Texas butterflies photos and information – an inventory of frequent and notable butterfly species present in Texas.
With habitats starting from deserts to forests, Texas is dwelling to an enormous variety of totally different butterfly varieties – the state is dwelling to an estimated 450-plus butterfly species. On this web page, we checklist 25 frequent and / or noteworthy Texan butterflies.
Texas Butterflies Index
American Snout
- Scientific identify: Libytheana carinenta
- Household: Nymphalidae
- Wingspan: 1.5 to 2 inches (3.8 to five cm)
- Principal coloration(s): Brown, orange, white
- The place discovered: many elements of the southern United States, particularly in Texas and surrounding states, south into South America. It’s often present in wooded areas and close to rivers.
The American snout butterfly is well recognizable by its lengthy, beak-like mouthparts (palps) that stretch from its head, resembling a snout. Its forewings are primarily brown with orange and white patterns, whereas the hindwings are principally brown.
The butterfly’s elongated mouthparts, which resemble the stem of a leaf, and its foliage-like wing colours present wonderful camouflage. The species is commonly discovered close to hackberry timber, which function their larval meals supply.
The American snout is thought for its migratory habits–throughout some years, huge numbers of American snout butterflies can darken the skies of Texas and Mexico.
Black Swallowtail
- Scientific identify: Papilio polyxenes
- Household: Papilionidae
- Wingspan: 2.5 to 4.5 inches (63 to 115 mm)
- Principal coloration(s): Black with yellow, blue, and purple spots
- The place discovered: North America
One in all Texas’s most stunning butterflies, the black swallowtail is a putting insect with black wings adorned with yellow spots and a row of blue spots on the hind wings, with a central purple spot close to the tail.
Women and men differ barely in coloration, with females typically being extra subdued and having extra blue than the male.
The black swallowtail is usually present in fields, gardens, and meadows, significantly the place their host vegetation, corresponding to parsley and dill, are current.
The caterpillar of the black swallowtail is called the “parsley worm” after the plant on which it’s generally discovered. It’s both inexperienced or brown – a technique to make sure the survival of the best variety of caterpillars.
Cloudless Sulphur
- Scientific identify: Phoebis sennae
- Household: Pieridae
- Wingspan: 2 to three inches (51 to 76 mm)
- Principal coloration(s): Vivid yellow to pale greenish-yellow
- The place discovered: Southern United States, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean
The cloudless sulphur is a vibrant yellow butterfly, with males displaying a extra vivid yellow in comparison with the marginally paler females.
This species is very migratory and is commonly seen in open areas corresponding to fields, gardens, and alongside roadsides. Their larval host vegetation embody senna and partridge pea, that are sometimes discovered of their habitat vary.
Frequent Buckeye
- Scientific identify: Junonia coenia
- Household: Nymphalidae
- Wingspan: 1.5 to 2.7 inches (38 to 70 mm)
- Principal coloration(s): Brown with orange, white, and iridescent blue spots
- The place discovered: All through the US (besides the Pacific Northwest), southern Canada, and Mexico
The frequent buckeye butterfly is well recognizable by its daring eye spots on the wings, which function a protection mechanism towards predators. The higher facet of the wings is brown with orange bands and the distinctive eye spots.
This species is commonly present in open, sunny areas corresponding to fields, meadows, and alongside roadsides, the place their host vegetation like plantains and snapdragons are ample.
The frequent buckeye migrates as far north as southern Canada in the summertime, retreating to the southern United States and Mexico throughout the winter.
Frequent Wooden-Nymph
- Scientific identify: Cercyonis pegala
- Household: Nymphalidae
- Wingspan: 1.75 to three inches (44 to 76 mm)
- Principal coloration(s): Brown with two giant yellow-rimmed eyespots on forewings
- The place discovered: Jap and Central United States, elements of Canada, and the Nice Plains
The frequent wood-nymph butterfly has a delicate but distinctive look, with brown wings that includes two giant yellow-rimmed eyespots on the forewings, and ranging numbers of eyespots on its hindwings. It’s comparable in look to different wood-nymph butterflies of genus Cercyonis.
The frequent wood-nymph butterfly prefers grassy, open areas corresponding to meadows, prairies, and forest edges. Its larvae feed on numerous grasses, together with switchgrass and purpletop.
