Old World swallowtail, common yellow swallowtail, swallowtail
Papilio machaon is a widespread swallowtail butterfly found across the Palearctic and North America. It is the type species of the genus Papilio and was among the first butterflies described by Linnaeus in 1758. The species exhibits considerable geographic variation with 41 recognized subspecies, including endemic forms in Britain and Malta. While globally abundant, certain populations are of conservation concern, particularly the British subspecies P. m. britannicus which is restricted to specific fenland habitats.
Two-tailed Swallowtail
Papilio multicaudata, the two-tailed swallowtail, is a large butterfly species in the family Papilionidae found across western North America. It is distinguished from related tiger swallowtails by having two tails on each hindwing rather than one, and by the presence of a black 'slit pupil' in the orange eyespot on each hindwing. It is the largest swallowtail in western North America and serves as the state butterfly of Arizona. Adults fly during spring and summer with one brood per year.
Black Swallowtail, Eastern Black Swallowtail, American Swallowtail, Parsnip Swallowtail, Parsleyworm (caterpillar)
Papilio polyxenes, the black swallowtail, is a medium-sized butterfly native to North America. Adults are recognized by black wings with yellow spots and blue scaling, with females exhibiting more extensive blue areas and effective Batesian mimicry of the toxic pipevine swallowtail. The species employs a lek mating system where males defend hilltop territories and engage in aggressive aerial combat. Caterpillars feed on plants in the carrot family (Apiaceae) and possess a distinctive orange forked gland (osmeterium) that everts to release foul-smelling compounds when threatened.
Desert Black Swallowtail, Coloro Black Swallowtail
Papilio polyxenes coloro is a subspecies of the black swallowtail butterfly found in arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It is distinguished from the nominate eastern subspecies by paler yellow markings and reduced black banding on the hindwings. Adults exhibit strong territorial hilltopping behavior, with males engaging in aggressive aerial combat at summit perches to intercept females. The subspecies shares the characteristic osmeterium defense with other Papilio larvae, emitting foul-smelling compounds when disturbed.
Spicebush Swallowtail, Green-clouded Butterfly
Papilio troilus, the spicebush swallowtail, is a black swallowtail butterfly native to eastern North America. Adults are primarily black with distinctive green-blue (male) or bright blue (female) half-moon markings on the hindwings, along with cream-yellow spots and orange basal patches. The species exhibits two subspecies: the widespread P. t. troilus and the Florida-endemic P. t. ilioneus. Larvae are notable for their dramatic ontogenetic color change, shifting from bird-dropping mimicry in early instars to snake-mimicry with large eyespots in later stages.
Swallowtails
Papilioninae is a subfamily of swallowtail butterflies (family Papilionidae) comprising approximately 480 species distributed worldwide, with greatest diversity in tropical and subtropical regions. The subfamily is characterized by distinctive morphological features including hindwing tail extensions, specialized wing venation patterns, and structural adaptations of antennae and palpi. Papilioninae was formally classified by Rothschild and Jordan in 1895 and contains four tribes: Papilionini, Troidini, Leptocircini, and Teinopalpini.
Pine Satyr
Paramacera xicaque, commonly known as the Pine Satyr, is a butterfly species in the family Nymphalidae. The species was originally described as Neonympha xicaque by Reakirt in 1867 and later transferred to the genus Paramacera. It is a member of the satyr group of butterflies, characterized by their association with forested habitats and generally subdued coloration.
