Manuel's skipper
Polygonus savigny, commonly known as Manuel's skipper, is a dicot skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. The species was originally described as Hesperia savigny by Latreille in 1824. It occurs in North America, where it has been documented in at least 336 iNaturalist observations. The species is classified within the genus Polygonus, which belongs to the skipper butterfly group characterized by rapid, darting flight patterns.
Pompeius is a genus of skipper butterflies in the family Hesperiidae, established by Evans in 1955. These are small to medium-sized butterflies with the characteristic rapid, darting flight pattern typical of skippers. The genus is part of the subfamily Hesperiinae, commonly known as grass skippers.
Pompeius verna is a species of skipper butterfly (family Hesperiidae) described by Edwards in 1862. The species is currently accepted under this combination, though it was formerly placed in the genus Vernia. Distribution records indicate presence in North America, with specific occurrence in Vermont, United States. As a member of the subfamily Hesperiinae, it belongs to the grass skipper group, though specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented in available sources.
whites
Pontia is a genus of pierid butterflies in the family Pieridae, commonly referred to as the "whites." These butterflies are distributed across the Holarctic region, with species found in North America, Europe, and Asia, though they are relatively rare in central and eastern North America and Europe. Several species formerly classified in Pontia have been reassigned to the genus Sinopieris. The genus includes well-known species such as the Checkered White (Pontia protodice) and the Spring White (Pontia sisymbrii).
Becker's white, Great Basin white, sagebrush white
Pontia beckerii is a butterfly in the family Pieridae, commonly known as Becker's white, Great Basin white, or sagebrush white. It ranges across western North America from Baja California, Mexico to southern British Columbia, Canada. The species is closely related to other checkered whites in the genus Pontia and shares their general ecology, with larvae feeding on various mustard family plants.
Western White
Pontia occidentalis, commonly known as the western white, is a butterfly in the family Pieridae native to western North America. Adults have a wingspan of 38–53 mm and exhibit distinctive wing markings including lighter marginal forewing markings and gray-green veining on the underside. The species shows reduced flight activity in forest habitat compared to alpine meadow habitat. Larval host plants are members of Brassicaceae, with caterpillars feeding primarily on flowers, buds, and fruit.
Checkered White, Southern Cabbage Butterfly
Pontia protodice, commonly known as the Checkered White or Southern Cabbage Butterfly, is a North American pierid butterfly widespread in the southern United States and northern Mexico. The species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism in wing patterning, with females displaying more extensive black and gray markings than males. Adults are highly vagile and have been documented making significant seasonal incursions northward beyond their core range. The green larva, known as the Southern Cabbageworm, feeds on a diverse array of Brassicaceous host plants.
Spring White, California White, Colorado White
Pontia sisymbrii, commonly known as the Spring White, is a small butterfly in the family Pieridae. It is one of the earliest butterflies to appear in spring in western North America, often emerging before the vernal equinox. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with males typically white and females sometimes yellowish. It is closely associated with mustard family host plants and has a single generation annually at higher elevations, with two generations at lower elevations.
Mercurial Skipper
Proteides mercurius, commonly known as the Mercurial Skipper, is a species of dicot skipper in the butterfly family Hesperiidae. It is found across a broad geographic range including the Caribbean, Central America, North America, and South America. The species was first described by Fabricius in 1787 and includes five recognized subspecies. It is assigned Hodges number 3868 in the North American moth numbering system.
Pseudocopaeodes is a genus of skipper butterflies in the family Hesperiidae, described by Skinner & Williams in 1923. The genus contains a single recognized species, Pseudocopaeodes eunus (alkali skipper). As a hesperiine skipper, it belongs to the grass skipper subfamily. The genus is native to western North America.
Spread-wing Skippers, Spread-winged Skippers
Pyrginae is a subfamily of skipper butterflies (family Hesperiidae) distinguished by their characteristic spread-wing resting posture, in contrast to the folded-wing posture of Hesperiinae. Members are commonly known as spread-wing skippers. The subfamily was established by Hermann Burmeister in 1878 and has undergone considerable taxonomic revision, with evolutionary relationships of many genera largely resolved by 2009. Pyrginae is one of two or three skipper subfamilies found in California, alongside Hesperiinae and Heteropterinae.
