Types of Butterflies in Georgia

The southeastern U.S. state Georgia, with its wetlands, mountain meadows, longleaf pine forests, coastal dunes, and salt marshes, provides a wide range of habitat for several butterfly species. It is estimated that over 160 species are found in Georgia.

Among the different native species, the Eastern tiger swallowtail (Papilio glaucus) is the designated state butterfly since 1988, while the Eastern tailed-blue butterfly is one of the most common species in Georgia.

Butterflies in Georgia (GA)

Brush-Footed (Nymphalidae)

Gossamer-Winged (Lycaenidae)

  • Harvester (Feniseca tarquinius)
  • Little Copper (Lycaena phlaeas)
  • Great Purple Hairstreak (Atlides halesus)
  • Red-banded Hairstreak (Calycopis cecrops)
  • Early Hairstreak (Erora laeta)
  • Southern Hairstreak (Fixsenra favonius)
  • Northern Hairstreak (Fivsenia favonius ontarzo)
  • Brown Elfin (Incisalia augustinus)
  • Henry’s Elfin (Incisalia henrici)
  • Frosted Elfin (Incisalia im)
  • Eastern Pine Elfin (Inczsalia niphon)
  • Olive Hairstreak (Mitoura mnea)
  • Hessel’s Hairstreak (Mitowi hesseh)
  • White-M Hairstreak (Parrhasius m-album)
  • Banded Hairstreak (Satyrium calanus)
  • Hickory Hairstreak (Satyrium caryaevorum)
  • Edwards’ Hairstreak (Satyrium edwarhii)
  • King’s Hairstreak (Satyrium kzngi)
  • R Striped Hairstreak (Satyrium liparops)
  • Coral Hairstreak (Satyrium titus)
  • Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus)

Whites and Sulphurs (Pieridae)

  • Falcate Orange Tip (Anthocharis midea)
  • Great Southern White (Ascia monuste)
  • Cabbage Butterfly (Pieris rapae)
  • West Virginia White (Pieris virginiensis)
  • Checkered White (Pontia protodice)
  • Dog Face (Colias cesonia)
  • Alfalfa Butterfly (Colias euvytheme)
  • Clouded Sulphur (Colias philodrce)
  • Barred Yellow (Eurema daira)
  • Little Sulphur (Eurema lisa)
  • Sleepy Orange (Eurema nicippe)
  • Dainty Sulphur (Nathalis iole)
  • Orange-barred Sulphur (Phoebis philea)
  • Cloudless Sulphur (Phoebis sennae)
  • Statira Sulphur (Phoebis statira)

Metalmark (Riodinidae)

  • Little Metalmark (Calephelis virginiensis)

Swallowtail (Papilionidae)

Skipper (Hesperiidae)

  • Cofaqui Giant-Skipper (Megathymus cofaqui)
  • Yucca Giant-Skipper (Megathymus yuccae)
  • Common Checkered-Skipper (Pyrgus communis)
  • Tropical Checkered-Skipper (Pyrgus oileus)
  • Common Sootywing (Pholisora catullus)
  • Confusing Cloudywing (Thorybes confusis)
  • Northern Cloudywing (Thorybes pylades)
  • Southern Cloudywing (Thorybes bathyllus)
  • Dreamy Duskywing (Erynnis icelus)
  • Horace’s Duskywing (Erynnis horatius)
  • Juvenal’s Duskywing (Erynnis juvenalis)
  • Sleepy Duskywing (Erynnis brizo)
  • Wild Indigo Duskywing (Erynnis baptisiae)
  • Zarucco Duskywing (Erynnis zarucco)
  • Mottled Duskywing (Erynnis martialis)
  • Golden Banded-Skipper (Autochton cellus)
  • Hayhurst’s Scallopwing (Staphylus hayhurstii)
  • Hoary Edge (Achalarus lyciades)
  • Long-tailed Skipper (Urbanus proteus)
  • Silver-spotted Skipper (Epargyreus clarus)

Frequently Asked Questions

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The official state butterfly of Georgia is the Eastern tiger swallowtail (Papilio glaucus), which was designated in 1988. This large, distinctive species is commonly seen across the state and is recognized by its bright yellow wings with black stripes, reflecting the rich biodiversity found in Georgia’s varied habitats.

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It is estimated that over 160 different butterfly species are found in Georgia. This significant number is supported by the state’s diverse range of ecosystems, which include mountain meadows, coastal dunes, wetlands, and longleaf pine forests, each providing unique host plants and nectar sources for various species.

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Yes, Monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) are native to Georgia and can be found throughout the state. As a member of the Brush-Footed butterfly family, this iconic species is a common sight during its migration, relying on native milkweed plants in Georgia for its caterpillars to feed on.

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Georgia has a high diversity of butterflies primarily because of its wide range of habitats. The state features distinct ecological zones, from the Appalachian Mountains to the Atlantic coast’s salt marshes. This environmental variety supports the specific host plants and nectar sources required by more than 160 different species.

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The Eastern tailed-blue butterfly is considered one of the most common butterfly species in Georgia. Belonging to the Gossamer-Winged family, this small butterfly is frequently spotted in open, sunny areas like fields, gardens, and roadsides. Its prevalence makes it a familiar sight for many residents across the state.

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Some common examples of Brush-Footed butterflies (Nymphalidae) in Georgia include the Monarch, Viceroy, and Red-spotted Purple. This family is the largest among butterflies and is characterized by its members’ reduced front legs. Other local examples are the Common Buckeye, Question Mark, and various Fritillary species.

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Yes, the Zebra Heliconian (Heliconius charithonius), also known as the zebra longwing, can be found in Georgia. This species is noted for its long, narrow wings with distinctive black and pale yellow stripes. It typically resides in the southern parts of the state, often found in forests and hammocks.

Common Butterflies

atala

Atala (Eumaeus atala)

Postman

Postman (Heliconius melpomene)

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