Butterfly Identification Chart

Picture yourself on a warm, sunny day, strolling through a garden. Suddenly, a flash of orange catches your eye, a butterfly, gliding effortlessly from flower to flower.

But which butterfly is it? Is it the well-known Monarch, or perhaps a Painted Lady? Identifying butterflies can be a delightful challenge, revealing hidden details about these beautiful insects.

Whether you’re a casual observer or a budding naturalist, exploring their unique patterns, colors, and habits will open up a whole new world right before your eyes.

This overview will help you dive into the captivating variety of butterfly species, making every garden walk a little more magical.

Table of Contents

Butterflies are more than just colorful insects. Their patterns and behaviors often hold secrets known to few. For example, some species exhibit mimicry, where one butterfly mimics the appearance of another toxic species to deter predators.

Additionally, the habitats and preferred plants for laying eggs can vary widely, influencing where they can be found. These characteristics are crucial for accurately identifying butterflies of different types.

Now, from the butterfly ID chart mentioned below, you can further explore the features, habitats, and other details of various butterfly species.

Butterfly Species	Scientific Name	Identification Features	Habitat
Monarch	Danaus plexippus	Orange wings stand out with deep black veins and dotted white spots	Fields, meadows, gardens
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail	Papilio glaucus	Yellow wings with black tiger stripes	Woodlands, gardens, near water
Red Admiral	Vanessa atalanta	Dark black wings accented by red bands and white spots	Gardens, woodlands, parks
Painted Lady	Vanessa cardui	Wings in shades of orange and brown, marked with black and white spots	Open fields, gardens, meadows
Common Buckeye	Junonia coenia	Brown wings with orange bands and large eyespots	Fields, grasslands, roadsides
Black Swallowtail	Papilio polyxenes	Black wings with yellow spots and blue patches	Gardens, fields, meadows
Cabbage White	Pieris rapae	White wings with black tips and small black spots	Gardens, fields, agricultural areas
Mourning Cloak	Nymphalis antiopa	Wings that are dark maroon with soft pale edges and blue spots	Woodlands, parks, gardens
Gulf Fritillary	Agraulis vanillae	Orange wings with bold black spots and silver spots beneath	Open areas, gardens, fields
Zebra Longwing	Heliconius charithonia	Black wings with yellow stripes	Subtropical forests, gardens
Viceroy	Limenitis archippus	Resembles the Monarch but with an additional black line across hindwings	Wetlands, meadows
Great Spangled Fritillary	Speyeria cybele	Vivid orange wings featuring black spots and silver spots on the lower side	Meadows, gardens
Clouded Sulphur	Colias philodice	Yellow wings with small dark spots	Fields, meadows, gardens
Azure Blue	Celastrina ladon	Pale blue wings with a white fringe	Woodlands, gardens, parks
American Lady	Vanessa virginiensis	Orange, brown, and white wings with large eyespots	Open areas, gardens, meadows
Pipevine Swallowtail	Battus philenor	Black wings with iridescent blue on hindwings	Woodlands, gardens, fields
Silver-spotted Skipper	Epargyreus clarus	Brown wings with a distinctive silver-white spot	Fields, gardens, woodlands
Red-spotted Purple	Limenitis arthemis	Dark blue wings with red-orange spots near the body	Woodlands, gardens, parks
Orange Sulphur	Colias eurytheme	Bright yellow-orange wings with black edges	Fields, meadows, gardens
Spring Azure	Celastrina ladon	Light blue wings with white undersides	Woodlands, meadows, gardens

Also read: Insect Egg Id Chart

Common Butterflies

Common butterflies are a delightful presence in many environments. They’re commonly seen fluttering around gardens, meadows, and parks. These butterfly species are easy to recognize due to their distinct colors and patterns.

For example, the Monarch is well-known for its bright orange wings and widespread presence. Others, like the Cabbage White, are frequently spotted in agricultural areas. These common butterflies not only bring beauty but also play important roles in pollination.

Below, the table provides more details on these familiar species, including their unique features and habitats.