Rocky Mountain parnassian, Rocky Mountain apollo
Parnassius smintheus is a high-altitude butterfly endemic to the Rocky Mountains of North America. It inhabits alpine and subalpine meadows where it depends on Sedum lanceolatum as its primary larval host plant. The species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism in behavior: males are highly mobile and patrol meadows for females, while females are relatively sedentary and search for oviposition sites primarily by crawling. Population dynamics are strongly influenced by early-winter weather conditions, particularly November temperature extremes and snowfall, which affect overwintering egg survival. Climate change poses significant threats through rising treeline and altered snowpack patterns.
white M hairstreak, White-M Hairstreak
Parrhasius m-album is a small hairstreak butterfly (wingspan 32–41 mm) with metallic blue upper wings and a distinctive silver underside marked by an M-shaped pattern. Females are larger than males. The species is strongly associated with oak habitats throughout the southeastern and central United States.
green-banded ruby-eye
Perichares is a Neotropical genus of skippers in the family Hesperiidae, established by Scudder in 1872. The genus contains approximately seven described species distributed from Panama through northern South America to Brazil. One species, Perichares haworthiana, is commonly known as the green-banded ruby-eye. Species in this genus are characterized by their association with tropical forest habitats.
Green-backed Ruby-eye
A Neotropical skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae, commonly known as the Green-backed Ruby-eye. The species exhibits the rapid, darting flight characteristic of skippers and is associated with forested and edge habitats in its range. Adults are diurnal and have been documented in multiple countries across Central and South America.
small blue
Philotiella speciosa, commonly known as the small blue, is a North American butterfly species in the family Lycaenidae. It is a small blue butterfly with a Hodges number of 4370. The species exhibits diapause, with diapause intensity correlated to host plant bloom periods and elevation. Four subspecies are recognized: P. s. bohartorum, P. s. purisima (lompoc blue), P. s. septentrionalis, and the nominate P. s. speciosa.
sulphurs, sulfurs
Phoebis, commonly known as sulphurs, is a genus of butterflies in the family Pieridae, subfamily Coliadinae. The genus is native to the Americas, with species distributed from the southern United States through Central and South America. Members are characterized by bright yellow, orange, or white coloration. Several species are known for seasonal migration patterns, particularly northward movements in spring and southward returns in fall. The genus includes economically and ecologically significant species such as the cloudless sulphur (Phoebis sennae), which has been extensively studied for its life history and host plant associations.
Large Orange Sulphur, Orange Giant Sulphur
A medium to large sulphur butterfly of the family Pieridae, ranging from Peru through Central America and the Caribbean to the southern United States. Adults display bright orange upperwings with variable dark marginal markings. The species exhibits strong flight and is frequently observed visiting flowers in open, disturbed habitats. It has been introduced to Hawaii and occasionally strays northward well beyond its core range.
Orange-barred Sulphur
Phoebis philea, the orange-barred sulphur, is a medium-sized butterfly in the family Pieridae found throughout the Americas from the southern United States to Brazil, including the Caribbean. Adults are known for their bright yellow-orange coloration with distinctive orange bars on the forewings. The species exhibits seasonal variation in generation number, with multiple broods in southern regions and a single generation in northern parts of its range. Larvae feed on Cassia species, while adults visit nectar sources, particularly red-colored flowers.
Cloudless Sulphur, Cloudless Giant Sulphur
Phoebis sennae is a mid-sized butterfly in the family Pieridae, widespread across the Americas from South America to southern Canada. Adults are known for their strong, fast flight and seasonal northward migration. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in coloration and has a well-documented life cycle with specific host plant associations in the legume family.
sootywing
Pholisora is a genus of skippers (family Hesperiidae) established by Scudder in 1872. The genus contains at least two recognized species: the common sootywing (Pholisora catullus) and Pholisora mejicanus. Members are small, dark-colored butterflies often associated with disturbed habitats and weedy vegetation. The common sootywing has been documented in long-term butterfly monitoring studies, with populations showing significant decline in parts of its range.
Mexican Sootywing
Pholisora mejicanus, commonly known as the Mexican Sootywing, is a skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It is distributed from the southwestern United States through most of Mexico, occupying open habitats including disturbed roadsides, railways, and mountainous gulches. The species exhibits rapid, darting flight typical of skippers and can be distinguished from similar Pholisora species by the blue-gray underside of its hindwings with contrasting black veins.
crescents, crescent spots
Phyciodes is a genus of butterflies in the brush-footed family Nymphalidae, commonly known as crescents or crescent spots. These small to medium-sized butterflies are characterized by orange and black wing patterns with distinctive crescent-shaped markings on the hindwings. The genus includes approximately 20 species distributed across North America, with larvae that typically feed on plants in the Asteraceae family, particularly asters and thistles. Several species have experienced regional population declines attributed to climate change and pesticide use.
northern crescent
Phyciodes cocyta, the northern crescent, is a brush-footed butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. It is distributed across the Nearctic realm, particularly in northern North America. The species has a wingspan of 32–38 mm and is active during summer months. Adults feed on nectar from specific flowering plants, while larvae specialize on Asteraceae species.
