Nymphalidae
Guides
Phyciodes picta
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.
Phyciodes pulchella
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.
Phyciodes tharos
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.
Polygonia
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.
Polygonia gracilis zephyrus
Zephyr Comma
A subspecies of comma butterfly in the family Nymphalidae, found in the western interior of North America. Adults display the characteristic ragged wing margins and comma-shaped silver marking on the hindwing underside shared with other Polygonia species. The subspecies is distinguished from other P. gracilis populations by geographic range and subtle phenotypic differences.
Polygonia satyrus
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.
Preponini
Preponini is a tribe of butterflies within the subfamily Charaxinae (Nymphalidae), comprising approximately 22 recognized species. Molecular systematics studies have significantly revised the group's classification: Anaeomorpha splendida was excluded to maintain tribal monophyly (reinstated as tribe Anaeomorphini), Noreppa was synonymized with Archaeoprepona, and Agrias was synonymized with Prepona. The tribe is distributed in the Neotropical region and includes some of the region's most visually striking butterflies.
Pteronymia
Clearwing butterflies
A genus of clearwing butterflies in the tribe Ithomiini, characterized by reduced wing scaling that creates transparent or semi-transparent wing areas. The genus contains approximately 40 described species distributed in the Neotropics. Members exhibit Müllerian mimicry with other ithomiine genera and are active during daylight hours.
Satyrini
Alpines, Arctics, Nymphs, Satyrs, Graylings, Ringlets
Satyrini is the largest tribe in the subfamily Satyrinae, containing approximately 2,200 species of butterflies. The group includes well-known butterflies such as graylings, ringlets, and satyrs. Recent molecular phylogenetic studies have substantially revised the tribe's taxonomy, incorporating many genera formerly placed in the tribe Elymniini. The tribe's evolutionary history is closely tied to the diversification of grasses.
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 epaphus
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.
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.
Smyrna
Smyrna is a genus of butterflies in the family Nymphalidae, distributed from Mexico through Central America to South America. The genus was established by Jacob Hübner in 1823 and belongs to the tribe Coeini within the subfamily Nymphalinae. Species in this genus are medium-sized brush-footed butterflies with distinctive wing patterns.
Speyeria
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.
Speyeria aphrodite
Speyeria aphrodite is a butterfly species in the family Nymphalidae, native to North America. It belongs to a genus commonly known as greater fritillaries, characterized by their orange-brown wing coloration with black markings and silver spots on the underside. The species has been documented in Canadian provinces including Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan, as well as in Vermont, USA.
Speyeria atlantis
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.
Speyeria callippe calgariana
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.
Speyeria callippe callippe
Callippe Fritillary
Speyeria callippe callippe is a subspecies of fritillary butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. It belongs to the greater fritillary genus Speyeria, which includes species known for their close ecological association with violets (Viola spp.) as larval host plants. The subspecies is native to western North America. Related Speyeria species have been demonstrated to rely primarily on visual cues for navigation to suitable habitat patches.
Speyeria callippe comstocki
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 gallatini
Speyeria callippe gallatini is a subspecies of fritillary butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. The taxon is currently recognized as a synonym of Speyeria nevadensis. It was described by McDunnough in 1929. No specific biological information for this subspecies is documented in the provided sources.
Speyeria callippe macaria
Speyeria callippe macaria is a subspecies of the callippe fritillary butterfly, a member of the Nymphalidae family. This subspecies was named in honor of California lepidopterist Charles "Chuck" Hageman, who conducted extensive field research on California butterflies. The species is part of the Speyeria genus, commonly known as greater fritillaries, which are characterized by their close ecological relationship with violet host plants.
Speyeria callippe meadii
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.
Speyeria coronis
Coronis fritillary
Speyeria coronis, the Coronis fritillary, is a North American butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. It ranges from Baja California to Washington and eastward to Colorado and western South Dakota, with one historical report from Alberta. The species exhibits apparent migratory behavior in central Washington populations. Larvae feed on Viola species.
Speyeria cybele
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.
Speyeria cybele charlottii
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.
Speyeria cybele krautwurmi
Great Spangled Fritillary
Speyeria cybele krautwurmi is a subspecies of the great spangled fritillary butterfly, recognized by Holland in 1931. It belongs to a species complex known for visual-based navigation to habitat patches and close ecological ties to violet host plants. The subspecies occurs in northern North America, with records from the Canadian Prairie provinces and Vermont.
Speyeria cybele leto
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.
Speyeria cybele novascotiae
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.
Speyeria cybele pugetensis
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.