Butterfly Species	Scientific Name	Identification Features	Habitat
Monarch	Danaus plexippus	Wings in bright orange, marked by black veins and white spots	Fields, meadows, gardens
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail	Papilio glaucus	Yellow wings with black tiger stripes	Woodlands, gardens, near water
Red Admiral	Vanessa atalanta	Wings in black with striking red bands and white spots	Gardens, woodlands, parks
Painted Lady	Vanessa cardui	Brown and orange wings speckled with black and white spots	Open fields, gardens, meadows
Common Buckeye	Junonia coenia	Brown wings with orange bands and large eyespots	Fields, grasslands, roadsides
Black Swallowtail	Papilio polyxenes	Black wings with yellow spots and blue patches	Gardens, fields, meadows
Cabbage White	Pieris rapae	White wings with black tips and small black spots	Gardens, fields, agricultural areas
Mourning Cloak	Nymphalis antiopa	Wings in deep maroon, featuring light edges and blue spots	Woodlands, parks, gardens
Gulf Fritillary	Agraulis vanillae	Wings in bright orange with black spots and silver spots on the underside	Open areas, gardens, fields
Zebra Longwing	Heliconius charithonia	Black wings with yellow stripes	Subtropical forests, gardens
Viceroy	Limenitis archippus	Resembles the Monarch but with an additional black line across hindwings	Wetlands, meadows
Great Spangled Fritillary	Speyeria cybele	Bright orange wings marked with black spots and silver spots below	Meadows, gardens
Clouded Sulphur	Colias philodice	Yellow wings with small dark spots	Fields, meadows, gardens
Azure Blue	Celastrina ladon	Pale blue wings with a white fringe	Woodlands, gardens, parks
American Lady	Vanessa virginiensis	Orange, brown, and white wings with large eyespots	Open areas, gardens, meadows
Pipevine Swallowtail	Battus philenor	Black wings with iridescent blue on hindwings	Woodlands, gardens, fields
Silver-spotted Skipper	Epargyreus clarus	Brown wings with a distinctive silver-white spot	Fields, gardens, woodlands
Red-spotted Purple	Limenitis arthemis	Dark blue wings with red-orange spots near the body	Woodlands, gardens, parks
Orange Sulphur	Colias eurytheme	Bright yellow-orange wings with black edges	Fields, meadows, gardens
Spring Azure	Celastrina ladon	Light blue wings with white undersides	Woodlands, meadows, gardens

Rare Butterflies

Rare butterflies captivate people with their unique beauty and elusive nature. These species often have limited habitats or require specific conditions, making them hard to find.

Observers who manage to identify butterflies through photos often use unique markings and colors specific to these rare species. For example, the Palos Verdes Blue has a small blue appearance with a silvery underside, rarely seen outside its specific home.

The following table provides detailed information about these rare butterflies, showcasing their identification features and preferred habitats.

Butterfly Species	Scientific Name	Identification Features	Habitat
Palos Verdes Blue	Glaucopsyche lygdamus palosverdesensis	Small blue butterfly with silvery underside	Coastal sage scrub, Palos Verdes Peninsula, California
Karner Blue	Plebejus melissa samuelis	Small blue wings with orange spots on the underside	Pine barrens, oak savannas, Midwest and Northeast USA
Schaus’ Swallowtail	Papilio aristodemus ponceanus	Yellow wings with black stripes and blue spots on hindwings	Tropical hardwood hammocks, South Florida
Saint Francis’ Satyr	Neonympha mitchellii francisci	Brown wings with eyespots	Wetland areas, North Carolina
Miami Blue	Cyclargus thomasi bethunebakeri	Small blue wings with gray undersides and black spots	Coastal areas, South Florida
Large Blue	Phengaris arion	Pale blue wings with black spots	Grasslands, Europe
Arion Blue	Plebejus argus	Blue wings with black margins and orange spots	Grasslands, Europe
Black Hairstreak	Satyrium pruni	Dark brown wings with a black line and orange spots	Woodlands, hedgerows, Europe
Bay Checkerspot	Euphydryas editha bayensis	Red, black, and white patterned wings	Serpentine grasslands, California
Apollo	Parnassius apollo	With contrasting black spots and red eyespots, the white wings are striking	Mountainous areas, Europe and Asia
Ecuadorian Black Crescent	Eresia nauplius	Black wings showcase a pattern of white spots and vivid orange bands	Tropical forests, Ecuador
Himalayan Branded Satyr	Aulocera padma	Brown wings with white bands and eyespots	Alpine meadows, Himalayas
Indian Leaf Butterfly	Kallima inachus	Brown wings resembling a dead leaf when closed, blue and orange when open	Tropical forests, India
Lange’s Metalmark	Apodemia mormo langei	Orange wings with black and white spots	Serpentine soils, California
Zebra Swallowtail	Eurytides marcellus	With striking black and white stripes, the wings feature long, trailing tails	Woodlands near pawpaw trees, Eastern USA
Mexican Bluewing	Myscelia ethusa	Blue and black patterned wings	Tropical forests, Central and South America
Jutta Arctic	Oeneis jutta	Brown wings with orange and black bands	Boreal forests, North America
Baltimore Checkerspot	Euphydryas phaeton	Black wings with white and orange spots	Wet meadows, Eastern USA
Blue Morpho	Morpho peleides	Large iridescent blue wings	Tropical forests, Central and South America
Scarce Large Blue	Phengaris teleius	Pale blue wings with black spots	Wet meadows, Europe and Asia

British Butterflies Chart

British butterflies are known for their variety of colors and patterns. They are a delight to spot in different landscapes. Identifying these species often depends on butterfly identification by color, as each has its own unique set of colors.