Vesta Crescent
Phyciodes graphica, commonly known as the vesta crescent, is a butterfly species in the family Nymphalidae. It is currently recognized as a subspecies of Phyciodes vesta (P. vesta graphica) in some taxonomic treatments, though it has historically been treated as a distinct species. The vesta crescent belongs to a group of small to medium-sized butterflies known as crescents and checkerspots, characterized by their orange and black patterned wings.
Mylitta Crescent, Mylitta Crescentspot
Phyciodes mylitta, commonly known as the Mylitta Crescent or Mylitta Crescentspot, is a small brush-footed butterfly native to western North America. It is an abundant, weedy species that has expanded its range following the introduction of European thistle species. The butterfly is strongly associated with thistles (Cirsium, Carduus, and Silybum) as larval host plants, and adults visit diverse flowers for nectar. It is notable for its variable wing patterns, with males showing especially variable upperside markings, and for its ability to breed continuously in warm conditions.
California Crescent, Orseis crescentspot
Phyciodes orseis is a small nymphalid butterfly endemic to western North America, with its core range in northern California and Oregon. It inhabits mountain valleys, meadows, and stream canyons, where it has been documented as part of ecosystem monitoring efforts on the Fremont-Winema National Forests. The species has experienced range contraction, with historical records from the San Francisco Bay Area now considered mislabeled or representing extirpated populations.
Pale Crescent, Pallid Crescentspot
Phyciodes pallida is a butterfly species in the family Nymphalidae, commonly known as the pale crescent or pallid crescentspot. It occurs in western North America. Adults have a wingspan of 33–44 mm. The species has at least two recognized subspecies: P. p. pallida and P. p. barnesi.
Phaon crescent, mat plant crescent, crescent spot
Phyciodes phaon is a small brush-footed butterfly of the southeastern United States, the Caribbean, and extending west to New Mexico. Adults are active from early spring through late fall in northern portions of the range, with nearly year-round activity in peninsular Florida. The species is closely associated with fogfruit host plants (Phyla nodiflora), on which females lay eggs in clusters on leaf undersides. Males patrol open areas near host plants to locate females, with mating concentrated at mid-day.
Painted Crescent
Phyciodes picta, the painted crescent, is a butterfly species in the family Nymphalidae. It belongs to the tribe Melitaeini, which includes crescents and checkerspots. The species is distributed across North America and is recognized by its distinctive wing patterns. Three subspecies have been described: P. p. picta, P. p. canace, and P. p. pallescens.
Field Crescent
Phyciodes pulchella, commonly known as the field crescent, is a small butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. It is found across the Nearctic realm, with a wingspan of 24–36 mm. The species is active from May to August in Canada. Multiple subspecies have been described, reflecting geographic variation across its range.
Pearl Crescent
Phyciodes tharos, commonly known as the Pearl Crescent, is a small brush-footed butterfly native to North America. It is one of the most widespread and abundant crescent butterflies, occurring from southern Canada through the United States and into Mexico. The species is notable for its variable wing patterns and its ecological flexibility, thriving in disturbed and open habitats. Populations in warmer southern regions may produce up to six generations annually, while northern populations typically have fewer broods.
Chisos Skipperling
Piruna haferniki, known as the Chisos Skipperling, is a species of intermediate skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It was described by Freeman in 1970. The species is found in Central America and North America, with its common name referencing the Chisos Mountains region in Texas.
