- Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta)
- Eastern Comma (Polygonia comma)
- Question Mark (Polygonia interrogationis)
- Gray Comma (Polygonia progne)
- Gorgone Checkerspot (Chlosyne gorgone)
- Silvery Checkerspot (Chlosyne nycteis)
- Pearl Crescent (Phyciodes tharos)
- Phaon Crescent (Phyciodes phaon)
- Milbert’s Tortoiseshell (Aglais milberti)
- Common Buckeye (Junonia coenia)
- Baltimore (Euphydryas phaeton)
- Mourning Cloak (Nymphalis antiopa)
Gossamer-Winged (Lycaenidae)
- Harvester (Feniseca tarquinius)
- American Copper (Lycaena phlaeas)
- Great Purple Hairstreak (Atlides halesus)
- Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus)
- Coral Hairstreak (Satyrium titus)
- Western Pygmy-Blue (Brephidium exilis)
- Edward’s Hairstreak (Satyrium edwardsii)
- Cassius Blue (Leptotes cassius)
- Banded Hairstreak (Satyrium calanus)
Whites and Sulphurs (Pieridae)
- Cloudless Sulphur (Phoebis sennae)
- Checkered White (Pontia protodice)
- Mexican Yellow (Eurema Mexicana)
- Southern Dogface (Colias cesonia)
- Large Orange Sulphur (Phoebis agarithe)
- Sleepy Orange (Eurema nicippe)
- Dainty Sulphur/Dwarf Yellow (Nathalis iole)
- Orange-barred Sulphur (Phoebis philea)
- Great Southern White (Ascia monuste)
- Olympia Marble (Euchloe olympia)
- Barred Yellow (Eurema daira)
- Falcate Orangetip (Anthocharis midea)
- Little Yellow (Eurema lisa)
Metalmark (Riodinidae)
- Swamp Metalmark (Calephelis muticum)
- Northern Metalmark (Calephelis borealis)
Swallowtail (Papilionidae)
- Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes)
- Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus)
- Giant Swallowtail (Papilio cresphontes)
- Ozark Swallowtail (Papilio joanae)
- Palamedes Swallowtail (Papilio palamedes)
- Spicebush Swallowtail (Papilio troilus)
- Pipevine Swallowtail (Battus philenor)
- Polydamas Swallowtail (Battus polydamas)
- Zebra Swallowtail (Eurytides marcellus)
Skipper (Hesperiidae)
- Yucca Giant-Skipper (Megathymus yuccae)
- Common Checkered-Skipper (Pyrgus communis)
- Desert Checkered-Skipper (Pyrgus philetas)
- Dreamy Duskywing (Erynnis icelus)
- Funereal Duskywing (Erynnis funeralis)
- Horace’s Duskywing (Erynnis horatius)
- Juvenal’s Duskywing (Erynnis juvenalis)
- Mottled Duskywing (Erynnis martialis)
- Wild Indigo Duskywing (Erynnis baptisiae)
- Zarucco Duskywing (Erynnis zarucco)
- Sleepy Duskywing (Erynnis brizo)
- Confusing Cloudywing (Thorybes confusis)
- Northern Cloudywing (Thorybes pylades)
- Southern Cloudywing (Thorybes bathyllus)
- Tropical Checkered-Skipper (Pyrgus oileus)
- White Checkered-Skipper (Pyrgus albescens)
- Northern White-Skipper (Heliopetes ericetorum)
- Outis Skipper (Cogia outis)
- Sickle-winged Skipper (Eantis tamenund)
- Silver-spotted Skipper (Epargyreus clarus)
- Golden Banded-Skipper (Autochton cellus)
- Hayhurst’s Scallopwing (Staphylus hayhurstii)
- Hoary Edge (Achalarus lyciades)
- Long-tailed Skipper (Urbanus proteus)
- Common Sootywing (Pholisora catullus)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the official state butterfly of Arkansas?
The official state butterfly of Arkansas is the Diana fritillary (Speyeria diana). Designated in 2007, this species is known for its distinct coloration, with males being bright orange and females being a dark, iridescent blue-black. It is a prominent member of the Brush-Footed butterfly family.
How many species of butterflies are found in Arkansas?
Approximately 170 types of butterflies are found throughout Arkansas. This number includes around 62 species of ‘true’ butterflies and 22 species of skippers. The state’s diverse geography, from mountains to lowlands, supports this wide variety of butterfly species, making it a notable area for lepidopterists.
Why does Arkansas have so many different types of butterflies?
Arkansas supports a high diversity of butterflies because of its varied geological regions. The state encompasses the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains, the Arkansas River Valley, and the Mississippi River Lowlands. This range of habitats provides the specific host plants and nectar sources required by many different species.
Is the Monarch butterfly commonly seen in Arkansas?
Yes, the Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is found in Arkansas, primarily during its seasonal migration. As a member of the Brush-Footed family, it passes through the state, relying on native milkweed for its caterpillars and various flowering plants for nectar, making its observation a common occurrence.
What are the most common butterfly families in Arkansas?
The most common butterfly families in Arkansas include the Brush-Footed (Nymphalidae), Gossamer-Winged (Lycaenidae), and the Whites and Sulphurs (Pieridae). The Nymphalidae family is especially well-represented, featuring species like the Monarch, various fritillaries, emperors, and the Red-spotted Purple, which are frequently observed across the state.
Can you find the American Snout butterfly in Arkansas?
Yes, the American Snout butterfly (Libytheana carinenta) is found in Arkansas. This species is easily identified by its long, snout-like palpi that project forward from its head. It belongs to the Brush-Footed family and is known for its periodic, large-scale migrations that can pass through the state.
Are Zebra Heliconian butterflies native to Arkansas?
The Zebra Heliconian (Heliconius charithonius) is listed among the butterfly species found in Arkansas. While more common in the deep south, this distinctive black-and-yellow striped butterfly can be seen in the state, typically as a visitor straying north from its usual range in the Gulf Coast region.