Dainty Sulphur
- Scientific identify: Nathalis iole
- Household: Pieridae
- Wingspan: 0.8 to 1.2 inches (20 to 30 mm)
- Principal coloration(s): Yellow with black markings
- The place discovered: Southern United States, Central America, and South America, often within the northern United States
The Dainty Sulphur is a small butterfly (the smallest North American member of its household), notable for its brilliant yellow wings with distinctive black markings alongside the perimeters and suggestions.
Regardless of its small dimension, the species is very adaptable and will be present in a wide range of open habitats corresponding to fields, roadsides, and disturbed areas. Its larvae feed on low-growing vegetation within the aster household, corresponding to marigold and fleabane, which thrive in these environments.
Jap Tiger Swallowtail
- Scientific identify: Papilio glaucus
- Household: Papilionidae
- Wingspan: 3.1 to five.5 inches (79 to 140 mm)
- Principal coloration(s): Yellow with black tiger stripes, blue and orange spots on the hindwings
- The place discovered: Jap United States, from New England to Florida, west to Texas, and the Nice Plains
The jap tiger swallowtail is a big and putting butterfly, simply acknowledged by its yellow wings with black tiger-like stripes. The hindwings function blue and orange spots, with females exhibiting extra blue on the hindwings in comparison with males.
This species is usually present in deciduous woodlands, river valleys, and gardens. It’s extremely adaptable and its larvae feed on a wide range of host vegetation, together with wild cherry, tulip tree, and willow.
This well-known butterfly is the state insect of Virginia and the state butterfly of Alabama.
Big Swallowtail
- Scientific identify: Papilio cresphontes
- Household: Papilionidae
- Wingspan: 5 to 7.4 inches (127 to 190 mm)
- Principal coloration(s): Black with yellow bands
- The place discovered: Southern and Central United States, elements of Canada, Mexico, Central America, and South America
The large swallowtail is the biggest butterfly not solely in Texas, however in the entire of North America. It may be distinguished by its giant dimension, black wings adorned with yellow bands, and the elongated tail streamers seen on many swallowtail butterflies. The underside of the wings is primarily yellow with blue and orange spots.
The large swallowtail is usually present in forests and citrus orchards, and may additionally be seen in gardens and open woodlands. Its larvae, often known as “orange canine,” feed on leaves of citrus timber and different members of the Rutaceae household, and is thought to be a pest by business growers.
Nice Purple Hairstreak
- Scientific identify: Atlides halesus
- Household: Lycaenidae
- Wingspan: 1.25 to 1.75 inches (32 to 45 mm)
- Principal coloration(s): Iridescent blue and black with purple and orange markings
- The place discovered: Southeastern United States, elements of Central America, and northern South America
The Nice Purple Hairstreak is a putting butterfly with iridescent blue higher wings contrasted by black borders and a brilliant purple spot close to the tail. The underside is usually darkish purple with orange spots. Extending from every of the hind wings are two tails, one longer than the opposite. These skinny tails give the butterfly its “hairstreak” identify.
This distinctive Texan butterfly is usually present in oak woodlands, pine-oak forests, and gardens, the place its larval host vegetation, mistletoes, develop. The adults are identified for his or her fast, erratic flight and are sometimes seen visiting flowers for nectar.
Gulf Fritillary
- Scientific identify: Agraulis vanillae
- Household: Nymphalidae
- Wingspan: 2.5 to three.7 inches (64 to 94 mm)
- Principal coloration(s): Vivid orange with black markings; silvery spots on the underside
- The place discovered: Southern United States, Central America, and South America, particularly in coastal areas
The Gulf fritillary is a vibrant butterfly identified for its brilliant orange wings adorned with black spots and features on the higher facet. The underside of the wings options putting silvery-white spots.
Like different members of the “longwing” subfamily, Heliconiinae, the Gulf fritillary has lengthy, slim wings. It’s a rapid-flying butterfly.
The Gulf fritillary thrives in heat climates and is commonly present in gardens, fields, and coastal areas the place its host vegetation, ardour vines, develop.