Blues
Plebejus is a genus of small butterflies in the family Lycaenidae, commonly known as "blues." Species occur in the Palearctic and Nearctic realms. Several species have been observed engaging in mutualistic relationships with ants, where caterpillars produce sugar secretions in exchange for protection. The genus has been subject to taxonomic revision, with several formerly independent genera now tentatively included.
Acmon Blue
Plebejus acmon, commonly known as the Acmon Blue, is a small butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. It is found across western North America and is frequently encountered in diverse habitats from lowland areas to montane regions. The species is known to utilize various lupine species and other legumes as larval host plants. Adults are active spring through fall depending on elevation and region, with multiple generations produced annually in warmer areas.
Friday's Blue
Plebejus fridayi, commonly known as Friday's Blue, is a species of butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. The species was described by F. Chermock in 1945. It belongs to the same genus as the Acmon Blue (Plebejus acmon) and Melissa Blue (Plebejus melissa), with which it shares morphological similarities. The genus Plebejus includes small to medium-sized blue butterflies found in North America.
Melissa blue, Fender's blue
Plebejus icarioides is a species of lycaenid butterfly commonly known as the Melissa blue. The species has been observed colonizing alfalfa in the Great Basin region, representing a notable host range expansion. One subspecies, P. icarioides fenderi (Fender's blue), is federally endangered in the United States and has been the focus of intensive conservation research. The species exhibits ant tending behavior, with caterpillars producing sugar secretions that ants collect in exchange for protection from natural enemies.
Plebejus icarioides atascadero is a subspecies of the boisduval's blue butterfly complex, historically classified under both Plebejus and Icaricia genera. The subspecies was described in 1998 by Emmel, Emmel, and Mattoon. Current taxonomic databases list it as a synonym of Icaricia icarioides, reflecting ongoing taxonomic revision in the Lycaenidae family. The broader species Icaricia icarioides is known to inhabit western North American grasslands and meadows, with larvae that associate with lupine host plants and form mutualistic relationships with Formica ants.
Plebejus icarioides pembina is a subspecies of butterfly in the family Lycaenidae, historically classified within the genus Plebejus. It is currently recognized as a synonym of Cupido pembina according to GBIF taxonomy. The subspecies was described by W.H. Edwards in 1862. It represents a disjunct population of the Melissa blue complex, with the type locality in North Dakota. The species to which it belongs has been studied for its colonization of alfalfa and associated ecological interactions across the Great Basin region.
Idas Blue, Northern Blue
Plebejus idas aster is a subspecies of the Idas Blue butterfly, a small lycaenid found in North America. It belongs to a complex of closely related blue butterflies that have been subject to taxonomic revision, with this subspecies sometimes treated under the genus Lycaena. The species is associated with open habitats and has documented relationships with host plants and ants.
Nabokov's Blue, Lupine Blue
Plebejus idas nabokovi is a subspecies of the Idas Blue butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. It is named after the novelist and lepidopterist Vladimir Nabokov. This small blue butterfly is part of the Plebejus idas species complex, which shows considerable geographic variation across its range. The subspecies is associated with lupine host plants and has been studied in the context of butterfly-ant mutualisms and host plant specialization.
Plebejus lupini lutzi is a subspecies of the Lupine Blue butterfly, first described by Passos in 1938. It belongs to the family Lycaenidae, commonly known as the gossamer-winged butterflies. This subspecies is part of the Plebejus genus, which includes numerous blue butterfly species found across North America. The subspecific epithet 'lutzi' honors an individual, following standard taxonomic naming conventions of the era.
Plebejus lupini monticola is a subspecies of blue butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. It was described by Clemence in 1909 and is currently treated as a synonym of Plebejus monticola. The taxonomic status reflects ongoing revisions within the Plebejus genus, which includes several closely related species and subspecies of lycaenid butterflies found in western North America.
Melissa Blue
The Melissa Blue (Plebejus melissa) is a small butterfly in the family Lycaenidae, native to western North America. This species has been extensively studied for its colonization of alfalfa as a novel host plant, representing a well-documented case of host range expansion. The Karner blue (P. m. samuelis), described by Vladimir Nabokov, is a federally endangered subspecies restricted to oak savanna and pine barren habitats in the upper Midwest.
