Types of Butterflies in South Carolina

This south-eastern U.S. state is home to approximately 165 species of butterflies, of which some are native species while others are migratory like the monarch and cloudless sulphur. The butterfly hotspots in the state include the Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge, Calibogue Sound beach, Mackay Creek, and Port Royal Sound. As temperature rises in spring, many plants flourish and butterfly activities increase.

The Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus), characterized by yellow and black markings and a wingspan of 5 inches, has been designated as the state butterfly of South Carolina.

Butterflies in South Carolina (SC)

Brush-Footed (Nymphalidae)

Gossamer-Winged (Lycaenidae)

  • Harvester (Feniseca tarquinius)
  • Harvester (Feniseca tarquinius)
  • Gray Copper (Lycaena dione)
  • Gray Copper (Lycaena dione)
  • Bronze Copper (Lycaena hyllus)
  • Ruddy Copper (Lycaena rubidus)
  • Purplish Copper (Lycaena helloides)
  • Great Purple Hairstreak (Atlides halesus)
  • Coral Hairstreak (Satyrium titus)
  • Edwards’ Hairstreak (Satyrium edwardsii)
  • White-M Hairstreak (Parrhasius m-album)
  • Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus)
  • Striped Hairstreak (Satyrium liparops)
  • King’s Hairstreak (Satyrium kingi)
  • Oak Hairstreak (Satyrium favonius)
  • Red-banded Hairstreak (Calycopis cecrops)
  • Banded Hairstreak (Satyrium calanus)
  • Olive (Juniper) Hairstreak (Callophrys gryneus)
  • Brown Elfin (Callophrys augustinus)
  • Frosted Elfin (Callophrys irus)
  • Henry’s Elfin (Callophrys henrici)
  • Eastern Pine Elfin (Callophrys niphon)
  • Spring Azure (Celastrina ladon)
  • Summer Azure (Celastrina neglecta)
  • Eastern Tailed-Blue (Cupido comyntas)
  • Cassius Blue (Leptotes cassius)
  • Eastern Pygmy-Blue (Brephidium exilis)
  • Appalachian Azure (Celastrina neglectamajor)
  • Holly Azure (Celastrina idella)
  • Silvery Blue (Glaucopsyche lygdamus)
  • Ceraunus Blue (Hemiargus ceraunus)

White and Sulphurs (Pieridae)

  • Cabbage White (Pieris rapae)
  • Checkered White (Pontia protodice)
  • Falcate Orangetip (Anthocharis midea)
  • West Virginia White (Pieris virginiensis)
  • Great Southern White (Ascia monuste)
  • Clouded Sulphur (Colias philodice)
  • Orange Sulphur (Colias eurytheme)
  • Southern Dogface (Colias cesonia)
  • Dainty Sulphur (Nathalis iole)
  • Little Yellow (Pyrisitia lisa)
  • Cloudless Sulphur (Phoebis sennae)
  • Sleepy Orange (Eurema nicippe)
  • Little Yellow (Pyrisitia lisa)

Swallowtail (Papilionidae)

Skipper (Hesperiidae)

  • Cofaqui Giant-Skipper (Megathymus cofaqui)
  • Yucca Giant-Skipper (Megathymus yuccae)
  • Common Checkered-Skipper (Pyrgus communis)
  • Common Sootywing (Pholisora catullus)
  • Confusing Cloudywing (Thorybes confusis)
  • Dreamy Duskywing (Erynnis icelus)
  • Golden Banded-Skipper (Autochton cellus)
  • 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)
  • Silver-spotted Skipper (Epargyreus clarus)
  • Sleepy Duskywing (Erynnis brizo)
  • Southern Cloudywing (Thorybes bathyllus)
  • Tropical Checkered-Skipper (Pyrgus oileus)
  • Wild Indigo Duskywing (Erynnis baptisiae)
  • Zarucco Duskywing (Erynnis zarucco)

Frequently Asked Questions

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South Carolina is home to approximately 165 different species of butterflies. This count includes both native species that reside in the state year-round and migratory species, like the Monarch, that pass through seasonally. The state’s diverse habitats support this rich variety of butterfly life from the coast to the mountains.

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The official state butterfly of South Carolina is the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus). This large and distinctive insect was formally designated due to its common presence and visibility. It is easily recognized by its yellow wings with black stripes and an impressive wingspan that can reach five inches.

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Some of the best places to see butterflies in South Carolina are protected natural areas and coastal habitats. Prime butterfly hotspots for observation include: * Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge * Calibogue Sound beach * Mackay Creek * Port Royal Sound

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Monarch butterflies are not considered native year-round residents but are found in South Carolina as a migratory species. They travel through the state during their annual migration, relying on local nectar-producing plants for fuel. This makes South Carolina an important stopover point on their long journey.

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South Carolina hosts many types of Gossamer-Winged butterflies (Lycaenidae), which are typically small and delicate. Common examples found throughout the state include the Eastern Tailed-Blue, Summer Azure, Gray Hairstreak, and the Red-banded Hairstreak. These species are often spotted in gardens, fields, and open woodlands.

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The best time to see butterflies in South Carolina is during the spring and summer months. As temperatures rise in the spring, plant life flourishes and butterfly activity significantly increases. Populations and species diversity typically peak during the warm summer, offering the best opportunities for observation across the state.

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You can identify an Eastern Tiger Swallowtail by its large size and distinct yellow and black pattern. This butterfly has a wingspan up to 5 inches, with bright yellow wings featuring four prominent black stripes. Females may also appear in a dark form, but both sexes have blue and orange spots.

Common Butterflies

atala

Atala (Eumaeus atala)

Postman

Postman (Heliconius melpomene)

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