Types of Butterflies in Ohio
Among the approximate 150 species of butterflies found in Ohio, the most popular is the Common Buckeye butterfly. Ohio has several butterfly hotspots like the confluence of Midwestern prairies, the Appalachian Mountains, the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, the basins and lowlands near Lake Erie, and the boreal forests.
Ohio has not designated any species as the state butterfly.
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)
- Goatweed Leafwing (Anaea andria)
- Aphrodite Fritillary (Speyeria aphrodite)
- Atlantis Fritillary (Speyeria atlantis)
- Diana (Speyeria diana)
- Great Spangled Fritillary (Speyeria cybele)
- Gulf Fritillary (Agraulis vanillae)
- Meadow Fritillary (Boloria bellona)
- Regal Fritillary (Speyeria idalia)
- Silver-bordered Fritillary (Boloria selene)
- Variegated Fritillary (Euptoieta claudia)
- Monarch (Danaus plexippus)
- Queen (Danaus gilippus)
- American Snout (Libytheana carinenta)
- American Lady (Vanessa virginiensis)
- Baltimore (Euphydryas phaeton)
- Common Buckeye (Junonia coenia)
- Compton Tortoiseshell (Nymphalis vaualbum)
- Eastern Comma (Polygonia comma)
- Gray Comma (Polygonia progne)
- Harris’ Checkerspot (Chlosyne harrisii)
- 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)
- Silvery Checkerspot (Chlosyne nycteis)
- Tawny Crescent (Phyciodes batesii)
Gossamer-Winged (Lycaenidae)
- Harvester (Feniseca tarquinius)
- American Copper (Lycaena phlaeas)
- Bronze Copper (Lycaena hyllus)
- Purplish Copper (Lycaena helloides)
- Great Purple Hairstreak (Atlides halesus)
- Olive (Juniper) Hairstreak (Callophrys gryneus)
- Henry’s Elfin (Callophrys henrici)
- Brown Elfin (Callophrys augustinus)
- Frosted Elfin (Callophrys irus)
- Eastern Pine Elfin (Callophrys niphon)
- Coral Hairstreak (Satyrium titus)
- Acadian Hairstreak (Satyrium acadica)
- Oak Hairstreak (Satyrium favonius)
- Northern’ Southern Hairstreak (Satyrium favonius ontario)
- Edwards’ Hairstreak (Satyrium edwardsii)
- Hickory Hairstreak (Satyrium caryaevorus)
- Banded Hairstreak (Satyrium calanus)
- Striped Hairstreak (Satyrium liparops)
- Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus)
- Early Hairstreak (Erora laeta)
- White-M Hairstreak (Parrhasius m-album)
- Red-banded Hairstreak (Calycopis cecrops)
- Marine Blue (Leptotes marina)
- Eastern Tailed-Blue (Cupido comyntas)
- Spring Azure (Celastrina ladon)
- Summer Azure (Celastrina neglecta)
- Appalachian Azure (Celastrina neglectamajor)
- Dusky Azure (Celastrina nigra)
- Silvery Blue (Glaucopsyche lygdamus)
- Melissa Blue (Plebejus melissa)
- Reakirt’s Blue (Echinargus isola)
Whites and Sulphurs (Pieridae)
- Falcate Orangetip (Anthocharis midea)
- Olympia Marble (Euchloe olympia)
- Cabbage White (Pieris rapae)
- Checkered White (Pontia protodice)
- West Virginia White (Pieris virginiensis)
- Clouded Sulphur (Colias philodice)
- Orange Sulphur (Colias eurytheme)
- Southern Dogface (Colias cesonia)
- Cloudless Sulphur (Phoebis sennae)
- Orange-barred Sulphur (Phoebis philea)
- Sleepy Orange (Eurema nicippe)
- Little Yellow (Pyrisitia lisa)
- Dainty Sulphur (Nathalis iole)
Metalmark (Riodinidae)
- Northern Metalmark (Calephelis borealis)
- Swamp Metalmark (Calephelis muticum)
Swallowtail (Papilionidae)
- Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes)
- Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus)
- Giant Swallowtail (Papilio cresphontes)
- Pipevine Swallowtail (Battus philenor)
- Spicebush Swallowtail (Papilio troilus)
- Zebra Swallowtail (Eurytides marcellus)
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)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many species of butterflies are in Ohio?
Approximately 150 species of butterflies are found in Ohio. The state’s diverse geography, which includes prairies, Appalachian foothills, and the Lake Erie basin, supports a wide variety of butterfly families. These varied habitats provide the necessary host plants and nectar sources for numerous species to thrive.
What is the most popular butterfly in Ohio?
The most popular butterfly in Ohio is the Common Buckeye (Junonia coenia). This species is easily recognized by the large, prominent eyespots on its wings, which help to startle or misdirect predators. It is a member of the widespread Brush-Footed butterfly family found throughout the state.
Does Ohio have an official state butterfly?
No, Ohio does not have an official state butterfly. Despite being home to around 150 native species, including well-known butterflies like the Monarch and the Common Buckeye, the state legislature has not designated one to formally represent Ohio. Many other states have an official state butterfly.
Are Monarch butterflies found in Ohio?
Yes, Monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) are found in Ohio. They are a common member of the Brush-Footed (Nymphalidae) family within the state. Ohio’s landscape provides essential milkweed for their caterpillars and various nectar sources for adults during their famous migration, making it an important region for them.
Where are the best places to see butterflies in Ohio?
The best places to see butterflies in Ohio are its ecological hotspots that offer diverse habitats. Key areas include:
– The confluence of Midwestern prairies
– The Appalachian Mountains region
– Cuyahoga Valley National Park
– The basins and lowlands near Lake Erie
What are some examples of Brush-Footed butterflies in Ohio?
Ohio is home to many Brush-Footed butterflies from the Nymphalidae family. Besides the Monarch and Common Buckeye, other common examples include the Red-spotted Purple, Viceroy, Mourning Cloak, and various species of Fritillaries and Commas. This family is the largest and most diverse butterfly group in the state.
What types of Gossamer-Winged butterflies live in Ohio?
Several types of Gossamer-Winged butterflies from the Lycaenidae family live in Ohio. This group includes smaller, often brightly colored species. Common examples found in the state include the American Copper, Bronze Copper, Harvester, and various Hairstreaks like the Great Purple Hairstreak and the Olive Hairstreak.