Speyeria hesperis
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 dennisi
Dennis' Fritillary
Speyeria hesperis dennisi is a subspecies of fritillary butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. As a member of the genus Speyeria, it belongs to a group of large, orange and black butterflies commonly known as greater fritillaries. The subspecies epithet "dennisi" honors an individual associated with its discovery or study. Like other Speyeria species, it is likely associated with violet family plants (Violaceae) for larval development, though specific ecological details for this subspecies are not well documented in the provided sources.
Speyeria hesperis hutchinsi
Speyeria hesperis hutchinsi is a subspecies of fritillary butterfly described in 1947. It is currently treated as a synonym of Speyeria atlantis, indicating taxonomic uncertainty or reclassification. The species belongs to the genus Speyeria, commonly known as greater fritillaries, which are large, orange-brown butterflies with silvery spots on the wing undersides.
Speyeria hesperis irene
Speyeria hesperis irene is a subspecies of the Hesperis fritillary, a North American butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. It belongs to the greater fritillary group within the genus Speyeria, which are medium to large butterflies with characteristic silver spots on the undersides of their wings. The subspecies designation indicates geographic variation within the broader species S. hesperis. Like other Speyeria species, it is associated with violets (Viola spp.) as larval host plants. GBIF currently lists this taxon as a synonym of Speyeria atlantis, reflecting ongoing taxonomic revision in this complex group.
Speyeria hesperis lurana
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 nausicaa
Speyeria hesperis nausicaa is a subspecies of the northwestern fritillary butterfly, first described by W.H. Edwards in 1874. It is currently recognized as a synonym of Speyeria atlantis. The species belongs to the brush-footed butterfly family Nymphalidae. Research on related Speyeria species has demonstrated that visual perception is the primary sense used for navigation to suitable habitat patches.
Speyeria hesperis ratonensis
Speyeria hesperis ratonensis is a subspecies of fritillary butterfly described by Scott in 1981. It belongs to the genus Speyeria, commonly known as greater fritillaries, which are characterized by their orange and black wing patterns and violet-feeding larvae. The subspecies epithet "ratonensis" suggests an association with Raton, New Mexico or the Raton Mesa region. Like other Speyeria species, it is expected to exhibit visual-based navigation to locate suitable habitat patches, though specific studies on this subspecies are lacking.
Speyeria hesperis tetonia
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.
Speyeria mormonia bischoffii
Speyeria mormonia bischoffii is a subspecies of Mormon fritillary butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. It is part of the greater fritillary genus Speyeria, which includes numerous species distributed across North America. Like other Speyeria, it likely exhibits the characteristic orange and black wing patterning with silvery spots on the undersides typical of the genus. The subspecific epithet honors an individual associated with its discovery or study.
Speyeria mormonia opis
Mormon Fritillary
Speyeria mormonia opis is a subspecies of the Mormon fritillary butterfly, recognized by GBIF and Catalogue of Life as an accepted taxon. It belongs to the genus Speyeria, commonly known as the greater fritillaries. The subspecies is present in the Canadian provinces of Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. As a member of the Nymphalidae family, it shares traits with other fritillaries including a close larval association with violet host plants.
Speyeria mormonia washingtonia
Washington's Fritillary
Speyeria mormonia washingtonia is a subspecies of Mormon fritillary butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. It belongs to a genus of greater fritillaries known for their close ecological association with violet host plants. As a subspecies, it represents a geographically distinct population within the broader Speyeria mormonia species complex found in western North America.
Speyeria nokomis
Nokomis fritillary
Speyeria nokomis, the Nokomis fritillary, is a North American butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. The species has a highly specialized relationship with its host plant, with larvae feeding exclusively on northern bog violet (Viola nephrophylla). It is currently recognized with nine subspecies, including the imperiled Carson Valley silverpot butterfly (S. n. carsonensis), which has experienced significant population declines. Conservation efforts focus on habitat restoration through propagation of its obligate host plant.
Vanessa annabella
West Coast Lady
The West Coast Lady is one of three North American "painted lady" butterflies, endemic to western North America. Long-term monitoring by UC Davis researcher Art Shapiro since 1972 documents this species as in conspicuous decline across its California range, with populations dwindling even in urban and weedy habitats where it was once abundant. The species is known to overwinter as adults in mild climates, emerging on warm winter days to nectar.
Vanessa virginiensis
American Lady, American Painted Lady
Vanessa virginiensis, commonly known as the American Lady or American Painted Lady, is a widespread butterfly found throughout North America. It belongs to the brush-footed butterfly family Nymphalidae and is closely related to the Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui) and the Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta). The species is known for its distinctive wing patterns and its habit of feeding on flower nectar. Unlike some of its Vanessa relatives, the American Lady is not strongly migratory in the mass-movement sense, though it does expand its range seasonally.