Grizzled Skippers, Checkered Skippers
Pyrgus is a genus of skippers in the family Hesperiidae, commonly known as grizzled skippers. The genus occurs primarily in the Holarctic region, with some species extending into the Neotropics. Following a major taxonomic revision in 2019, most New World species were moved to other genera (Burnsius, Chirgus, Heliopetes), leaving only four Pyrgus species in the Americas: P. centaureae, P. ruralis, P. scriptura, and P. xanthus. The genus is characterized by small butterflies with checkered or grizzled wing patterns.
Freija's Grizzled Skipper
Pyrgus centaureae freija is a subspecies of grizzled skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. It was originally described as a full species by Warren in 1924, but is currently treated as a subspecies of Pyrgus centaureae. The taxon is considered a synonym of Pyrgus wyandot in some classifications. It is a member of the diverse Pyrgus genus, commonly known as checkered-skippers or grizzled skippers.
Appalachian Grizzled Skipper
Pyrgus centaureae wyandot is a subspecies of northern grizzled skipper endemic to the Appalachian Highlands and Northern Michigan. It is a small butterfly with distinctive checkered wing patterns and low, erratic flight. The subspecies is listed as federally threatened and state endangered in Ohio and New Jersey due to habitat loss and pesticide exposure. Populations have declined significantly from insecticide spraying targeting spongy moth outbreaks.
Mountain Checkered-Skipper
Pyrgus xanthus, commonly known as the mountain checkered skipper, is a species of spread-wing skipper butterfly in the family Hesperiidae. The species was described by Edwards in 1878. It is currently treated as a synonym of Pyrgus ruralis in some taxonomic databases, though this synonymy status varies among sources. The species is recorded from North America.
little yellows
Pyrisitia is a genus of small yellow butterflies in the family Pieridae, commonly known as "little yellows." The genus was established by Butler in 1870 and is sometimes treated as a synonym of Eurema. Species in this genus are characterized by their diminutive size and yellow coloration, and they occur in the Americas. The type species and most members are found in North, Central, and South America.
Dina Yellow
Pyrisitia dina is a small yellow butterfly in the family Pieridae, distributed across the Caribbean, Middle America, and southern North America. The species is one of several yellows in the genus Pyrisitia, which are often associated with open, sunny habitats. Adults are typically active year-round in tropical regions and during warmer months in temperate areas.
Little Yellow, Little Sulphur
Pyrisitia lisa, commonly known as the Little Yellow or Little Sulphur, is a small butterfly in the family Pieridae. It occurs across much of North America, with distribution records from Manitoba, Canada to Vermont, United States, and including San Andrés. The species was originally described as Xanthidia lisa and later transferred to the genus Pyrisitia.
Marius hairstreak
Rekoa marius, known as the Marius hairstreak, is a Neotropical butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. Adults exhibit sexual dimorphism in wing coloration, with males showing dark iridescent blue uppersides and females gray. The species ranges from Paraguay to northern Mexico, with occasional strays reaching southern Texas and Arizona. Larvae display complex ecological associations including myrmecophily with carpenter ants and feeding on diverse host plants.
gold-bordered hairstreak
Rekoa palegon, known as the gold-bordered hairstreak, is a small butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. It ranges from Argentina through Mexico and the West Indies, with rare occurrences in southern Texas. Adults have a wingspan of 23–28 mm and are active from May through December in Mexico, with a single annual generation. The species has been documented feeding on nectar from Senecio and Eupatorium flowers.
metalmark butterflies
Riodinini is a large tribe of metalmark butterflies within the family Riodinidae. The tribe encompasses numerous genera, though many Riodinidae genera remain unassigned to tribes, making the current genus composition preliminary. Members of this tribe are characterized by their small to medium size and often metallic wing markings that give the family its common name. The tribe has substantial observational data with over 69,000 records on iNaturalist, indicating widespread distribution and ecological presence.
