Types of Butterflies in New Jersey

There are about 125 butterfly species spotted in this northeastern US state, with the most common being tiger swallowtail, spicebush swallowtail, orange sulphur, American copper, red-banded hairstreak, eastern tailed-blue, and American lady. Among the 125 species, seven have been listed as threatened or endangered, including the Frosted Elfin, Silver-bordered Fritillary, and Checkered White. The places in New Jersey where you can frequently spot these butterflies are the Wharton State Forest, Colliers Mills Wildlife area, Cheesequake State Park, and Atlantic coastal areas.

The state has designated the Black Swallowtail Butterfly (Papilio polyxenes) as the official state-butterfly in 2015.

Butterflies in New Jersey (NJ)

Brush-Footed (Nymphalidae)

Gossamer-Winged (Lycaenidae)

  • Harvester (Feniseca tarquinius)
  • American Copper (Lycaena phlaeas)
  • Bronze Copper (Lycaena hyllus)
  • Bog Copper (Lycaena epixanthe)
  • Great Purple Hairstreak (Atlides halesus)
  • Olive (Juniper) Hairstreak (Callophrys gryneus)
  • Hessel’s Hairstreak (Callophrys hesseli)
  • Early Hairstreak (Erora laeta)
  • White-M Hairstreak (Parrhasius m-album)
  • Coral Hairstreak (Satyrium titus)
  • Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus)
  • Banded Hairstreak (Satyrium calanus)
  • Striped Hairstreak (Satyrium liparops)
  • Acadian Hairstreak (Satyrium acadica)
  • Edwards’ Hairstreak (Satyrium edwardsii)
  • Oak Hairstreak (Satyrium favonius)
  • Red-banded Hairstreak (Calycopis cecrops)
  • Hickory Hairstreak (Satyrium caryaevorus)
  • Northern’ Southern Hairstreak (Satyrium favonius ontario)
  • Henry’s Elfin (Callophrys henrici)
  • Eastern Pine Elfin (Callophrys niphon)
  • Frosted Elfin (Callophrys irus)
  • Brown Elfin (Callophrys augustinus)
  • Hoary Elfin (Callophrys polios)
  • Spring Azure (Celastrina ladon)
  • Summer Azure (Celastrina neglecta)
  • Eastern Tailed-Blue (Cupido comyntas)
  • Northern Azure (Celastrina lucia)
  • Appalachian Azure (Celastrina neglectamajor)
  • Holly Azure (Celastrina idella)
  • Melissa Blue (Plebejus melissa)
  • Lupine Blue (Plebejus lupini)

Whites and Sulphurs (Pieridae)

  • Falcate Orangetip (Anthocharis midea)
  • Mustard White (Pieris oleracea)
  • Cabbage White (Pieris rapae)
  • Checkered White (Pontia protodice)
  • Western White (Pontia occidentalis)
  • West Virginia White (Pieris virginiensis)
  • Cloudless Sulphur (Phoebis sennae)
  • Large Orange Sulphur (Phoebis agarithe)
  • Orange-barred Sulphur (Phoebis philea)
  • Sleepy Orange (Eurema nicippe)
  • Little Yellow (Pyrisitia lisa)

Metalmark (Riodinidae)

  • Northern Metalmark (Calephelis borealis)

Swallowtail (Papilionidae)

Skipper (Hesperiidae)

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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New Jersey is home to approximately 125 different butterfly species. This diverse population includes common varieties like the tiger swallowtail and rarer, protected species. The state’s varied habitats, from coastal areas to dense forests, support this wide range of lepidoptera, making it a notable location for observation.

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The official state butterfly of New Jersey is the Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes). It was designated in 2015 to represent the state’s natural heritage and ecological diversity. This species is recognized for its distinct black and yellow markings and is commonly found in gardens and open fields.

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Yes, there are seven butterfly species listed as threatened or endangered in New Jersey. These protected species face significant population declines due to habitat loss and other environmental pressures. Notable examples include the Frosted Elfin, the Silver-bordered Fritillary, and the Checkered White, which are monitored by conservation programs.

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Some of the best places to see butterflies in New Jersey are state parks and wildlife management areas that offer diverse habitats. Key spots known for frequent sightings include: * Wharton State Forest * Colliers Mills Wildlife Management Area * Cheesequake State Park * Atlantic coastal areas

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The most common butterflies found in New Jersey include the tiger swallowtail, spicebush swallowtail, and orange sulphur. You can also frequently spot the American copper, red-banded hairstreak, eastern tailed-blue, and American lady. These species are widespread due to their adaptability to the state’s various ecosystems.

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Yes, you can find Monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) in New Jersey. The state is part of their annual migration route, and they are frequently spotted in gardens, meadows, and coastal areas. Monarchs are a well-known member of the Brush-Footed (Nymphalidae) family present in the region.

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Yes, the Viceroy butterfly (Limenitis archippus) is found in New Jersey. This species is a member of the Brush-Footed family and is well-known for mimicking the appearance of the Monarch butterfly. Viceroys typically inhabit moist areas like meadows, swamps, and the edges of ponds and streams.

Common Butterflies

atala

Atala (Eumaeus atala)

Postman

Postman (Heliconius melpomene)

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