Types of Butterflies in Connecticut
Connecticut, a small state off the Atlantic Coast, has a relatively less variety of butterflies than most of the other American states. It is reported that there were 120 butterfly species in the past. Of these, 114 species still occur in the state and are listed below.
This state has not recognized any butterfly species as its state-butterfly.
Brush-Footed (Nymphalidae)
- Red-spotted Purple (Limenitis arthemis)
- Viceroy (Limenitis archippus)
- White Admiral (Limenitis arthemis arthemis)
- ‘Astyanax‘ Red-spotted Purple (Limenitis arthemis astyanax)
- Hackberry Emperor (Asterocampa celtis)
- Tawny Emperor (Asterocampa clyton)
- Aphrodite Fritillary (Speyeria aphrodite)
- Atlantis Fritillary (Speyeria atlantis)
- Great Spangled Fritillary (Speyeria cybele)
- Regal Fritillary (Speyeria idalia)
- Silver-bordered Fritillary (Boloria selene)
- Meadow Fritillary (Boloria bellona)
- Variegated Fritillary (Euptoieta claudia)
- Monarch (Danaus plexippus)
- American Snout (Libytheana carinenta)
- American Lady (Vanessa virginiensis)
- Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta)
- Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui)
- Compton Tortoiseshell (Nymphalis vaualbum)
- Mourning Cloak (Nymphalis antiopa)
- Eastern Comma (Polygonia comma)
- Question Mark (Polygonia interrogationis)
- Gray Comma (Polygonia progne)
- Harris’ Checkerspot (Chlosyne harrisii)
- Silvery Checkerspot (Chlosyne nycteis)
- Milbert’s Tortoiseshell (Aglais milberti)
- Baltimore (Euphydryas phaeton)
- Common Buckeye (Junonia coenia)
- Pearl Crescent (Phyciodes tharos)
White and Sulphurs (Pieridae)
- Clouded Sulphur (Colias philodice)
- Orange Sulphur (Colias eurytheme)
- Southern Dogface (Colias cesonia)
- Cloudless Sulphur (Phoebis sennae)
- Orange-barred Sulphur (Phoebis philea)
- Little Yellow (Eurema lisa)
- Sleepy Orange (Eurema nicippe)
- West Virginia White (Pieris virginiensis)
- Cabbage White (Pieris rapae)
- Checkered White (Pontia protodice)
Gossamer-Winged (Lycaenidae)
- Harvester (Feniseca tarquinius)
- Hessel’s Hairstreak (Callophrys hesseli)
- Juniper Hairstreak (Callophrys gryneus)
- Brown Elfin (Callophrys augustinus)
- Edwards’ Hairstreak (Satyrium edwardsii)
- Banded Hairstreak (Satyrium calanus)
- Striped Hairstreak (Satyrium liparops)
- Red-banded Hairstreak (Calycopis cecrops)
- Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus)
Metalmark (Riodinidae)
- Northern Metalmark (Calephelis borealis)
Swallowtail (Papilionidae)
- Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes)
- Canadian Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio canadensis)
- Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus)
- Giant Swallowtail (Papilio cresphontes)
- Spicebush Swallowtail (Papilio troilus)
- Zebra Swallowtail (Eurytides marcellus)
- Pipevine Swallowtail (Battus philenor)
Skipper (Hesperiidae)
- Columbine Duskywing (Erynnis lucilius)
- Dreamy Duskywing (Erynnis icelus)
- Horace’s Duskywing (Erynnis horatius)
- Juvenal’s Duskywing (Erynnis juvenalis)
- Persius Duskywing (Erynnis persius)
- Wild Indigo Duskywing (Erynnis baptisiae)
- Sleepy Duskywing (Erynnis brizo)
- Mottled Duskywing (Erynnis martialis)
- Zarucco Duskywing (Erynnis zarucco)
- Northern Cloudywing (Thorybes pylades)
- Southern Cloudywing (Thorybes bathyllus)
- Common Checkered-Skipper (Pyrgus communis)
- Silver-spotted Skipper (Epargyreus clarus)
- Common Sootywing (Pholisora catullus)
- Hoary Edge (Achalarus lyciades)
- Long-tailed Skipper (Urbanus proteus)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many types of butterflies are found in Connecticut?
Connecticut is currently home to 114 documented butterfly species. While historical records indicate there were once 120 species, the current number reflects a diverse population across families like Brush-Footed (Nymphalidae) and White and Sulphurs (Pieridae). This variety showcases the state’s capacity to support numerous butterfly types.
Does Connecticut have an official state butterfly?
No, Connecticut does not have an official state butterfly. Unlike many other states that have designated a specific species as a state symbol, Connecticut has not officially recognized one. The state is, however, home to many well-known species, including the Monarch, Mourning Cloak, and various Fritillaries.
Are Monarch butterflies found in Connecticut?
Yes, the Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is found in Connecticut. It is listed among the state’s Brush-Footed butterflies (Nymphalidae family). This iconic orange and black butterfly is a recognized part of the local fauna, contributing to the 114 species that currently inhabit the state’s diverse ecosystems.
What are some common Brush-Footed butterflies in Connecticut?
Connecticut hosts a wide variety of Brush-Footed butterflies, which belong to the Nymphalidae family. Some of the species documented in the state include:
* Monarch (Danaus plexippus)
* Mourning Cloak (Nymphalis antiopa)
* Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta)
* Great Spangled Fritillary (Speyeria cybele)
This family is one of the most prominent in the state.
Can you find Sulphur butterflies in Connecticut?
Yes, several species of Sulphur butterflies are found in Connecticut. They belong to the Pieridae family, often called the “Whites and Sulphurs.” Notable examples documented in the state include the Clouded Sulphur, Orange Sulphur, Cloudless Sulphur, and the Little Yellow, adding bright yellow hues to local habitats.
Is the Mourning Cloak butterfly a resident of Connecticut?
Yes, the Mourning Cloak (Nymphalis antiopa) is a resident butterfly species in Connecticut. It is classified within the Brush-Footed (Nymphalidae) family and is one of the 114 species currently documented in the state. Its distinctively dark wings with a yellow border make it recognizable.
What is the scientific name for the Baltimore Checkerspot in CT?
The scientific name for the Baltimore Checkerspot butterfly found in Connecticut is Euphydryas phaeton. This species is part of the Brush-Footed (Nymphalidae) family. It is one of the more distinctively patterned butterflies among the 114 species currently recorded as living within the state’s borders.
