Black and yellow butterflies are among the most attractive and eye-catching butterfly species. Black and yellow butterfly species are widespread and can be found in almost any part of the planet.
No matter how much or how little experience you have with butterflies, seeing a black and yellow butterfly is bound to be arresting.
Since we cannot cover the over 2,000 species of black and yellow butterflies in the world in a single post, we’ll learn about the exciting world of 22 black and yellow butterflies, including how to identify them, how they behave, and what makes them unique.
Come with us as we look at the most important traits and species that make up the world of black and yellow butterflies.
Also See: 22 Common Black And Orange Butterflies (Id Features And Pictures)
22 Black And Yellow Butterflies And Identifying Features
#1. Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus)
The Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, scientifically known as Papilio glaucus, is a huge, multicolored butterfly that can reach a wingspan of up to 5.5 inches.
It is one of the butterflies that is most widespread and well-known throughout the continent of North America.
Size: Eastern Tiger Swallowtail is large, with a maximum wing span of 5.5 inches.
Coloration: Males of Eastern Tiger Swallowtail have tiger stripes that run down their yellow or golden-orange bodies, and females do not have these stripes.
The color of the females can range from yellow to orange to brown or even black.
Wings: The edges of the wings are black, and there are yellow spots all over them.
Additionally, there are black “tiger stripes” that run up the top of the wings.
Long tails with blue spots are found on the rear wings of the butterfly.
Caterpillar: The caterpillar has false eyespots that are orange, black, and green overall.
Habitat: There are many different environments in which the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail butterflies can be found, such as gardens, woodlands, and meadows.
They are particularly drawn to flowering plants, where they can eat the nectar that the flowers produce.
The Eastern Tiger Swallowtail can be found anywhere from southern Canada to northern Mexico in its natural habitat.
#2. Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes)
The Black Swallowtail, also known as Papilio polyxenes, is a species of butterfly that may be found in North America.
This butterfly is stunning and easy to recognize.
Size: Black Swallowtails have a 2.5–4-inch wingspan (6.4 to 10.2 centimeters).
Their sizes sometimes change because of factors like region and individual variation.
Coloration: Black Swallowtail wings are velvety black with bright yellow patterns on top.
Two rows of yellow dots line the forewings and hindwings.
A thick ring of iridescent blue or blue-green, which can vary in intensity, borders these yellow specks.
The Black Swallowtail is distinguished by its black, yellow, and blue patterns.
Wings: The forewings have a little hook and are long and pointed. Their wings flutter gracefully in flight.
The undersides of their wings are muted brown, which provides camouflage when the butterfly is resting.
Caterpillar: The Black Swallowtail caterpillar is amazing too. It has a green body with black bands and orange dots, which makes it stand out.
These caterpillars feed from the carrot family’s parsley, dill, fennel, and Queen Anne’s lace leaves.
Their stunning look alerts predators that they are toxic and unappealing.
Habitat: You will find the Black Swallowtails in gardens, meadows, fields, and woodland margins.
They feed on nectar-rich flowers and are commonly found near them.
From caterpillar to butterfly, their habitat changes. Caterpillars prefer the host plants, whereas adults seek nectar and mating in open regions.
#3. Clouded Sulphur (Colias philodice)
The Clouded Sulphur butterfly is a very active species, and it is not uncommon to see large numbers of these insects flying together.
When looking for a Clouded Sulphur butterfly, watch for the bright yellow color, black borders, and double spots with red rims and silver centers on the hind wings.
Size: The wingspan of the Clouded Sulphur butterfly is between 1.5 to 2.75 inches (2.75 and 5.5 centimeters.)
Coloration: Clouded Sulphur butterfly is bright yellow on the upper area of the wings, with black margins.
Females have broader margins with a row of yellow dots, whereas males’ borders are full black.
Both the fore and hind wings have a row of dark markings running along their undersides, which are lighter in color.
The caterpillar of the Clouded Sulphur butterfly is green overall, with a white lateral band and a thin green dorsal line.
The body is prickly, and the head is a bright yellow-green.
Habitat: Meadows, pastures, roadsides, and gardens are all suitable places to look for Clouded Sulphur butterflies.