Hackberry Emperor
- Scientific identify: Asterocampa celtis
- Household: Nymphalidae
- Wingspan: 2 to 2.6 inches (51 to 66 mm)
- Principal coloration(s): Brown with darker brown and orange markings
- The place discovered: Central and Jap United States, elements of Mexico and southern Canada
The hackberry emperor is a medium-sized butterfly characterised by its brown wings with darker brown and orange spots and bars, and small eye spots on the decrease wings.
It’s usually discovered close to hackberry timber, its larval host plant, in habitats corresponding to woodlands, forest edges, and concrete areas.
Identified for its erratic flight sample, the grownup hackberry emperor feeds on fermenting fruit, tree sap, and animal droppings, slightly than flowers.
Little Yellow
- Scientific identify: Pyrisitia lisa
- Household: Pieridae
- Wingspan: 1.25 to 1.75 inches (32 to 45 mm)
- Principal coloration(s): Vivid yellow with black borders
- The place discovered: Southern United States, Central America, the Caribbean, and South America
The little yellow is a small butterfly with vibrant yellow wings edged with black or brown borders. The underside of the wings is paler with some brownish spots.
Discovered from the southern United States south to Costa Rica, the little yellow is often seen in open, sunny habitats like fields, gardens, roadsides, and disturbed areas. Its larvae feed on vegetation within the pea household, corresponding to Cassia and Senna.
The little yellow is thought for its fast, erratic flight and is incessantly seen fluttering near the bottom.
Monarch
- Scientific identify: Danaus plexippus
- Household: Nymphalidae
- Wingspan: 3.5 to 4 inches (89 to 102 mm)
- Principal coloration(s): Vivid orange with black and white markings
- The place discovered: North, Central, and South America; additionally present in Australia, New Zealand, and elements of Europe and Asia
Among the finest-known of all butterflies present in Texas, the monarch is known for its putting look and long-distance mass-migrations.
This iconic species has orange wings with black veins and white spots alongside the perimeters. Throughout its lengthy migratory journey, it travels hundreds of miles between North America and central Mexico.
Monarchs are sometimes present in meadows, gardens, prairies, and alongside roadsides. Their larvae feed completely on milkweed, which offers them with a chemical protection towards predators.
The Monarch’s migration and lifecycle, together with its transformation from caterpillar to chrysalis to butterfly, are topics of intensive scientific examine and public fascination.
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Painted Woman
- Scientific identify: Vanessa cardui
- Household: Nymphalidae
- Wingspan: 2 to 2.9 inches (50 to 74 mm)
- Principal coloration(s): Orange with black and white markings
- The place discovered: Worldwide, together with North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa
The painted girl is among the most widespread butterfly species, discovered not solely in North America, but additionally in all different continents besides Antarctica and South America.
This widespread species is acknowledged by its orange wings with black spots and white markings close to the information. The underside of the wings is mottled brown, offering wonderful camouflage.
The species inhabits a wide range of environments, from gardens and meadows to deserts and tundra. The larvae feed on a variety of host vegetation, together with thistles, mallows, and nettles.
Identified for his or her sturdy migratory habits, Painted Girls can journey lengthy distances, typically leading to giant inhabitants explosions in sure areas. Painted girls within the Outdated World migrate between Europe and Africa annually.
Pearl Crescent
- Scientific identify: Phyciodes tharos
- Household: Nymphalidae
- Wingspan: 1.25 to 1.75 inches (32 to 45 mm)
- Principal coloration(s): Orange with black markings and a few white spots
- The place discovered: All through the US, southern Canada, and northern Mexico
The Pearl Crescent is a small butterfly characterised by its orange wings with intricate black patterns and a few white spots close to the perimeters. The underside is paler with a crescent-shaped white mark, which supplies the species its identify.
Pearl crescents are generally present in open, sunny habitats corresponding to fields, roadsides, and gardens. Their larvae feed totally on asters. The species is thought for its variability in coloration patterns, making it a standard however attention-grabbing topic for butterfly fanatics.
A number of different members of the genus Phyciodes (a gaggle often known as the “crescents”) carefully resemble the pearl crescent.
Pipevine Swallowtail
- Scientific identify: Battus philenor
- Household: Papilionidae
- Wingspan: 2.8 to five inches (70 to 130 mm)
- Principal coloration(s): Iridescent blue-black on the higher facet; orange spots on the underside
- The place discovered: Jap and Central United States, elements of the Southwest, and Central America
The Pipevine Swallowtail is one among a number of species of swallowtail butterfly present in Texas. (Collectively, the swallowtails make up the household Papilionidae.)
