Types of Butterflies in Florida
About 160 butterfly species are native to Florida, while around 200 species migrate through the state. The bright yellow cloudless sulfur and the Gulf fritillary are the most commonly observed, whereas the migratory monarch butterfly is usually seen flying across the state’s Gulf Coast. The butterflies in Florida are unique and cannot be found anywhere else in North America.
Zebra longwing (Heliconius charitonius) has been the state butterfly of Florida since 1996.
Brush-Footed (Nymphalidae)
- Zebra (Longwing) Heliconian (Heliconius charitonius)
- Viceroy (Limenitis archippus)
- Red-spotted Purple (Limenitis arthemis astyanax)
- White Peacock (Anartia jatrophae)
- Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta)
- American Painted Lady (Vanessa virginiensis)
- Question Mark (Polygonia interrogationis)
- Queen (Danaus gilippus)
- Phaon Crescent (Phyciodes phaon)
- Monarch (Danaus plexippus)
- Little/Viola’s Wood-Satyr (Megisto cymela)
- Malachite (Siproeta stelenes)
- Julia (Dryas iulia)
- Hackberry Emperor (Asterocampa celtis)
- Gulf Fritillary (Agraulis vanillae)
- Common Buckeye (Junonia coenia)
- Carolina Satyr (Hermeuptychia sosybius)
- Snout, American (Libytheana carinenta)
Gossamer-Winged (Lycaenidae)
- White M Hairstreak (Parrhasius m-album)
- Red-banded Hairstreak (Calycopis cecrops)
- Great Purple Hairstreak (Atlides halesus)
- Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus)
- Atala (Eumaeus atala)
- Banded Hairstreak (Satyrium calanus)
- Ceraunus Blue (Hemiargus ceraunus)
- Cassius Blue (Leptotes cassius)
Whites and Sulphurs (Pieridae)
- Southern Dogface (Zerene cesonia)
- Sleepy Orange (Eurema nicippe)
- Orange-barred Sulphur (Phoebis philea)
- Little Yellow /Little Sulphur (Eurema lisa)
- Great Southern White (Ascia monuste)
- Dainty Sulphur (Nathalis iole)
- Cloudless Sulphur (Phoebis sennae)
- Barred Yellow /Barred Sulphur (Eurema daira)
- Checkered White (Pontia protodice)
Metalmark (Riodinidae)
- Little Metalmark (Calephelis virginiensis)
Swallowtail (Papilionidae)
- Palamedes Swallowtail (Papilio palamedes)
- Spicebush Swallowtail (Papilio troilus)
- Giant Swallowtail (Papilio cresphontes)
- Black Swallowtail, Eastern (Papilio polyxenes)
- Tiger Swallowtail, Eastern (Papilio glaucus)
- Pipevine Swallowtail (Battus philenor)
- Polydamus Swallowtail (Battus polydamus)
- Zebra Swallowtail (Eurytides marcellus)
Skipper (Hesperiidae)
- Tropical Checkered-Skipper (Pyrgus oileus)
- Southern Skipperling (Copaeodes minima)
- Silver-spotted Skipper (Epargyreus clarus)
- Long-tailed Skipper (Urbanus proteus)
- Horace’s Duskywing (Erynnis horatius)
- Fiery Skipper (Hylephila phyleus)
- Clouded Skipper (Lerema accius)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the official state butterfly of Florida?
The official state butterfly of Florida is the Zebra Longwing (Heliconius charitonius). Designated in 1996, this species is known for its long, narrow wings featuring a distinct pattern of black with pale yellow stripes. It belongs to the Nymphalidae, or Brush-Footed butterfly family, and is common throughout the state.
How many different butterfly species are found in Florida?
Florida is home to approximately 160 native butterfly species that reside in the state year-round. Additionally, around 200 different migratory species can be observed as they travel through the region, making Florida a location with exceptionally high butterfly diversity compared to other North American areas.
What are the most commonly seen butterflies in Florida?
The most commonly observed butterflies in Florida are the bright yellow Cloudless Sulphur and the orange Gulf Fritillary. These species are widespread and frequently spotted in gardens, parks, and open sunny habitats across the state. Their vibrant colors and active flight patterns make them highly visible residents.
Where are monarch butterflies typically found in Florida?
Monarch butterflies are most often seen migrating along Florida’s Gulf Coast. This coastal route is a significant part of their famous long-distance journey. Observers are most likely to spot these iconic orange and black butterflies in coastal habitats during their seasonal migration periods, especially in the fall.
Are Malachite butterflies native to Florida?
Yes, the Malachite butterfly (Siproeta stelenes) is found in Florida, particularly in the southern, more tropical parts of the state. This large butterfly is a member of the Brush-Footed family and is easily recognized by its striking wing pattern of brilliant green and black or dark brown markings.
What are some examples of Swallowtail butterflies in Florida?
Examples of Swallowtail butterflies in Florida include the Palamedes Swallowtail (Papilio palamedes) and the Spicebush Swallowtail (Papilio troilus). These large, often colorful butterflies are part of the Papilionidae family and are distinguished by the characteristic tail-like extensions on their hindwings, a defining feature of the group.
What does a Great Southern White butterfly look like?
The Great Southern White (Ascia monuste) is a medium-sized butterfly that is predominantly white. Males often have a thin black or dark brown border along the top edge of their forewings. Females can have more extensive dark markings. They belong to the Whites and Sulphurs family, Pieridae.
