Types of Butterflies in Vermont
The north-eastern US state is home to about 103 species of butterfly, of which half are spotted in 8 biophysical regions. Some migratory species include the Vanessa butterflies, American Lady, Painted Lady, and Red Admiral. These species fly towards the north during the breeding season and return to the south for the winter.
The Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is the official state butterfly of Vermont.
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)
- Aphrodite Fritillary (Speyeria aphrodite)
- Atlantis Fritillary (Speyeria atlantis)
- Great Spangled Fritillary (Speyeria cybele)
- Meadow Fritillary (Boloria bellona)
- Silver-bordered Fritillary (Boloria selene)
- Variegated Fritillary (Euptoieta claudia)
- Monarch (Danaus plexippus)
- American Snout (Libytheana carinenta)
- American Lady (Vanessa virginiensis)
- Baltimore (Euphydryas phaeton)
- California Tortoiseshell (Nymphalis californica)
- Compton Tortoiseshell (Nymphalis vaualbum)
- Eastern Comma (Polygonia comma)
- Gray Comma (Polygonia progne)
- Green Comma (Polygonia faunus)
- 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)
- Brown Elfin (Callophrys augustinus)
- Henry’s Elfin (Callophrys henrici)
- Eastern Pine Elfin (Callophrys niphon)
- Olive (Juniper) Hairstreak (Callophrys gryneus)
- Bog Elfin (Callophrys lanoraieensis)
- Summer Azure (Celastrina neglecta)
- Nothern Azure (Celastrina lucia)
- Cherry Gall Azure (Celastrina serotina)
- Eastern Tailed-Blue (Cupido comyntas)
- American Copper (Lycaena phlaeas)
- Bog Copper (Lycaena epixanthe)
- Bronze Copper (Lycaena hyllus)
- Coral Hairstreak (Satyrium titus)
- Striped Hairstreak (Satyrium liparops)
- Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus)
- Banded Hairstreak (Satyrium calanus)
- White “M” Hairstreak (Parrhasius m-album)
- Edwards’ Hairstreak (Satyrium edwardsii)
- Hickory Hairstreak (Satyrium caryaevorus)
- Acadian Hairstreak (Satyrium acadica)
- Southern (Oak) Hairstreak (Satyrium favonius)
- Red-banded Hairstreak (Calycopis cecrops)
- Early Hairstreak (Erora laeta)
Whites and Sulphurs (Pieridae)
- Mustard White (Pieris oleracea)
- West Virginia White (Pieris virginiensis)
- Cabbage White (Pieris rapae)
- Clouded Sulphur (Colias philodice)
- Orange Sulphur (Colias eurytheme)
- Pink-edged Sulphur (Colias interior)
- Little Yellow (Eurema lisa)
Swallowtail (Papilionidae)
- Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes)
- Canadian Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio canadensis)
- Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus)
- Pipevine Swallowtail (Battus philenor)
- Spicebush Swallowtail (Papilio troilus)
Skipper (Hesperiidae)
- Columbine Duskywing (Erynnis lucilius)
- Common Sootywing (Pholisora catullus)
- Dreamy Duskywing (Erynnis icelus)
- Hoary Edge (Achalarus lyciades)
- Juvenal’s Duskywing (Erynnis juvenalis)
- Long-tailed Skipper (Urbanus proteus)
- Northern Cloudywing (Thorybes pylades)
- Persius Duskywing (Erynnis persius)
- Silver-spotted Skipper (Epargyreus clarus)
- Wild Indigo Duskywing (Erynnis baptisiae)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the official state butterfly of Vermont?
The official state butterfly of Vermont is the Monarch (Danaus plexippus). This iconic species is known for its distinct orange and black markings and its remarkable long-distance seasonal migration. Its designation highlights its ecological importance and widespread recognition by residents throughout the state’s various biophysical regions.
How many species of butterfly are found in Vermont?
Approximately 103 species of butterfly are native to or migrate through Vermont. About half of these species are regularly spotted across the state’s eight distinct biophysical regions. This number includes a diverse range of families, from the large Brush-Footed butterflies to the smaller Gossamer-Winged varieties like Azures.
What are some common migratory butterflies in Vermont?
Common migratory butterflies in Vermont include the Monarch, American Lady, Painted Lady, and the Red Admiral. These species typically fly north into the state during the spring and summer for breeding season. As the weather cools, they or their offspring will then travel south to warmer climates for the winter.
Are Mourning Cloak butterflies found in Vermont?
Yes, the Mourning Cloak (Nymphalis antiopa) is a species found in Vermont and is part of the Brush-Footed butterfly family. It is one of the earliest butterflies to appear in the spring because it overwinters as an adult, allowing it to emerge and fly on unseasonably warm late-winter days.
What types of Fritillary butterflies live in Vermont?
Vermont is home to several species of Fritillary butterflies, which are part of the Nymphalidae family. Common examples found in the state include the Great Spangled Fritillary, Aphrodite Fritillary, Atlantis Fritillary, and the smaller Meadow Fritillary. These are typically identified by their orange, checkered appearance.
Are there small blue butterflies in Vermont?
Yes, Vermont has several species of small blue butterflies belonging to the Gossamer-Winged (Lycaenidae) family. Examples include the Eastern Tailed-Blue, Summer Azure, Northern Azure, and Cherry Gall Azure. These delicate butterflies are often found in specific habitats like meadows, forest edges, and along streamsides.
What is the difference between a White Admiral and a Red-spotted Purple in Vermont?
The White Admiral and Red-spotted Purple found in Vermont are actually two different subspecies of the same species, Limenitis arthemis. The White Admiral (Limenitis arthemis arthemis) has broad white bands on its wings, while the Red-spotted Purple (Limenitis arthemis astyanax) lacks these white bands and mimics the Pipevine Swallowtail.