The Peacock butterfly, with its red wings and eye spots, is easy to recognize. The Brimstone, with yellow-green wings that look like leaves, also stands out. These visual traits help enthusiasts tell one species from another.

The table below gives a detailed look at various British butterflies, including their identifying features and typical habitats.

Butterfly Species	Scientific Name	Identification Features	Habitat
Red Admiral	Vanessa atalanta	Black wings with red bands and white spots	Gardens, woodlands, parks
Small Tortoiseshell	Aglais urticae	Orange and black wings with blue spots along the edges	Gardens, meadows, parks
Peacock	Aglais io	Red wings with distinctive eye spots	Gardens, woodlands, fields
Comma	Polygonia c-album	Orange and brown wings with ragged edges	Woodlands, gardens, hedgerows
Painted Lady	Vanessa cardui	With orange and brown hues, the wings are patterned with black and white spots	Open fields, gardens, meadows
Common Blue	Polyommatus icarus	Blue wings framed by white fringes and speckled with dark black spots	Grasslands, meadows, coastal areas
Holly Blue	Celastrina argiolus	Pale blue wings with silvery undersides	Gardens, woodlands, parks
Brimstone	Gonepteryx rhamni	Yellow-green wings with leaf-like shape	Woodlands, gardens, hedgerows
Speckled Wood	Pararge aegeria	Brown wings with yellow-orange spots	Woodlands, gardens, parks
Meadow Brown	Maniola jurtina	Brown wings with orange patches and a single eyespot	Grasslands, meadows, fields
Small White	Pieris rapae	White wings with small black tips and spots	Gardens, fields, meadows
Large White	Pieris brassicae	White wings with large black tips and spots	Gardens, fields, meadows
Orange-tip	Anthocharis cardamines	White wings with orange tips (males)	Meadows, woodlands, gardens
Gatekeeper	Pyronia tithonus	Two bright white eyespots accent the orange and brown wings	Hedgerows, meadows, gardens
Small Copper	Lycaena phlaeas	Copper-colored wings with black spots	Grasslands, heathlands, gardens
Marbled White	Melanargia galathea	Black and white patterned wings	Grasslands, meadows, chalk downlands
Ringlet	Aphantopus hyperantus	Dark brown wings with multiple eyespots	Woodlands, meadows, fields
Chalk Hill Blue	Polyommatus coridon	Pale blue wings with black spots	Chalk grasslands, downlands
Silver-washed Fritillary	Argynnis paphia	Orange wings with black spots	Woodlands, clearings, rides
Small Skipper	Thymelicus sylvestris	Wings in orange-brown, paired with antennae that feature a hooked tip	Grasslands, meadows, roadsides

White Butterfly Identification

White butterflies are a common sight, known for their elegant white wings, which often have unique markings. These markings, such as black tips or faint veins, can help in identifying different species.

Among this variety are the Green-veined White, with its greenish wing veins underneath, and the Large White, featuring prominent black tips. Such subtle differences make it easier to distinguish between the species.

Below, the table provides details on some common white butterflies, highlighting their unique features and typical habitats.

Butterfly Species	Scientific Name	Identification Features	Habitat
Small White	Pieris rapae	White wings with small black tips and spots	Gardens, fields, meadows
Large White	Pieris brassicae	White wings with large black tips and spots	Gardens, fields, meadows
Green-veined White	Pieris napi	White wings with greenish veins on the underside	Meadows, woodlands, gardens
Wood White	Leptidea sinapis	Small delicate wings with a faint yellow hue	Woodlands, clearings, grasslands

Yellow Butterfly Identification

Yellow butterflies are easily recognized by their bright colors, adding a touch of beauty to various places. What sets them apart are often the unique traits they possess. The Brimstone has yellow-green wings that look like leaves.

Another well-known species is the Clouded Yellow, which has bright yellow wings with black edges. These distinct features help in identifying different yellow butterflies.

The table below provides information about some common yellow butterfly species, highlighting their unique traits and natural habitats.

Butterfly Species	Scientific Name	Identification Features	Habitat
Brimstone	Gonepteryx rhamni	Yellow-green wings with leaf-like shape	Woodlands, gardens, hedgerows
Clouded Yellow	Colias croceus	Bright yellow wings with black borders	Open fields, meadows, coasts
Pale Clouded Yellow	Colias hyale	Pale yellow wings with black borders	Grasslands, meadows, fields
Orange-tip	Anthocharis cardamines	White wings with orange tips (males)	Meadows, woodlands, gardens

Brown Butterfly Id

Brown butterflies are commonly found in a variety of habitats, often blending in with their surroundings. They can be identified by their subtle shades and distinctive markings.

