Hilltopping
Guides
Abaeis nicippe
Sleepy Orange
Abaeis nicippe, commonly known as the Sleepy Orange, is a medium-sized butterfly in the family Pieridae. The species exhibits seasonal variation in coloration, with summer individuals typically bright orange and winter forms showing darker, more heavily marked wings. It is known for its hilltopping behavior, where males patrol ridge tops and summits to locate females. The species has been documented engaging in aerial competitions with other males when pursuing females.
Anthocharis lanceolata
Gray Marble
Anthocharis lanceolata, commonly known as the gray marble, is a butterfly species in the family Pieridae. First described by Hippolyte Lucas in 1852, this species occurs along the west coast of North America from Canada to the United States. Like other members of the genus Anthocharis, males typically display orange or yellow wing tips. The species is part of a group known for hilltopping behavior, where males patrol ridge tops and summits seeking females.
Anthocharis thoosa inghami
Ingham's Orangetip
Anthocharis thoosa inghami is a subspecies of orangetip butterfly in the family Pieridae. It is one of several recognized subspecies of Anthocharis thoosa, a species complex distributed across western North America. Like other orangetips, adults are active in early spring and are associated with specific larval host plants in the mustard family (Brassicaceae). The subspecies epithet 'inghami' honors a collector or researcher, following standard entomological naming conventions.
Astata
Astata is a cosmopolitan genus of solitary predatory wasps in the subfamily Astatinae, family Crabronidae. With 87 recognized species and subspecies worldwide, it is the largest genus in its subfamily. The genus is distinguished by distinctive wing venation patterns and pronounced sexual dimorphism in eye structure. Males possess exceptionally large compound eyes that meet dorsally at the top of the head, while females have normal, separated eyes.
Atlides
Great Purple Hairstreak (for A. halesus)
Atlides is a genus of gossamer-winged butterflies in the family Lycaenidae, subfamily Theclinae, tribe Eumaeini. The genus contains approximately 18 named species plus 5 or more undescribed species distributed across the Americas from the southern United States to Argentina. The most well-known species, Atlides halesus (great purple hairstreak), is notable for its iridescent blue coloration—despite its common name containing "purple"—and its exclusive larval association with mistletoe species (Phoradendron). Males of at least some species possess androconial scales producing distinctive volatile compounds; A. polybe males emit a grape-like aroma from methyl anthranilate, the first such compound reported in Papilionoidea.
Atlides halesus
Great Purple Hairstreak, Great Blue Hairstreak
Atlides halesus is a striking gossamer-winged butterfly in the family Lycaenidae, notable for its misnomer of a common name—despite being called the "Great Purple Hairstreak," it displays iridescent blue coloration rather than purple. This Neotropical species ranges from warm-temperate and subtropical North America southward nearly to the Isthmus of Panama. The larvae feed exclusively on mistletoe species (Phoradendron spp.), making this butterfly dependent on the presence of these parasitic plants. Adults are known for hilltopping behavior, where males defend perches on elevated terrain to intercept females.
Chlosyne
Patches and Allies, checkerspots, patches, crescentspots
Chlosyne is a genus of brush-footed butterflies (family Nymphalidae) distributed across North and South America. The genus includes approximately 25-30 species commonly known as patches, checkerspots, and crescentspots based on their wing patterns. Species in this genus exhibit diverse ecological strategies, with larvae of many species feeding gregariously in early instars—a trait that has been shown to enhance growth rates and survival in studied species such as C. lacinia and C. janais. Adults typically display orange, black, and white checkered wing patterns that vary considerably among species and geographic regions.
Chlosyne lacinia
Bordered Patch, Sunflower Patch
Chlosyne lacinia, commonly known as the bordered patch or sunflower patch, is a highly variable nymphalid butterfly native to North and South America. Adults display extensive color polymorphism in both wing pattern and ground color, with individuals ranging from predominantly black to those with prominent orange, red, or yellow markings. The species exhibits gregarious larval behavior, with females depositing eggs in large clusters and young larvae feeding communally before becoming solitary in later instars. It is a polyphagous herbivore with strong associations to Asteraceae, particularly sunflowers (Helianthus), and has been documented as an agricultural pest in some regions.
Cuterebra austeni
Cuterebra austeni is a species of New World skin bot fly in the family Oestridae. The adult flies are large, bumble bee-sized insects with distinctive black and white coloration. Like other Cuterebra species, adults lack functional mouthparts and live only briefly, fueled entirely by larval fat reserves. The species has been documented exhibiting hilltopping behavior in Arizona, where males gather at elevated sites to locate females.