#4. Orange Sulphur (Colias eurytheme)
The wings of the Orange Sulphur butterfly can range in color from a very light yellow to a vibrant orange.
Their flight patterns and the black margins on their wings make them highly recognized.
Look for the bright orange color in males and the black borders with a row of orange spots in females.
Size: The wingspan of this butterfly is between 2.75 and 5.5 centimeters.
Coloration: Males of the Orange Sulphur butterfly are bright orange on the upper surface of the wings, with black margins.
A row of orange dots runs along the back of a yellow or white background on females.
Both the fore and hind wings have a row of dark markings running along their undersides, which are lighter in color.
The caterpillar of the Orange Sulphur butterfly is green overall, with a white lateral band and a thin green dorsal line.
Habitat: Meadows, fields, roadsides, and gardens are familiar places to find Orange Sulphur butterflies.
#5. Sleepy Orange (Abaeis nicippe)
Another butterfly with black and yellow wings is the Sleepy Orange. It is a prevalent sight in the southern region of the United States and is notorious for its drifting, slow flight.
Sizes: 1.5 to 2.25 inches across the wings.
Coloration: The upper surfaces of the wings of both sexes are orange and have black margins.
Males have more clearly defined boundaries. Under the wings of this butterfly is a pale yellow, while the back wings have brown spots.
There is a little black dot in the middle of the forewings. The brown smudge pattern on the hind wings is diagonal.
The caterpillar is green with a white band across its back and yellow dots. It has a black head.
Habitat: The Sleepy Orange butterfly likes places with moist soil and lots of flowers that make nectar.
It is also drawn to mud puddles because they have minerals and salts that are good for its diet.
The caterpillar stages of the Sleepy Orange butterfly eat the leaves of legume plants like senna and partridge pea.
#6. Giant Swallowtail (Papilio cresphontes)
Size: Wingspan is 4 to 6.9 inches (10 to 18 cm) long, making it a somewhat large butterfly
Coloration: The upper surface of a male’s wings is black, with two yellow bands across the forewings and a row of yellow spots along the hindwings.
Females resemble males, but their yellow bands and orange patches on the wings are noticeably larger.
Giant Swallowtail caterpillars are green with black and white stripes and bright orange markings. There is a fake eye in the middle of its head.
Habitat: The Giant Swallowtail butterfly can be found in various environments, from forests and woodlands to gardens.
It has a strong preference for members of the Rutaceae family, which includes citrus trees.
#7. Julia Heliconian (Dryas iulia)
The Julia Heliconian butterfly is known for its swift flight. It is aposematically colored, which means that the brilliant orange hue serves as a warning signal to potential predators that the plant is toxic.
Keep an eye out for its vivid orange color, its black markings, and its long, slender wings.
Size: This butterfly is considered medium-sized, with a wing span of 3 and 3.5 inches (8 to 9 cm).
Coloration: The upper surface of the wings of males is a bright orange color, and they have black markings.
The orange color on the female is more muted, and it has more black patterns.
The wings are long and slender, and they have a silky, smooth feel.
The middle of the forewings are marked with a black spot, and the edges of the hindwings are also marked with black.
The caterpillar is green, with black spines and orange markings.
It has a fake eye spot perched on its head.
Habitat: The Julia Heliconian can be found in tropical and subtropical environments, such as gardens, forests, and woodlands.
It is particularly drawn to passionflower vines because they are the plants that can support its life.
#8. Orange-barred Sulphur (Phoebis philea)
The Orange-barred Sulphur (Phoebis philea) butterfly, found in North America, is beautiful and graceful with several distinguishing traits:
Size: The Orange-barred Sulphur butterfly has a 2.5–3.5-inch wingspan (6.4 to 8.9 centimeters).
Coloration: Its wings are bright lemon-yellow with orange bars on the forewings and hindwings.
This butterfly’s name comes from its orange bars. Its yellow-orange contrast makes it attractive.
The butterfly’s paler yellow wings with modest marbling and irregular dark markings provide excellent camouflage when resting on surfaces.
Orange-barred Sulphurs have elegant, fluttering wings that are large and somewhat rounded.
Its brilliant wings make it easy to spot in flight.