Poanes is a genus of skipper butterflies in the family Hesperiidae, erected by Samuel Hubbard Scudder in 1872. The genus is distributed throughout North and Central America. In 2019, several species were transferred to the new genus Lon, reducing Poanes to six recognized species. The genus is characterized by larvae that feed on grasses and sedges.
Yehl Skipper
Poanes yehl, the Yehl Skipper, is a small to medium-sized skipper butterfly of the family Hesperiidae. It occurs in the southeastern and south-central United States, where adults are active from spring through fall and feed on nectar from various flowering plants. The species shows sexual dimorphism in hindwing coloration.
European Paper Wasp
Polistes dominula is a highly successful invasive social wasp native to Eurasia that has established populations across North America, South America, New Zealand, South Africa, and other regions. First detected in North America near Boston in 1978, it has become one of the most abundant wasps on the continent. The species builds small, exposed paper nests in protected locations and preys primarily on live insects, particularly caterpillars. Unlike yellowjackets, it does not scavenge for meat or sugar. Its rapid spread has been attributed to ecological flexibility, superior competitive ability, and tolerance of human-altered environments.
Carus Skipper
Polites carus, commonly known as the carus skipper, is a species of grass skipper in the butterfly family Hesperiidae. It is a North American butterfly with limited documentation in scientific literature. The species was originally described as Pamphila carus by W.H. Edwards in 1883. It has been assigned the MONA or Hodges number 4015 for North American Lepidoptera identification.
Draco Skipper, Rocky Mountain Skipper, Dragon Skipper
Polites draco, commonly known as the Draco Skipper or Rocky Mountain Skipper, is a small butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It is distributed across the Rocky Mountain region from Arizona north to the Yukon Territory. The species has one generation per year, with adults active from June to early August. Its larvae feed on grasses, while adults visit flowers for nectar.
Peck's Skipper
Polites peckius, commonly known as Peck's Skipper, is a North American grass skipper in the family Hesperiidae. It is widely distributed across northern and central North America, from British Columbia to Labrador in Canada and throughout most of the northern and central United States. The species produces two to three generations annually and is active from May through October. Adults feed on nectar from flowers including red clover, purple vetch, and thistles, while larvae consume various grasses.
comma, anglewing
Polygonia is a genus of butterflies in the family Nymphalidae, commonly known as commas or anglewings. Members are recognized by a conspicuous white comma-shaped mark on the underside of each hindwing and angular notches on the outer edges of the forewings. The genus exhibits remarkable seasonal polyphenism, with distinct light and dark morphs corresponding to non-diapausing and diapausing generations. Many species hibernate as adults. The genus has been alternatively classified as a subgenus of Nymphalis.
Hoary Comma
Polygonia gracilis, commonly known as the Hoary Comma, is a butterfly species widespread across boreal North America. It inhabits forested and mountainous regions from Alaska and Canada southward through the Rocky Mountains to New Mexico and the Pacific coast. The species is recognized by its distinctive wing shape with ragged, notched margins. Adults are known to overwinter, allowing for early spring activity in suitable habitats.
Question Mark, question mark butterfly
Polygonia interrogationis, commonly called the question mark butterfly, is a North American nymphalid butterfly recognized by the distinctive silver ?-shaped mark on the underside of its hindwing. Adults have a wingspan of 4.5–7.6 cm and exhibit cryptic coloration resembling a dead leaf when wings are closed. The species produces two generations annually, with adults active from May through September. Winter-form adults hibernate in sheltered locations and emerge in spring to reproduce.
Satyr Comma, Satyr Anglewing
Polygonia satyrus, commonly known as the satyr comma or satyr anglewing, is a North American butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. It is primarily distributed in western Canada and bears close resemblance to Polygonia comma, with which it is frequently confused. The species is locally common within its range. Its caterpillars feed on Urtica gracilis, the American stinging nettle.