Efferia coquillettii
Efferia coquillettii is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) first described by Hine in 1919. The genus Efferia comprises medium to large-sized predatory flies found primarily in arid and semi-arid regions of North America. Members of this genus are characterized by their robust build, prominent mystax (facial bristles), and predatory behavior. Efferia species are often encountered at light traps and are active predators of other insects.
Euchloe hyantis
pearly marble, pearly marblewing, California marble
A small Pieridae butterfly of western North America with distinctive marbled underwings. Adults fly in spring and early summer, with one generation annually. Males exhibit hilltopping behavior along ridgelines. The species has been documented feeding on Brassicaceae flowers and fruits, particularly Streptanthus species. Chrysalids overwinter.
Euchloe hyantis hyantis
Pearly Marble
A subspecies of marble butterfly in the family Pieridae. Males are known for hilltopping behavior, flying swiftly along ridgelines to locate females. The species ranges from southern British Columbia to northern Mexico, west of the Rocky Mountains. Adults are fast and erratic in flight, rarely pausing except briefly at flowers. The common name refers to the pearly, marbled pattern on the hindwing underside.
Euchloe hyantis lotta
Euchloe hyantis lotta is a subspecies of Pearly Marble butterfly in the family Pieridae. The parent species E. hyantis ranges from southern British Columbia to northern Mexico west of the Rocky Mountains. Males of the species engage in hilltopping behavior, flying swiftly along ridgelines to intercept females. The subspecies lotta was described by Beutenmüller in 1898 and is currently treated as a synonym of Euchloe lotta.
Eurema
Grass Yellows, Grass Yellow
Eurema is a widespread genus of grass yellow butterflies in the family Pieridae, comprising over 70 species distributed across Asia, Africa, Australia, Oceania, and the New World. The genus exhibits remarkable evolutionary phenomena including Wolbachia-induced feminization in multiple species, where genetic males are converted into functional females. Many species are characterized by seasonal diphenism—producing distinct wet-season and dry-season wing morphs. The type species is the North American barred yellow (Eurema daira).
Eurema mexicana
Mexican yellow, wolf-face sulphur
Eurema mexicana is a medium-sized yellow butterfly in the family Pieridae, primarily distributed in Mexico with occasional northward strays into the southwestern and central United States. The species is distinguished by a distinctive black forewing border forming a 'wolf-face' or 'dog-face' pattern, and exhibits seasonal color variation on the wing underside. Males patrol hilltops and open areas seeking females throughout the day.
Hemipepsis
tarantula hawks, Old and New World Tarantula-hawk Wasps
Hemipepsis is a genus of large spider wasps in the family Pompilidae, commonly known as tarantula hawks. The genus contains approximately 180 species distributed throughout tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, with significant diversity in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Hemipepsis wasps are distinguished from the related genus Pepsis by subtle differences in wing venation patterns. In South Africa, Hemipepsis wasps serve as exclusive pollinators for 18 plant species across three families (Apocynaceae, Orchidaceae, and Asparagaceae subfamily Scilloodeae). The genus has been extensively studied for its complex male territorial behavior, particularly in the North American species H. ustulata.
Hemipepsis ustulata
Flamed Tarantula-hawk Wasp, tarantula hawk
Hemipepsis ustulata is a large spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, commonly known as a tarantula hawk. It is native to the Southwestern United States and is among the largest Hymenoptera, reaching up to 5 cm in length. Females hunt tarantulas, paralyzing them with a powerful sting to serve as living food for their larvae. Males exhibit complex lekking territorial behavior, defending prominent perches on hilltops to intercept receptive females. The species has matte black coloration with rust-orange wings, distinguishing it from the iridescent blue-black Pepsis species.
Hybomitra illota
horse fly
Hybomitra illota is a horse fly species in the family Tabanidae. Males form aggregations in forest clearings, exhibiting a "perch-and-pursue" mating behavior where they chase flying insects overhead. This species occurs in temperate North America, with documented populations in Canada and the United States.
Microstylum
Giant Robber Flies
Microstylum is a genus of large robber flies (family Asilidae) containing at least 130 described species. The genus includes North America's largest robber fly, Microstylum morosum, which reaches 35–50 mm in body length. Species in this genus are characterized by their substantial size relative to other Asilidae and a mystax (facial beard) confined to the oral margin and composed of stout bristles. The genus has a broad distribution with species occurring in North America, the Neotropics, and Madagascar.
Microstylum morosum
Giant Prairie Robber Fly
Microstylum morosum is the largest robber fly in North America, with body lengths reaching 35–50 mm. The species was long considered endemic to Texas until range extensions were documented into Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas, Missouri, and southwestern states. It inhabits prairie and grassland ecosystems, where adults are active predators. The species exhibits distinctive emerald-green eyes and a relatively hairless, streamlined body compared to other large asilids.
