Types of Butterflies in Hawaii
Hawaii has only two native butterfly species, including Blackburn’s blue (Udara blackburni) and Kamehameha butterfly (Vanessa tameamea). Others are found very seldom or are migratory. These butterflies mainly occur in all habitats from sea level to alpine deserts. They feed on native plants, decaying wood of particular plants, algae, lichens, and fungi.
The Kamehameha butterfly (Vanessa tameamea) has been the state butterfly of Hawaii since 2009.
Brush-Footed (Nymphalidae)
- Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui)
- Kamehameha Butterfly (Vanessa tameamea)
- American Lady (Vanessa virginiensis)
- Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta)
- Gulf Fritillary (Agraulis vanilla)
- California Tortoiseshell (Nymphalis californica)
- Monarch (Danaus plexippus)
Gossamer-Winged (Lycaenidae)
- Amyntor Greenstreak (Cyanophrys amyntor)
- Long-winged Greenstreak (Cyanophrys longula)
- Western Pygmy-Blue (Brephidium exilis)
- Gram Blue (Euchrysops cnejus)
- Pea Blue (Lampides boeticus)
- Lantana Scrub-Hairstreak (Strymon bazochii)
- Lantana Hairstreak (Tmolus echion)
- Lesser Grass Blue (Zizina otis)
- Hawaiian Blue (Udara blackburnii)
Whites and Sulphurs (Pieridae)
- Clouded Yellows (Colias ponteni)
- Sleepy Orange (Eurema nicippe)
- Cabbage White (Pieris rapae)
- Large Orange Sulphur (Phoebis agarithe)
Swallowtail (Papilionidae)
- Chinese Yellow Swallowtail (Papilio xuthus)
Skipper (Hesperiidae)
- Fiery Skipper (Hylephila phyleus)
- Banana Skipper (Erionota thrax)
- Sandhill Skipper or Saltgrass Skipper (Polites sabuleti)