The pipevine swallowtail is a putting species recognized by its iridescent blue-black higher wings and distinctive row of orange spots on the underside of the hindwings.
The species is commonly present in habitats the place pipevine vegetation develop, as these are the first host vegetation for his or her larvae. Typical environments embody forests, open woodlands, gardens, and fields.
The Pipevine Swallowtail’s vibrant coloration serves as a warning to predators about its toxicity, which is derived from the pipevine plant. The adults are sturdy fliers and are incessantly seen visiting flowers for nectar.
Queen Butterfly
- Scientific identify: Danaus gilippus
- Household: Nymphalidae
- Wingspan: 2.6 to three.1 inches (66 to 79 mm)
- Principal coloration(s): Reddish-brown with white spots and black borders
- The place discovered: Southern United States, Central America, South America, and infrequently within the southern elements of Canada
The queen butterfly is analogous in look to the Monarch however is usually smaller and has a extra reddish-brown hue. Its wings are marked with white spots and bordered with black. The undersides of the wings are paler with much less outstanding markings.
The queen will be present in open, sunny areas corresponding to fields, meadows, and gardens. Just like the monarch, queen larvae feed on milkweed, which makes them distasteful to predators. They’re usually seen fluttering slowly round their host vegetation or nectaring on numerous flowers.
Query Mark
- Scientific identify: Polygonia interrogationis
- Household: Nymphalidae
- Wingspan: 2.0 to 2.5 inches (50 to 64 mm)
- Principal coloration(s): Orange with black spots on the higher facet; brown with a silver comma-shaped mark on the underside
- The place discovered: Jap United States, southern Canada, and elements of Central America
The Query Mark butterfly is called for the distinct silver comma-shaped mark on the underside of its hindwings, which resembles a query mark. The higher facet of the wings is orange with black spots, whereas the underside is mottled brown, offering wonderful camouflage.
These butterflies are sometimes present in wooded areas, parks, and gardens. Their larvae feed on a wide range of host vegetation, together with elm, hackberry, and nettles. Adults are identified for his or her fast, erratic flight and are sometimes seen basking within the solar or feeding on tree sap, rotting fruit, and infrequently nectar.
Crimson Admiral
- Scientific identify: Vanessa atalanta
- Household: Nymphalidae
- Wingspan: 2 to three inches (50 to 76 mm)
- Principal coloration(s): Black with purple bands and white spots
- The place discovered: North America, Europe, Asia, and North Africa
The purple admiral is a putting butterfly with black wings adorned with brilliant purple bands and white spots close to the information of the forewings. The underside is a mottled brown, which helps with camouflage.
This butterfly is very adaptable and is discovered on all continents besides Antarctica and Australia. It inhabits a wide range of habitats, together with gardens, woodlands, and meadows. The larvae primarily feed on nettles.
The purple admiral is migratory, usually touring appreciable distances. Additionally it is identified for its sturdy territorial habits, incessantly seen defending its chosen basking spots towards different butterflies.
Sleepy Orange
- Scientific identify: Abaeis nicippe
- Household: Pieridae
- Wingspan: 1.5 to 2.25 inches (38 to 57 mm)
- Principal coloration(s): Vivid yellow-orange with black borders
- The place discovered: Southern United States, Central America, and elements of South America; often discovered within the northern United States
The sleepy orange butterfly is recognized by its brilliant yellow-orange wings bordered with black. The undersides of the wings are mottled brown and grey, offering camouflage when the butterfly is at relaxation.
This species is usually present in open habitats corresponding to fields, gardens, and roadsides. Its larvae feed on vegetation within the pea household, particularly senna and partridge pea.
The sleepy orange is claimed to be named both for the resting posture of its wings, which may give the looks of a sleepy expression, or for the small black mark on its forewings, which resembles a closed eye.
Regardless of its identify, the sleepy orange is thought for its fast, darting flight.