Satyrid Hairstreaks
Satyrium is a genus of butterflies in the family Lycaenidae, commonly known as satyrid hairstreaks. Species in this genus are distributed across the Holarctic ecozone. Many species exhibit specialized ecological associations, including larval dependencies on particular oak species and mutualistic relationships with ants. Several species have been the focus of conservation concern due to habitat specificity and perceived rarity.
Gold-hunter's Hairstreak
Satyrium auretorum, known as the gold-hunter's hairstreak, is a species of butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. It is found in North America, with records from Canada (Manitoba, Saskatchewan) and the United States (Vermont). The species has three recognized subspecies: S. a. auretorum, S. a. fumosum, and S. a. spadix. Its MONA/Hodges number is 4286.
Behr's Hairstreak
Satyrium behrii, the Behr's hairstreak, is a small butterfly in the family Lycaenidae found in western North America. Adults have a wingspan of 24–32 mm and are active from June to July in a single annual generation. The species inhabits dry slopes and canyons, where adults feed on flower nectar and larvae feed on specific host plants in the Rosaceae family.
Banded Hairstreak
Satyrium calanus, the banded hairstreak, is a common North American butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. It is widely distributed east of the Rocky Mountains and exhibits territorial behavior. The species has a single annual brood with adults active from early June to late August. Larvae develop on oaks, hickories, and walnuts.
Edwards' Hairstreak
Satyrium edwardsii, the Edwards' Hairstreak, is a butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. It occurs in eastern North America from the United States into southern Canada. Larvae feed on Quercus species, particularly scrub oak (Q. ilicifolia). The species has been documented as endangered in some regions and exhibits myrmecophilous associations with ants.
Oak Hairstreak, Southern Hairstreak
Satyrium favonius, commonly known as the Oak Hairstreak or Southern Hairstreak, is a small butterfly in the family Lycaenidae with a wingspan of 22–38 mm. The species is distributed across the eastern and central United States, from southern New England and the Atlantic Coast south to peninsular Florida and west to central Illinois, southeastern Colorado, and the Gulf Coast. The larvae feed on Quercus (oak) species, consuming leaves, buds, and male catkins. The species overwinters as an egg.
Northern Oak Hairstreak
Satyrium favonius ontario, the Northern Oak Hairstreak, is a canopy-dwelling butterfly subspecies found in the northeastern United States. Its perceived rarity appears largely due to detection difficulties rather than actual low population numbers, as adults spend most of their time in oak canopies rather than at ground level. The subspecies has been documented feeding on non-nectar sources including oak gall exudates and honeydew. Listed as a Species of Special Concern in Massachusetts.
Striped Hairstreak
Satyrium liparops strigosum is a subspecies of the Striped Hairstreak butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. It belongs to a genus of hairstreak butterflies characterized by small tails on the hindwings and association with ants during larval development. The subspecies designation indicates geographic variation within the widespread S. liparops species complex.
mountain mahogany hairstreak
Satyrium tetra, the mountain mahogany hairstreak, is a North American butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. As a member of the hairstreak group, it exhibits the characteristic small size and hindwing tail-like projections typical of this lineage. The species is associated with mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus) as its larval host plant, distinguishing it ecologically from related Satyrium species that feed on oaks. Adults have been documented through over 1,000 iNaturalist observations, indicating it is not considered rare.
Malachite and Pages, Malachite
Siproeta is a genus of brush-footed butterflies (family Nymphalidae) comprising three recognized species found in the Neotropical region. The genus includes the well-known Malachite butterfly (Siproeta stelenes), named for its striking green coloration resembling the mineral malachite. These butterflies occur from Central America through South America, with some species extending into the Caribbean and occasionally reaching extreme southern Florida and Texas. Adults are long-lived and exhibit distinctive behaviors including hilltopping aggregations for mating.