Orange-barred Sulphur caterpillars are greenish with thin longitudinal lines and little protuberances.
In their natural habitat, these caterpillars eat Cassia and Senna leaves.
Habitat: The Orange-barred Sulphur inhabits the US, Mexico, Central America, and South America.
You will commonly see Orange-barred Sulphur in fields, meadows, gardens, and near water.
These butterflies like nectar-rich blooms and are often seen near their food sources.
#9. Two-tailed Swallowtail (Papilio multicaudata)
The Two-tailed Swallowtail is a magnificent butterfly that has yellow wings that are striped with black and has two unusual projections that look like tails on the hindwings.
Size: The Two-tailed Swallowtail has a big wingspan of 3.5 to 4.5 inches (8.9 to 11.4 centimeters). Its size and unique look make it appealing in nature.
Coloration: The upper side of its wings is primarily black with bright yellow patterns. Named for its long, slender tails on the hindwings, the butterfly is called the “Two-tailed Swallowtail.”
Yellow patterns and tails stand out against the dark background.
The underside of its wings is paler, yellow and gray, and often iridescent blue or green.
The butterfly’s unusual appearance is enhanced by its hindwing tails from below.
The Two-tailed Swallowtail caterpillar is green with rows of huge, spherical, light-colored dots.
This caterpillar eats the leaves of citrus trees and bushes like wild lime, prickly ash, and others.
Habitat: Two-tailed swallowtails live in woodlands, canyons, hillsides, and other locations with good host plants for their caterpillars.
They are commonly found around waterways and riparian areas where their larval host plants grow.
The nectar-rich flowers of thistles, milkweeds, and other wildflowers attract these butterflies, which hover around them.
#10. Variable Checkerspot (Euphydryas chalcedona)
The orange wings of the Variable Checkerspot butterfly are decorated with black and yellow checkerboard patterns, giving it a distinct appearance.
Variable Checkerspot butterflies are commonly found in North America.
Size: The Variable Checkerspot butterfly is a medium-sized butterfly having a 1.5–2.5-inch wingspan (3.8 to 6.4 centimeters).
Coloration: Its wings are usually orange, brown, and black on top.
The hindwings are darker and contain black and orange checkered patterns, while the forewings exhibit stunning black and orange spots and bands.
This butterfly is distinguished by its elaborate checkerboard-like markings on the hindwings and a more muted color pattern on the underside of its wings.
Variable Checkerspot caterpillars are stunning. Its green body includes black spines and orange or yellow markings.
Asters and paintbrushes are among the host plants these caterpillars prefer.
Their spiky look and color warn predators that they may be harmful.
Habitat: Meadows, grasslands, and slopes are typical habitats for the Variable Checkerspot.
They favor sunny meadows and nectar-rich flowers, which feed adult butterflies.
#11. Yellow Admiral (Vanessa itea)
The Variable Yellow Admiral, also known as Limenitis arthemis, is a species of butterfly that belongs to the Nymphalidae family.
They can be found across North America, from the southern part of Canada to the northern part of Mexico.
Size: Yellow Admiral is 2–3 inches (5 to 7.5 cm) in wing span; therefore, it’s a medium-sized butterfly.
Coloration: The Variable Yellow Admiral is a polymorphic butterfly, meaning that its appearance can vary significantly from one specimen to another.
The upper surface of the wings of both sexes is predominantly yellow or orange, with black and white patterns.
The wings are brown underneath and covered in a pattern of white lines and dots.
The caterpillar is dark or black, with a line of orange spots running along its back.
On its head are a pair of long horns forked at the end.
Habitat: Variable Yellow Admiral lives in various environments, including Riparian areas (areas along rivers and streams), woodlands, meadows, and forests.
They can also be found in disturbed areas such as roadsides and abandoned fields.
#12. Mocker Swallowtail (Papilio dardanus)
The Mocker Swallowtail is a species of butterfly that is easily recognizable because of the black stripes and red patches found on its yellow wings.
These butterflies are native to sub-Saharan Africa, including Madagascar.
Size: The wing span of this large butterfly is about 4 to 5 inches.
Coloration: The Mocker Swallowtail butterfly is polymorphic, meaning it comes in various colors and patterns.