Oeneis alpina
sentinel Arctic, Eskimo Arctic
Oeneis alpina is a butterfly in the subfamily Satyrinae, commonly known as the sentinel Arctic or Eskimo Arctic. The species has a wingspan of approximately 40 mm and exhibits sexual dimorphism in size and coloration. It occurs in a single annual generation during June and July, with males congregating on hilltops and rocky tundra features while females oviposit in wet boggy areas. The species is distinguished from its congener Oeneis chryxus by the number of hindwing eyespots.
Oeneis chryxus
Chryxus Arctic, brown Arctic
Oeneis chryxus is a subalpine and alpine butterfly species distributed across northern and western North America. The species exhibits a distinctive semivoltine life cycle, with larvae developing over two years and adults emerging in biennial flight patterns. Populations show striking geographic variation in wing coloration, ranging from cream to orange-brown, which functions as camouflage against rocky substrates. The Ivallda Arctic subspecies (O. c. ivallda) occupies the highest elevation butterfly habitat in North America at over 4,400 meters on Mount Whitney.
Oeneis melissa
Melissa Arctic
Oeneis melissa, the Melissa Arctic, is a Holarctic butterfly species in the family Nymphalidae. It inhabits cold, high-elevation and high-latitude environments including arctic tundra and alpine zones. The species exhibits a biennial or partially biennial life cycle adapted to short growing seasons. Multiple subspecies have been described across its range, including the endemic O. m. semidea in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.
Papilio machaon
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.
Papilio machaon oregonius
Oregon Swallowtail
Papilio machaon oregonius is a subspecies of the Old World Swallowtail (Papilio machaon) endemic to western North America. It represents one of several North American subspecies of this widespread Holarctic species, which has a broad distribution across Europe, Asia, and North America. The Oregon Swallowtail is distinguished from other P. machaon subspecies by geographic range and subtle morphological differences. Like other swallowtails in the genus Papilio, it undergoes complete metamorphosis with larvae that feed on plants in the carrot family (Apiaceae).
Papilio polyxenes
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.
Papilio polyxenes coloro
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.
Pieridae
Whites, Yellows, Sulphurs, Orangetips
Pieridae is a large family of butterflies containing approximately 76 genera and 1,100 species, characterized by white, yellow, or orange coloration with black markings. The family was established by William Swainson in 1820. The name "butterfly" is believed to derive from the brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni), a member of this family historically called the "butter-coloured fly." The family is divided into four subfamilies: Dismorphiinae, Pierinae, Coliadinae, and Pseudopontiinae. Many species are economically significant as agricultural pests, particularly those feeding on brassicas.
Pontia sisymbrii
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.
Pseudomasaris
pollen wasps
Pseudomasaris is a genus of solitary pollen wasps in the family Vespidae, comprising 15 species found exclusively in arid regions of western North America. Unlike most wasps, which provision their nests with paralyzed prey, Pseudomasaris females collect pollen and nectar to feed their larvae—a behavior convergent with bees. The genus is the sole representative of the subfamily Masarinae in North America. Adults are typically black with yellow or white markings; some species exhibit coloration resembling yellowjackets (Vespula), though they lack the longitudinal fold characteristic of social vespids when at rest.
Pseudomasaris macswaini
pollen wasp
Pseudomasaris macswaini is a species of pollen wasp in the family Vespidae, subfamily Masarinae. It is one of 14 species in the genus Pseudomasaris, which is the only genus of pollen wasps occurring in North America. Like other masarine wasps, it is solitary and provisions its nest cells with pollen and nectar rather than paralyzed prey. The species was described by Bohart in 1963 and is known from western North America.
Pseudomasaris maculifrons
pollen wasp
Pseudomasaris maculifrons is a solitary pollen wasp in the family Vespidae, subfamily Masarinae. Unlike predatory social wasps, females construct mud nests provisioned with pollen and nectar rather than insect prey. Males exhibit distinctive hilltopping behavior, perching repeatedly in the same locations on isolated peaks to await females. The species occurs in western North America and is active primarily in spring.
Pseudomasaris micheneri
Pseudomasaris micheneri is a pollen wasp in the subfamily Masarinae, described by Bohart in 1963. Like other members of its genus, it is a solitary wasp that constructs mud nests and provisions cells with pollen and nectar rather than paralyzed prey. The species belongs to a group of wasps that exhibit oligolectic pollination relationships, primarily visiting flowers in the genera Penstemon, Phacelia, and Eriodictyon. Males are known to exhibit hilltopping behavior, perching at elevated sites to await females.