Rusty-tipped Page, Brown Siproeta
Siproeta epaphus, commonly known as the rusty-tipped page or brown siproeta, is a New World butterfly species in the family Nymphalidae. It is a tropical butterfly with large wings averaging 7.0–7.5 cm in wingspan, characterized by striking black, brown, white, and rusty orange coloration. The species is resident year-round in tropical habitats and ranges from southern North America through Central America to central South America. Three subspecies are recognized, with the nominate subspecies S. epaphus epaphus being the most widespread and displaying the characteristic rusty orange wing tips.
Falcate Skipper
Spathilepia clonius, commonly known as the Falcate Skipper, is the sole species in the monotypic genus Spathilepia within the skipper family Hesperiidae. This butterfly ranges from the southern United States through Central America and into South America as far as Argentina. It is a member of the subfamily Eudaminae, a group characterized by their robust bodies and rapid, darting flight patterns. The species has been documented across diverse tropical and subtropical habitats.
greater fritillaries
Speyeria is a genus of approximately 19 species of butterflies in the family Nymphalidae, commonly known as greater fritillaries. The genus was reestablished as separate from Argynnis in 2017 based on phylogenetic evidence. Three species occur in Eurasia and 16 in North America. Species are univoltine, with larvae feeding exclusively on native violets (Viola spp.) and adults nectaring on diverse flowers. Several species and subspecies are threatened or endangered due to habitat loss and climate change.
Atlantis fritillary
Speyeria atlantis, the Atlantis fritillary, is a North American brush-footed butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. It ranges from Newfoundland and Labrador across northern Canada to British Columbia, and south through the northern United States to Colorado and West Virginia. The species is listed as endangered in Connecticut and shows sensitivity to climate warming trends. Research demonstrates that adults rely primarily on visual senses to navigate to suitable habitat patches across fragmented landscapes.
Holland's Atlantis Fritillary
Speyeria atlantis hollandi is a subspecies of the Atlantis fritillary butterfly, first described by Chermock in 1940. It belongs to the brush-footed butterfly family Nymphalidae. Research on the nominate species Speyeria atlantis has demonstrated that this butterfly relies primarily on visual perception for navigation to suitable habitat patches, with studies showing that flash-induced blindness severely impairs homing ability even at short distances.
Callippe Fritillary
Speyeria callippe calgariana is a subspecies of fritillary butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. It is currently recognized as a synonym of Speyeria nevadensis. The subspecies was described by McDunnough in 1924. Like other Speyeria species, it belongs to a genus characterized by close ecological relationships with violet host plants and distinctive orange and black wing patterns.
Comstock's Callippe Fritillary
Speyeria callippe comstocki is a subspecies of the Callippe fritillary butterfly, endemic to the Canadian prairies. It belongs to the greater fritillary group (genus Speyeria), characterized by silvery spots on the wing undersides and obligate associations with violet host plants. The subspecies is distinguished from other S. callippe populations by geographic isolation in the northern Great Plains. Like other Speyeria species, adults are strong fliers that rely primarily on vision for habitat navigation.
Speyeria callippe meadii is a subspecies of the Callippe fritillary butterfly, a member of the brush-footed butterfly family Nymphalidae. It belongs to the greater fritillary genus Speyeria, which comprises large, orange-brown butterflies with distinctive silvery spots on the wing undersides. The subspecies was described by W.H. Edwards in 1872. Like other Speyeria fritillaries, it maintains an obligate relationship with violet plants (Viola spp.) as larval host plants.
Great Spangled Fritillary
Speyeria cybele, the great spangled fritillary, is a large brush-footed butterfly native to North America. Adults have a wingspan of 2.25 to 4 inches, with orange-brown upper wings marked by black chevrons and distinctive silvery spots on the undersides. The species exhibits pronounced geographic variation: eastern populations are more orange, while western populations are browner. Females are slightly darker than males and have longer lifespans, often surviving into October. The butterfly has an obligate relationship with violets (Viola spp.) as larval host plants. Research has demonstrated that S. cybele relies primarily on vision for habitat detection and navigation, with flash-blinded individuals showing 30 times lower success in locating habitat patches.
