Types of Butterflies in Wisconsin
About 130 butterfly species, comprising all the six butterfly families, are spotted fluttering over Wisconsin. The most common species in Wisconsin are the Monarch, Mourning Cloaks, Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, Red-spotted Purple, Coral Hairstreak, and Dreamy Duskywing. They usually feed on black and pin cherry, wild plum, aspen and poplar leaves, black locust, and shrubby willows.
The state has not designated any species as its state butterfly, although the honeybee is regarded as the state insect.
Brush-Footed (Nymphalidae)
- Red-spotted Purple (Limenitis arthemis)
- ‘Astyanax‘ Red-spotted Purple (Limenitis arthemis astyanax)
- White Admiral (Limenitis arthemis arthemis)
- Viceroy (Limenitis archippus)
- Hackberry Emperor (Asterocampa celtis)
- Tawny Emperor (Asterocampa clyton)
- Goatweed Leafwing (Anaea andria)
- Aphrodite Fritillary (Speyeria aphrodite)
- Atlantis Fritillary (Speyeria atlantis)
- Regal Fritillary (Speyeria idalia)
- Great Spangled Fritillary (Speyeria cybele)
- Meadow Fritillary (Boloria bellona)
- Bog Fritillary (Boloria eunomia)
- Freija Fritillary (Boloria freija)
- Frigga Fritillary (Boloria frigga)
- Silver-bordered Fritillary (Boloria selene)
- Variegated Fritillary (Euptoieta claudia)
- Gulf Fritillary (Agraulis vanillae)
- Monarch (Danaus plexippus)
- American Snout (Libytheana carinenta)
- American Lady (Vanessa virginiensis)
- Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta)
- Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui)
- California Patch (Chlosyne californica)
- Silvery Checkerspot (Chlosyne nycteis)
- Harris’ Checkerspot (Chlosyne harrisii)
- Gorgone Checkerspot (Chlosyne gorgone)
- Eastern Comma (Polygonia comma)
- Gray Comma (Polygonia progne)
- Green Comma (Polygonia faunus)
- Mourning Cloak (Nymphalis antiopa)
- Compton Tortoiseshell (Nymphalis vaualbum)
- Northern Crescent (Phyciodes cocyta)
- Pearl Crescent (Phyciodes tharos)
- Question Mark (Polygonia interrogationis)
- Satyr Comma (Polygonia satyrus)
- Common Buckeye (Junonia coenia)
- Milbert’s Tortoiseshell (Aglais milberti)
- Baltimore (Euphydryas phaeton)
- Tawny Crescent (Phyciodes batesii)
Gossamer-Winged (Lycaenidae)
- Harvester (Feniseca tarquinius)
- Spring Azure (Celastrina ladon)
- Summer Azure (Celastrina neglecta)
- Silvery Blue (Glaucopsyche lygdamus)
- American Copper (Lycaena phlaeas)
- Brown Elfin (Calophyrus augustinus)
- Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus)
- Edward’s Hairstreak (Satyrium edwardsii)
- Striped Hairstreak (Satyrium liparops)
- Banded Hairstreak (Satyrium calanus)
- Coral Hairstreak (Satyrium titus)
Whites and Sulphurs (Pieridae)
- Cabbage White (Pieris rapae)
- Mustard White (Pieris napi)
- Olympia Marble (Euchloe olympia)
- Clouded Sulphur (Colias philodice)
- Orange Sulphur (Colias eurytheme)
- Little Yellow (Eurema lisa)
- Dainty Sulphur (Nathalis iole)
Metalmark (Riodinidae)
- Swamp Metalmark (Calephelis muticum)
Swallowtail (Papilionidae)
- Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes)
- Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus)
- Giant Swallowtail (Papilio cresphontes)
- Spicebush Swallowtail (Papilio troilus)
- Pipevine Swallowtail (Battus philenor)
- Zebra Swallowtail (Eurytides marcellus)
Skipper (Hesperiidae)
- Sleepy Duskywing (Erynnis brizo)
- Dreamy Duskywing (Erynnis icelus)
- Horace’s Duskywing (Erynnis horatius)
- Wild Indigo Duskywing (Erynnis baptisiae)
- Juvenal’s Duskywing (Erynnis juvenalis)
- Mottled Duskywing (Erynnis martialis)
- Persius Duskywing (Erynnis persius)
- Southern Cloudywing (Thorybes bathyllus)
- Northern Cloudywing (Thorybes pylades)
- Silver-spotted Skipper (Epargyreus clarus)
- Common Checkered-Skipper (Pyrgus communis)
- Hoary Edge (Achalarus lyciades)
- Common Sootywing (Pholisora catullus)
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common butterfly species found in Wisconsin?
The most common butterfly species in Wisconsin include the Monarch, Mourning Cloak, Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, and Red-spotted Purple. These species are frequently observed throughout the state’s diverse habitats. Other commonly seen types are the Coral Hairstreak and the Dreamy Duskywing, representing different butterfly families found locally.
How many types of butterflies live in Wisconsin?
Approximately 130 different butterfly species have been identified in Wisconsin. This diverse population includes representatives from all six major butterfly families, such as Brush-Footed butterflies, Swallowtails, and Skippers. The state’s varied ecosystems support this wide range of species, making it a notable location for butterfly observation.
Are Monarch butterflies native to Wisconsin?
Yes, Monarch butterflies are a common and well-known species found in Wisconsin. The state is part of their crucial summer breeding grounds and migratory path. Observers can frequently spot these iconic orange and black butterflies in fields and gardens where their host plant, milkweed, is available.
What do butterflies in Wisconsin typically eat?
Butterflies in Wisconsin primarily feed on the nectar from flowers and the leaves of specific host plants. Common food sources for various species include black and pin cherry, wild plum, aspen, and poplar leaves. They also utilize plants like black locust and shrubby willows for sustenance and reproduction.
Does Wisconsin have an official state butterfly?
No, Wisconsin has not designated an official state butterfly. While many states have chosen a specific butterfly to represent them, Wisconsin has not followed this tradition. The state has, however, officially recognized the honeybee as its designated state insect, which is a different classification.
Are Mourning Cloak butterflies found in Wisconsin?
Yes, the Mourning Cloak (Nymphalis antiopa) is a common butterfly species found throughout Wisconsin. It is one of the first butterflies to appear in the spring, often seen even when snow is still on the ground. Its distinctive dark wings with a yellow border make it easily identifiable.
What swallowtail butterflies are common in Wisconsin?
The Eastern Tiger Swallowtail is one of the most prominent swallowtail species in Wisconsin. This large, yellow and black butterfly is a frequent visitor to gardens and woodlands across the state. While other swallowtails exist, the Eastern Tiger is among the most commonly sighted and recognized by residents.