Pseudomasaris phaceliae
Scorpionweed pollen wasp
Pseudomasaris phaceliae is a solitary pollen wasp in the subfamily Masarinae, known as the scorpionweed pollen wasp. Like other members of its genus, it exhibits oligolectic behavior, collecting pollen and nectar from a narrow range of flowering plants to provision its mud nest cells. The species is native to western North America and is one of approximately 14 species in the genus Pseudomasaris, the only masarine genus occurring in North America. Males are distinguished by their elongated, clubbed antennae and engage in hilltopping behavior to locate females.
Pseudomasaris texanus
Pseudomasaris texanus is a pollen wasp in the family Vespidae, subfamily Masarinae. Like other members of its genus, females construct mud nests provisioned with pollen and nectar rather than paralyzed prey. The species was described by Cresson in 1871 and is one of several Pseudomasaris species documented in western North America.
Pseudomasaris vespoides
pollen wasp
Pseudomasaris vespoides is a solitary pollen wasp in the family Vespidae, subfamily Masarinae. Unlike social vespids that provision nests with prey, females construct mud nests and provision cells exclusively with pollen and nectar, resembling bee-like behavior. The species is strongly associated with Penstemon flowers, from which females collect pollen. Males are distinguished by their conspicuously long, clubbed antennae and exhibit hilltopping behavior on elevated terrain to locate females.
Pseudomasaris zonalis
Pseudomasaris zonalis is a species of pollen wasp in the family Vespidae, subfamily Masarinae. Like other members of the genus Pseudomasaris, it is a solitary wasp that provisions its nests with pollen and nectar rather than paralyzed prey. The species was described by Cresson in 1864. Pollen wasps in this genus are known for their specialized oligolectic relationships with certain flowering plants, particularly in the genera Penstemon, Phacelia, and Eriodictyon.
Siproeta
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.
Siproeta stelenes
Malachite
Siproeta stelenes, commonly known as the malachite, is a neotropical brush-footed butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. It is named for the mineral malachite due to the brilliant green or yellow-green coloration on the upperside of its wings. The species ranges from Brazil through Central America to Mexico, with populations also established in southern Florida, southern Texas, and several Caribbean islands. Adults are long-lived and feed on diverse carbohydrate sources including flower nectar, rotting fruit, and even carrion. Larvae feed on plants in the family Acanthaceae.
Spilomyia sayi
Four-lined Hornet Fly
Spilomyia sayi is a common North American hoverfly and wasp mimic, ranging from western Canada to the northeastern United States. Adults are active from June to October and are frequently found on flowers where they feed on nectar and pollen. The species exhibits remarkable mimicry of yellowjacket wasps, including visual, behavioral, and acoustic deception. Larvae develop in decaying heartwood of deciduous trees and in rot holes.
Strymon
Scrub-Hairstreaks
Strymon is a genus of scrub hairstreak butterflies in the family Lycaenidae, comprising small, delicate butterflies found primarily in the Nearctic and Neotropical realms. The genus was historically treated as its own monotypic tribe (Strymonini) due to its distinct evolutionary lineage within the Eumaeini. Species such as the Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus) are among the most widespread and commonly encountered members of this group in North America.
Strymon avalona
Avalon Scrub-Hairstreak
Strymon avalona, the Avalon Scrub-Hairstreak, is a species of butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. It is a member of the scrub-hairstreak group within the genus Strymon, which are typically associated with specific host plants and habitats. The species was originally described by Wright in 1905 under the basionym Thecla avalona. Like other Strymon species, it is expected to exhibit hilltopping behavior where males perch on elevated terrain to seek mates.
Tachysphex
square-headed wasps, digger wasps
Tachysphex is a large genus of solitary wasps in the family Crabronidae, comprising over 450 described species worldwide. These diminutive insects, typically 6–10 mm in length, are ground-nesting predators that provision their nests with paralyzed orthopteran prey. The genus exhibits remarkable diversity across multiple continents, with species groups showing distinct ecological preferences and host associations.
Theclinae
hairstreaks, elfins
Theclinae is a subfamily of Lycaenidae butterflies comprising hairstreaks, elfins, and related groups. Members are characterized by small to medium size, often with tail-like projections on the hindwings and intricate underside patterns. Many species exhibit myrmecophilous relationships with ants, and larvae possess a specialized dorsal gland (Newcomer's gland) that secretes sugary fluids to attract ant protectors. The group shows high diversity in tropical regions, particularly the Neotropics and Southeast Asia, with fewer migratory species compared to other butterfly groups.