Charlottesville great spangled fritillary
Speyeria cybele charlottii is a subspecies of the great spangled fritillary butterfly, distinguished from other S. cybele populations by geographic occurrence in the eastern United States. The parent species is a large, orange and black butterfly with silvery spots on the undersides of its wings. Adults are strong, fast fliers that nectar on a wide range of flowers. The subspecific name references Charlottesville, Virginia.
Great Spangled Fritillary
Speyeria cybele cybele is the nominate subspecies of the great spangled fritillary, a large butterfly with a wingspan of 2.25 to 4 inches. Research has demonstrated that this subspecies relies primarily on visual perception for navigation to suitable habitat patches, with individuals able to locate target islands from distances up to 60 meters over water. The subspecies exhibits geographic variation in coloration, with eastern populations appearing more orange and western populations browner. Females are slightly darker than males across all populations.
Great Spangled Fritillary (subspecies)
Speyeria cybele leto is a subspecies of the great spangled fritillary butterfly, a large and striking member of the brush-footed butterfly family Nymphalidae. This subspecies belongs to a species complex renowned for its silvery wing spots and close ecological association with violets as larval host plants. Research on Speyeria cybele has demonstrated that visual perception is the primary sense used for navigation to suitable habitat patches, with individuals capable of detecting and orienting toward habitat from distances of at least 60 meters. The species exhibits pronounced geographic variation in coloration, with western populations typically browner than their more orange eastern counterparts.
Great Spangled Fritillary (western subspecies)
Speyeria cybele letona is a western North American subspecies of the great spangled fritillary, a large brush-footed butterfly with a wingspan of 2.25 to 4 inches. Research on Speyeria cybele indicates that visual perception is the primary sense used for navigation to suitable habitat patches, with individuals capable of detecting and navigating to target islands from distances up to 60 meters. The subspecies exhibits the orange-brown coloration typical of western populations of this species, in contrast to the more orange eastern populations.
Great Spangled Fritillary
Speyeria cybele novascotiae is a subspecies of the great spangled fritillary, a large brush-footed butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. This subspecies occurs in northern North America, including the Canadian provinces of Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan, as well as Vermont in the United States. Like other members of Speyeria cybele, adults exhibit strong visual-based navigation abilities to locate suitable habitat patches across fragmented landscapes.
great spangled fritillary
Speyeria cybele pugetensis is a western North American subspecies of the great spangled fritillary, a large orange and black butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. It was described by F. Chermock and Frechin in 1947. Like other members of the Speyeria cybele complex, this subspecies exhibits strong visual navigation abilities for locating habitat patches and maintains a close ecological association with violets (Viola spp.) as larval host plants.
northwestern fritillary
Speyeria hesperis, the northwestern fritillary, is a butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. It is relatively small for a fritillary, with distinctive bright orange uppersides in males and yellow in females. The species is found in the northwestern United States and western Canada. Its taxonomic status has been debated, with some sources treating it as a synonym of Speyeria atlantis.
Speyeria hesperis chitone is a subspecies of fritillary butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. It was described by W.H. Edwards in 1879. The taxon is currently listed as a synonym of Speyeria atlantis in GBIF records. As a member of the greater fritillary group (Speyeria), it belongs to a genus known for visual-based navigation to habitat patches and obligate larval dependence on violet family plants (Violaceae).
Speyeria hesperis lurana is a subspecies of the northwestern fritillary butterfly described by Passos and Grey in 1945. It belongs to the genus Speyeria, commonly known as the greater fritillaries, which are medium to large orange and black butterflies distributed across North America. The subspecific status indicates it represents a geographically isolated population with distinguishing characteristics from the nominate subspecies.
Speyeria hesperis tetonia is a subspecies of fritillary butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. It was described by Passos and Grey in 1945. The taxon is currently listed as a synonym of Speyeria atlantis in GBIF, indicating taxonomic uncertainty or reclassification. Like other Speyeria species, it belongs to a genus of greater fritillaries found across North America.