Types of Butterflies in Illinois
About 100 different species of butterflies are spotted in the state of Illinois where most are found in the surroundings of rivers and lakes. With the Shawnee National Forest and the Ohio River in the south, Mississippi river in the west and Lake Michigan in the north, Illinois provides a wide variety of butterflies with a spectacular natural habitat.
The Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) has been designated the state butterfly of Illinois since 1975.
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)
- Goatweed Leafwing (Anaea andria)
- Tropical Leafwing (Anaea troglodyta)
- Aphrodite Fritillary (Speyeria aphrodite)
- Diana (Speyeria diana)
- Great Spangled Fritillary (Speyeria cybele)
- Regal Fritillary (Speyeria idalia)
- Meadow Fritillary (Boloria bellona)
- Silver-bordered Fritillary (Boloria selene)
- Gulf Fritillary (Agraulis vanillae)
- 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)
- California Tortoiseshell (Nymphalis californica)
- Compton Tortoiseshell (Nymphalis vaualbum)
- Mourning Cloak (Nymphalis antiopa)
- Eastern Comma (Polygonia comma)
- Question Mark (Polygonia interrogationis)
- Gray Comma (Polygonia progne)
- Green Comma (Polygonia faunus)
- Harris’ Checkerspot (Chlosyne harrisii)
- Silvery Checkerspot (Chlosyne nycteis)
- Gorgone Checkerspot (Chlosyne gorgone)
- Pearl Crescent (Phyciodes tharos)
- Texan Crescent (Phyciodes texana)
- Common Buckeye (Junonia coenia)
- Baltimore (Euphydryas phaeton)
- Milbert’s Tortoiseshell (Aglais milberti)
Gossamer-Winged (Lycaenidae)
- Harvester (Feniseca tarquinius)
- Spring Azure (Celastrina ladon)
- Eastern Tailed-Blue (Cupido comyntas)
- Summer Azure (Celastrina neglecta)
- coral hairstreak (Satyrium titus)
- gray hairstreak (Strymon melinus)
- Henry’s elfin butterfly (Callophrys henrici)
- Karner blue butterfly (Plebejus samuelis)
Whites and Sulphurs (Pieridae)
- Small White (Pieris rapae)
- Orange Sulphur/ Alfalfa Butterfly (Colias eurytheme)
- Clouded Sulphur (Colias philodice)
Swallowtail (Papilionidae)
- Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes)
- Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus)
- Giant Swallowtail (Papilio cresphontes)
- Spicebush Swallowtail (Papilio troilus)
- Pipevine Swallowtail (Battus philenor)
- Zebra Swallowtail (Eurytides marcellus)
Skipper (Hesperiidae)
- Common Checkered-Skipper (Pyrgus communis)
- Grizzled Skipper (Pyrgus centaureae)
- Horace’s Duskywing (Erynnis horatius)
- Juvenal’s Duskywing (Erynnis juvenalis)
- Mottled Duskywing (Erynnis martialis)
- Dreamy Duskywing (Erynnis icelus)
- Persius Duskywing (Erynnis persius)
- Sleepy Duskywing (Erynnis brizo)
- Wild Indigo Duskywing (Erynnis baptisiae)
- Zarucco Duskywing (Erynnis zarucco)
- Southern Cloudywing (Thorybes bathyllus)
- Northern Cloudywing (Thorybes pylades)
- Silver-spotted Skipper (Epargyreus clarus)
- Common Sootywing (Pholisora catullus)
- Golden Banded-Skipper (Autochton cellus)
- Hayhurst’s Scallopwing (Staphylus hayhurstii)
- Hoary Edge (Achalarus lyciades)
- Brown-banded Skipper (Timochares ruptifasciatus)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the official state butterfly of Illinois?
The official state butterfly of Illinois is the Monarch (Danaus plexippus). Designated in 1975, this iconic species is celebrated for its distinct orange and black pattern and its remarkable long-distance migration. It is a prominent and ecologically significant insect found throughout the state’s various natural habitats.
How many different butterfly species live in Illinois?
Approximately 100 different species of butterflies are found in Illinois. The state’s diverse geography, which includes major rivers, lakes, and the Shawnee National Forest, provides a wide variety of natural habitats. This environmental diversity supports a rich and varied population of butterfly species from different families.
Where are most butterflies found in Illinois?
Most butterflies in Illinois are found in natural habitats surrounding rivers and lakes. Key areas include the Shawnee National Forest, the Ohio and Mississippi river valleys, and the shores of Lake Michigan. These locations provide the necessary moisture, host plants, and nectar sources that various butterfly species need.
What are some common brush-footed butterflies in Illinois?
Some common brush-footed butterflies (Nymphalidae) in Illinois include several well-known species. Among the most frequently spotted are:
* Monarch (Danaus plexippus)
* Red-spotted Purple (Limenitis arthemis)
* Mourning Cloak (Nymphalis antiopa)
* Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui)
This family is the largest and most diverse in the state.
Why does Illinois have so many different types of butterflies?
Illinois supports a diverse butterfly population because of its varied ecosystems. The state contains major river systems like the Mississippi and Ohio, large bodies of water like Lake Michigan, and extensive woodlands. This combination of habitats creates ideal conditions and food sources for nearly 100 different butterfly species.
Can you find the Viceroy butterfly in Illinois?
Yes, the Viceroy butterfly (Limenitis archippus) can be found in Illinois. It is listed among the state’s Brush-Footed species and is well-known for its mimicry of the Monarch butterfly. Viceroys typically inhabit moist areas near willows, poplars, and cottonwoods, which serve as host plants.
Are Mourning Cloak butterflies found in Illinois?
Yes, the Mourning Cloak (Nymphalis antiopa) is a butterfly species found in Illinois. As a member of the Brush-Footed family, it is one of the first butterflies to appear in spring. Its distinct dark maroon wings with a bright yellow border make it easily identifiable in woodlands.