Southern Dogface
- Scientific identify: Zerene cesonia
- Household: Pieridae
- Wingspan: 1.75 to 2.5 inches (44 to 64 mm)
- Principal coloration(s): Vivid yellow with black borders and a dogface sample on the forewings
- The place discovered: Southern United States, Mexico, and Central America; often discovered within the northern United States
The Southern Dogface butterfly is well recognizable by the dogface-shaped sample on its forewings, fashioned by a mix of black and yellow markings. The higher facet of the wings is brilliant yellow with black borders, whereas the underside is mottled with shades of yellow and greenish-brown, offering wonderful camouflage.
These distinctive butterflies are sometimes present in open, sunny habitats corresponding to fields, meadows, and roadsides. Their larvae feed on numerous legumes, together with alfalfa and clover.
The Southern Dogface is thought for its swift, erratic flight and is commonly seen visiting flowers for nectar or basking within the solar with its wings open.
Texan Crescent
- Scientific identify: Anthanassa texana
- Household: Nymphalidae
- Wingspan: 1.1 to 1.6 inches (28 to 41 mm)
- Principal coloration(s): Black with orange and white markings
- The place discovered: Southern United States, Mexico, Central America, and South America
The Texan Crescent butterfly is a small species recognized by its black wings with orange bands and white spots. The undersides of the wings are mottled brown.
This butterfly is usually present in open, sunny areas corresponding to fields, gardens, and roadsides. The larvae feed on numerous vegetation within the acanthus household, corresponding to Ruellia.
Variegated Fritillary
- Scientific identify: Euptoieta claudia
- Household: Nymphalidae
- Wingspan: 1.75 to three inches (45 to 76 mm)
- Principal coloration(s): Orange-brown with black spots and features
- The place discovered: All through the US, southern Canada, Central America, and South America
The Variegated Fritillary is a medium-sized butterfly with orange-brown wings marked by intricate patterns of black spots and features. The underside of the wings is paler with extra subdued patterns, aiding in camouflage.
The species inhabits a wide range of open environments, together with fields, meadows, and roadsides. The larvae feed on a various vary of host vegetation, together with passionflower, violets, and purslane.
The Variegated Fritillary is thought for its sturdy, quick and low flight. Its generic identify Euptoieta means “simply scared”; the species will often fly away if approached.
Viceroy
- Scientific identify: Limenitis archippus
- Household: Nymphalidae
- Wingspan: 2.5 to three.25 inches (63 to 83 mm)
- Principal coloration(s): Orange with black and white markings, mimicking the Monarch butterfly
- The place discovered: All through the US, southern Canada, and northern Mexico
The Viceroy butterfly is well-known for its mimicry of the Monarch butterfly, sharing an analogous orange coloration with black veins and white spots on the wings. The important thing distinguishing function is the horizontal black line that runs throughout the hindwings, which is absent in Monarchs.
The Viceroy’s mimicry offers it with safety from predators who additionally keep away from Monarchs as a result of each species’ toxicity.
The Viceroy is usually present in moist, open environments corresponding to marshes, meadows, and edges of water our bodies. Its larvae primarily feed on willow, poplar, and cottonwood leaves.
Zebra Heliconian
- Scientific identify: Heliconius charithonia
- Household: Nymphalidae
- Wingspan: 2.75 to 4 inches (70 to 100 mm)
- Principal coloration(s): Black with yellow stripes
- The place discovered: Southern United States (significantly Florida and Texas), Central America, and South America
The zebra heliconian, also referred to as the zebra longwing, is well recognized by its distinctive black wings adorned with daring, longitudinal yellow stripes. This elegant butterfly prefers tropical and subtropical habitats corresponding to forests, gardens, and hammocks. Its larvae feed on passionflower vines, which give the caterpillars with toxins that make them distasteful to predators.
Adults are identified for his or her lengthy lifespan and distinctive habits of roosting communally at night time. They feed on each nectar and pollen, which is uncommon for butterflies and permits them to stay longer than many different species.
The zebra heliconian is the state butterfly of Florida.
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A number of Texas butterflies are additionally included on our checklist of the world’s most stunning butterflies: Lovely Butterflies
Yow will discover out extra about bugs on this web page: Bugs – The Final Information
Uncover extra invertebrates on this web page: Record Of Invertebrates
See an inventory of snakes present in Texas on this web page: Texas Snakes
Go to our primary animals web page for hyperlinks to animal data and an entire information to the animal kingdom: Animals