The Meadow Brown, with its brown wings and orange patches, is easily recognizable. The Ringlet, with its dark brown wings and multiple eyespots, stands out among the brown butterflies. These features help in identifying different brown butterfly species.

The following table provides details about some common brown butterflies, highlighting their unique characteristics and preferred habitats.

Butterfly Species	Scientific Name	Identification Features	Habitat
Meadow Brown	Maniola jurtina	Brown wings with orange patches and a single eyespot	Grasslands, meadows, fields
Ringlet	Aphantopus hyperantus	Dark brown wings with multiple eyespots	Woodlands, meadows, fields
Speckled Wood	Pararge aegeria	Brown wings with yellow-orange spots	Woodlands, gardens, parks
Gatekeeper	Pyronia tithonus	With two distinct white eyespots, the orange and brown wings are striking	Hedgerows, meadows, gardens

Blue Butterfly Identification

Blue butterflies are known for their striking blue wings, making them a favorite among butterfly watchers. These butterflies often have distinct patterns and shades that help in identifying them. The Common Blue, with its blue wings edged with white fringes and dotted with black spots, is a well-known species.

The Holly Blue, which has pale blue wings and silvery undersides, is another beautiful example. Such features make it easier to distinguish between different blue butterfly species.

The following table provides information about some common blue butterflies, detailing their unique characteristics and habitats.

Butterfly Species	Scientific Name	Identification Features	Habitat
Common Blue	Polyommatus icarus	White fringes and black spots accentuate the vivid blue wings	Grasslands, meadows, coastal areas
Holly Blue	Celastrina argiolus	Pale blue wings with silvery undersides	Gardens, woodlands, parks
Chalk Hill Blue	Polyommatus coridon	Pale blue wings with black spots	Chalk grasslands, downlands
Small Blue	Cupido minimus	Dark blue wings with white fringes	Grasslands, meadows, coastal areas

Black Butterflies Identification

Black butterflies are known for their dark, dramatic wing patterns, often featuring contrasting colors or distinct markings. These butterflies can be easily recognized by their striking appearance. The Red Admiral, with its black wings accented by red bands and white spots, is a familiar sight in gardens and parks.

The Peacock, another species with predominantly black wings, is distinguished by its eye-catching eye spots. Such characteristics help in identifying different black butterfly species.

Below is a table that provides details on some common black butterflies, highlighting their unique features and preferred habitats.

Butterfly Species	Scientific Name	Identification Features	Habitat
Red Admiral	Vanessa atalanta	Bold red bands and white spots stand out against the black wings	Gardens, woodlands, parks
Peacock	Aglais io	Black wings with distinctive eye spots	Gardens, woodlands, fields
Small Tortoiseshell	Aglais urticae	Black and orange wings with blue spots	Gardens, meadows, parks
Marbled White	Melanargia galathea	Black and white patterned wings	Grasslands, meadows, chalk downlands

Orange Butterflies Identification

Orange butterflies are vibrant and eye-catching, often showcasing a range of hues from deep copper to bright orange. Their notable patterns and markings are what set these butterflies apart. The Painted Lady, with its orange and brown wings adorned with black and white spots, is a common sight in open fields and gardens.

The Comma stands out with its ragged-edged wings, combining orange and brown tones. These features make it easier to recognize different orange butterfly species.

Below is a table detailing some common orange butterflies, highlighting their unique characteristics and natural habitats.

Butterfly Species	Scientific Name	Identification Features	Habitat
Painted Lady	Vanessa cardui	Wings in orange and brown showcase an array of black and white spots	Open fields, gardens, meadows
Comma	Polygonia c-album	Orange and brown wings with ragged edges	Woodlands, gardens, hedgerows
Small Copper	Lycaena phlaeas	Copper-colored wings with black spots	Grasslands, heathlands, gardens
Silver-washed Fritillary	Argynnis paphia	Orange wings with black spots	Woodlands, clearings, rides

Conclusion

Butterflies add a touch of magic to our surroundings with their colorful wings and graceful flight. Whether you’re in a garden, meadow, or woodland, taking a moment to observe these beautiful creatures can be a delightful experience.

By learning to identify them, you can gain a deeper appreciation for the variety and uniqueness each species offers. Next time you spot a butterfly, take a closer look and see if you can recognize its distinctive features. It’s a small but rewarding way to connect with nature and enjoy the beauty all around us.