Types of Butterflies in Minnesota
There are about 146 species of butterflies in Minnesota and most of these are spotted flying across the prairie regions, as well as the lowlands near the rivers Minnesota, Mississippi, and St. Croix, and the national forests that occupy the northern part of the state.
The Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) has been declared as the state butterfly of this midwestern U.S. state.
Brush-Footed (Nymphalidae)
- ‘Astyanax’ Red-spotted Purple (Limenitis arthemis astyanax)
- Red-spotted Purple (Limenitis arthemis)
- Viceroy (Limenitis archippus)
- White Admiral (Limenitis arthemis arthemis)
- Hackberry Emperor (Asterocampa celtis)
- Tawny Emperor (Asterocampa clyton)
- Aphrodite Fritillary (Speyeria aphrodite)
- Arctic Fritillary (Boloria chariclea)
- Atlantis Fritillary (Speyeria atlantis)
- Bog Fritillary (Boloria eunomia)
- Freija Fritillary (Boloria freija)
- Frigga Fritillary (Boloria frigga)
- Great Spangled Fritillary (Speyeria cybele)
- Gulf Fritillary (Agraulis vanillae)
- Meadow Fritillary (Boloria bellona)
- Mormon Fritillary (Speyeria mormonia)
- Regal Fritillary (Speyeria idalia)
- Silver-bordered Fritillary (Boloria selene)
- Variegated Fritillary (Euptoieta claudia)
- Monarch (Danaus plexippus)
- American Snout (Libytheana carinenta)
- American Lady (Vanessa virginiensis)
- Baltimore (Euphydryas phaeton)
- Common Buckeye (Junonia coenia)
- Compton Tortoiseshell (Nymphalis vaualbum)
- Gorgone Checkerspot (Chlosyne gorgone)
- Gray Comma (Polygonia progne)
- Green Comma (Polygonia faunus)
- Harris’ Checkerspot (Chlosyne harrisii)
- Hoary Comma (Polygonia gracilis)
- Milbert’s Tortoiseshell (Aglais milberti)
- Mourning Cloak (Nymphalis antiopa)
- Northern Crescent (Phyciodes cocyta)
- Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui)
- Pearl Crescent (Phyciodes tharos)
- Question Mark (Polygonia interrogationis)
- Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta)
- Satyr Comma (Polygonia satyrus)
- Silvery Checkerspot (Chlosyne nycteis)
- Tawny Crescent (Phyciodes batesii)
- Variable Checkerspot (Euphydryas chalcedona)
Gossamer-Winged (Lycaenidae)
- Harvester (Feniseca tarquinius)
- American Copper (Lycaena phlaeas)
- Sylvan Hairstreak (Satyrium sylvinum)
- Common Hairstreak/Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus)
Whites and Sulphurs (Pieridae)
- Common (clouded) Sulphur (Colias philodice)
- Dogface Butterfly (Zerene eurydice)
Swallowtail (Papilionidae)
- Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes)
- Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus)
- Giant Swallowtail (Papilio cresphontes)
- Spicebush Swallowtail (Papilio troilus)
- Zebra Swallowtail (Eurytides marcellus)
Skipper (Hesperiidae)
- Columbine Duskywing (Erynnis lucilius)
- Common Checkered-Skipper (Pyrgus communis)
- Common Sootywing (Pholisora catullus)
- Dreamy Duskywing (Erynnis icelus)
- Grizzled Skipper (Pyrgus centaureae)
- Hoary Edge (Achalarus lyciades)
- Horace’s Duskywing (Erynnis horatius)
- Juvenal’s Duskywing (Erynnis juvenalis)
- Mottled Duskywing (Erynnis martialis)
- Northern Cloudywing (Thorybes pylades)
- Silver-spotted Skipper (Epargyreus clarus)
- Sleepy Duskywing (Erynnis brizo)
- Southern Cloudywing (Thorybes bathyllus)
- Wild Indigo Duskywing (Erynnis baptisiae)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the official state butterfly of Minnesota?
The official state butterfly of Minnesota is the Monarch (Danaus plexippus). This iconic species was designated due to its widespread presence and recognizable orange and black markings. It is a well-known migratory insect that can be observed throughout the state’s prairies and open areas during warmer months.
How many species of butterflies are found in Minnesota?
Minnesota is home to approximately 146 different species of butterflies. This ecological diversity is supported by the state’s varied habitats, which range from prairie regions and river lowlands to the expansive national forests in the northern part of the state, providing for a wide array of species.
Where are the best places to see butterflies in Minnesota?
The best places to see butterflies in Minnesota include prairie regions, the lowlands near the Minnesota and Mississippi rivers, and northern national forests. These areas provide the diverse native plants and nectar sources that are essential for supporting a high concentration of the state’s butterfly species.
Are Mourning Cloak butterflies found in Minnesota?
Yes, the Mourning Cloak butterfly (Nymphalis antiopa) is found in Minnesota. As a member of the Brush-Footed butterfly family, it is one of the state’s native species. The Mourning Cloak is notable for being one of the first butterflies to appear in the early spring.
What are some common Brush-Footed butterflies in Minnesota?
Common Brush-Footed butterflies (Nymphalidae) in Minnesota include the Monarch, Viceroy, Red Admiral, and Painted Lady. This large family also features various Fritillaries, Commas, and Checkerspots. These species are frequently spotted in Minnesota’s diverse habitats, from prairies to woodlands, making this family very prominent.
Can you find the Viceroy butterfly in Minnesota?
Yes, the Viceroy butterfly (Limenitis archippus) can be found in Minnesota. It is a member of the Brush-Footed family and is well-known for its mimicry of the Monarch butterfly, which helps protect it from predators. Viceroys are typically found in moist areas near willows and poplars.
Why does Minnesota have such a high diversity of butterflies?
Minnesota’s high diversity of approximately 146 butterfly species is due to its varied ecosystems. The state features distinct habitats, including prairies, deciduous forests, and coniferous forests, each supporting different host plants. This ecological variety allows a wide range of butterfly species to thrive across its regions.
