Types of Butterflies in Iowa
Iowa, a midwestern U.S. state, is home to 118 species of butterflies, with 50 of those being relatively common. In the summer, the breeding of butterflies is highest as prairie flowers bloom, and plenty of nectar sources can feed them. The largest butterfly found in Iowa is the Giant Swallowtail that can have a wingspan of six inches.
Iowa does not have an officially designated state butterfly.
Brush-Footed (Nymphalidae)
- Red-spotted Purple (Limenitis arthemis)
- White Admiral (Limenitis arthemis arthemis)
- ‘Astyanax‘ Red-spotted Purple (Limenitis arthemis astyanax)
- Viceroy (Limenitis archippus)
- Common Mestra (Mestra amymone)
- Hackberry Emperor (Asterocampa celtis)
- Tawny Emperor (Asterocampa clyton)
- Goatweed Leafwing (Anaea andria)
- Aphrodite Fritillary (Speyeria aphrodite)
- Regal Fritillary (Speyeria idalia)
- Atlantis Fritillary (Speyeria atlantis)
- Great Spangled Fritillary (Speyeria cybele)
- Meadow Fritillary (Boloria bellona)
- Silver-bordered Fritillary (Boloria selene)
- Variegated Fritillary (Euptoieta claudia)
- Gulf Fritillary (Agraulis vanillae)
- 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)
- Gray Comma (Polygonia progne)
- Green Comma (Polygonia faunus)
- Question Mark (Polygonia interrogationis)
- Pearl Crescent (Phyciodes tharos)
- Tawny Crescent (Phyciodes batesii)
- Silvery Checkerspot (Chlosyne nycteis)
- Gorgone Checkerspot (Chlosyne gorgone)
- Common Buckeye (Junonia coenia)
- Milbert’s Tortoiseshell (Aglais milberti)
- Baltimore (Euphydryas phaeton)
Gossamer-Winged (Lycaenidae)
- Harvester (Feniseca tarquinius)
- American Copper (Lycaena phlaeas)
- Gray Copper (Lycaena dione)
- Bronze Copper (Lycaena hyllus)
- Purplish Copper (Lycaena helloides)
- Great Purple Hairstreak (Atlides halesus)
- Juniper Hairstreak (Callophrys gryneus)
- Henry’s Elfin (Callophrys henrici)
- Coral Hairstreak (Satyrium titus)
- Acadian Hairstreak (Satyrium acadica)
- Hickory Hairstreak (Satyrium caryaevorus)
- Edwards’ Hairstreak (Satyrium edwardsii)
- Banded Hairstreak (Satyrium calanus)
- Striped Hairstreak (Satyrium liparops)
- Red-banded Hairstreak (Calycopis cecrops)
- Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus)
- White-M Hairstreak (Parrhasius m-album)
- Marine Blue (Leptotes marina)
- Eastern Tailed-Blue (Cupido comyntas)
- Summer Azure (Celastrina neglecta)
- Silvery Blue (Glaucopsyche lygdamus)
- Reakirt’s Blue (Echinargus isola)
- Melissa Blue (Lycaeides melissa)
- Greenish Blue (Icaricia saepiolus)
Whites and Sulphurs (Pieridae)
- Olympia marble (Euchloe olympia)
- Cabbage white (Pieris rapae)
- Checkered white (Pontia protodice)
- Clouded sulphur (Colias philodice)
- Orange sulphur (Colias eurytheme)
- Southern dogface (Zerene cesonia)
- Cloudless sulphur (Phoebis sennae)
- Orange sulphur (Colias eurytheme)
- Little yellow (Eurema lisa)
- Sleepy orange (Eurema nicippe)
- Mexican Yellow (Eurema mexicana)
- Dainty sulphur (Nathalis iole)
Metalmark (Riodinidae)
- Swamp metalmark (Calephelis muticum)
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)
- Columbine Duskywing (Erynnis lucilius)
- Wild Indigo Duskywing (Erynnis baptisiae)
- Dreamy Duskywing (Erynnis icelus)
- Sleepy Duskywing (Erynnis brizo)
- Horace’s Duskywing (Erynnis horatius)
- Juvenal’s Duskywing (Erynnis juvenalis)
- Persius Duskywing (Erynnis persius)
- Mottled Duskywing (Erynnis martialis)
- Northern Cloudywing (Thorybes pylades)
- Southern Cloudywing (Thorybes bathyllus)
- Common Checkered-Skipper (Pyrgus communis)
- Silver-spotted Skipper (Epargyreus clarus)
- Hayhurst’s Scallopwing (Staphylus hayhurstii)
- Hoary Edge (Achalarus lyciades)
- Common Sootywing (Pholisora catullus)
- Common Streaky-Skipper (Celotes nessus)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many different species of butterflies live in Iowa?
Iowa is home to approximately 118 different butterfly species, with around 50 of them considered relatively common. The state’s diverse habitats, including prairies and woodlands, support this variety. The peak season for observing these species is during the summer months when native flowers are in full bloom.
What is the largest butterfly found in Iowa?
The largest butterfly found in Iowa is the Giant Swallowtail. This impressive species can achieve a wingspan of up to six inches, making it easily recognizable. Its significant size and distinct yellow and black markings distinguish it from other, smaller swallowtail species that are native to the state’s ecosystems.
When is the best time of year to see butterflies in Iowa?
The best time to see butterflies in Iowa is during the summer months. This period aligns with the peak blooming season for prairie flowers and other native plants, which provide abundant nectar sources. Increased temperatures and food availability make summer the primary breeding and activity season for most local species.
Does Iowa have an official state butterfly?
No, Iowa does not have an officially designated state butterfly. While many other states have selected a specific species to represent them, Iowa has not formally adopted one. Despite the presence of iconic species like the Monarch, no legislative action has been taken to name an official state insect.
What are some common brush-footed butterflies in Iowa?
Some common brush-footed butterflies (Nymphalidae) in Iowa include the Monarch, Painted Lady, Red Admiral, and Great Spangled Fritillary. This family is the largest among butterflies and is well-represented across the state’s prairies and woodlands. The Mourning Cloak and various Comma species are also frequently observed members.
Are Monarch butterflies found in Iowa?
Yes, Monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) are found in Iowa and are one of the most well-known species in the state. Iowa’s landscape, particularly its milkweed-rich prairies, provides crucial breeding habitat for this migratory insect. The state plays a significant role in the Monarch’s annual migration across North America.
Is the Viceroy butterfly found in Iowa?
Yes, the Viceroy butterfly (Limenitis archippus) is found in Iowa and is listed among the state’s brush-footed species. Known for its remarkable mimicry of the Monarch butterfly, the Viceroy can be spotted in moist environments like riverbanks and meadows where its host plants, willows and poplars, are common.
