The Viceroy butterfly, Limenitis archippus is similar to but smaller than the monarch butterfly. Viceroy butterflies live in most of the continental United States, southern Canada and northern Mexico. The wing span of the adult ranges from 2.5 to 3.375 inches. The viceroy is a very distinct butterfly for its genus, but can be confused […]
Butterfly of the week
Butterfly of the week – Monarch
The Monarch butterfly, Danaus plexippus, is the best known butterfly in North America. Monarchs found in North America can be split into the eastern and western monarchs. Those which live and breed west of the Rocky Mountains spend their winters in southern California whereas those who live and breed in the east overwinter in Central […]
Butterfly of the week – Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
The Eastern tiger swallowtail, Papilio glaucus, is one of the most common swallowtail butterflies in the eastern United States. It is widely distributed from New England to the southern Great Lakes and the Great Plains states as well as to Texas and Florida. The Eastern tiger swallowtail is a large butterfly with a 3 to 5.5 […]
Butterfly of the Week – Meadow Fritillary
The Meadow Fritillary (Boloria bellona) is a butterfly in the brushfoot family. It can be found in southern Canada, the north central U.S. as well as the northeast and mid-Atlantic states. At this time it is not routinely found in the southern U.S. or Mexico; however, some have reported that it is expanding its range […]
Butterfly of the Week – Silver Spotted Skipper
The silver-spotted skipper, Epargyreus clarus has a large white spot on the underside of each hind wing, and is one of the largest, most widespread and most recognized skippers in our area. Adults have a jerky style of flight which is typical of many skippers. Silver spotted skipper feeding on lantana in Eastern CT. Photo by L. […]
Butterfly of the Week – Spicebush Swallowtail
The spicebush swallowtail butterfly, Papilio troilus is a beautiful and interesting swallowtail. It is typically found in the eastern half of the United States from southern Canada to southern Florida and west to Texas. The upper surface of the forewings is black with marginal and sub-marginal rows of light yellow spots. The upper surfaces of the […]