In particular, females have a high degree of polymorphism, allowing them to pass for several other butterfly species.
Most males are primarily black with white and yellow markings, while females display more variation in appearance.
The caterpillar is green, with black spines and orange markings.
Habitat: The Mocker Swallowtail is a very adaptable species that can be discovered in many environments, such as tropical rainforests, savannas, woodlands, open fields, gardens, and urban parks.
#13. Banded Peacock (Anartia fatima)
The Banded Peacock (Anartia fatima) is a butterfly in the Nymphalidae family. It is also called the Fatima’s Peacock or the Banded Fritillary. Its natural habitat is the Neotropics, which includes Mexico and Argentina.
Size: The Banded Peacock butterfly is a very small species, with a wing span that ranges from around 2 to 3 inches.
Coloration: Wings are brown on top, with white or cream bands in the middle and at the edges.
A broken red median band and a cream or white submarginal band can be seen on the hind wing.
There is a large eyespot on the back wing, and the underside of the wing is a marbled brown, gray, and white.
The caterpillar of Banded Peacock is green with black and white stripes and bright orange markings.
Long, forked horns protrude from its skull.
Habitat: The Banded Peacock can be found in different habitats, some of which are subtropical open and disturbed regions, such as fields, weedy places, orchards, and second growth.
#14. Mexican Yellow (Eurema mexicana)
The Mexican Yellow butterfly is a type of tiny butterfly that is characterized by its brilliant bright yellow wings and strong black patterns.
Both Mexico and the southwestern United States in the United States are its natural habitats.
Size: Mexican Yellow butterflies are 1.75–2.5 inches in wing span, which is considered a “medium” butterfly
Coloration: The upper surface of the wings is a vibrant yellow, bordered in black in an erratic pattern on the forewings and more subtly on the hindwings.
The undersides of the wings are a pale yellow, and there is a brown diagonal band across the hindwing and a single black dot at the middle of the forewing.
There is a sequence of yellow and black stripes running over the caterpillar’s back. Long, forked horns protrude from its skull.
Habitat: The Mexican Yellow is found in environments like open meadows, woods, and gardens. Its nectar-based diet makes it particularly fond of flowering plants.
Although initially found in Mexico and Central America, the Mexican Yellow now spends summers in the northern United States and Canada.
#15. Gold-ringed Catseye (Tisiphone abeona)
The Gold-ringed Catseye butterfly is easily identifiable by the brilliant yellow color of its wings, which are ornamented with black dots, and the magnificent gold ring-like pattern that is seen on the underside of the butterfly.
Size: This butterfly has a wing span between 1.5 and 2.5 inches (4 to 6 cm).
Coloration: The upper surface of the wings is a dark brown, and both the fore and hind wings have a series of gold-ringed ocelli (eyespots).
Underneath the wings is a sequence of tiny ocelli set against a background of brown, gray, and white.
The Gold-ringed Catseye’s natural habitat is not limited to the tropics or subtropics; it can be found in woodlands, gardens, and cultivated fields.
Its nectar-based diet makes it particularly fond of flowering plants.
The Gold-ringed Catseye is found throughout Central and South America, as well as the Caribbean.
#16. Schrenck’s Emperor (Teinopalpus aureus)
The Schrenck’s Emperor, also known as Teinopalpus aureus, is a species of butterfly that belongs to the Papilionidae family.
It can be found in Central Asia, from the southeast of Kazakhstan to the northwest of China.
Sizes: This is a large butterfly with a wing span of between 3.5 and 4.3 inches (9 to 11 cm).
Coloration: The upper surface of the wings is a golden orange color, with a dark brown border and some black specks on them.
A lighter shade of orange can be seen on the underside of the wings, which also feature a darker brown border and a more pronounced pattern of black spots.
The hindwing is equipped with a pair of lengthy, slender tails.
Habitat: Schrenck’s Emperor inhabits mixed forests, riparian woodlands, and meadows.
The Schrenck’s Emperor is particularly drawn to locations with flowers that produce nectar, such as alfalfa, milkweed, and clover.
In addition, it favors habitats that are brightly lit and have high average temperatures.
#17. Yellow Pansy (Junonia hierta)
The Yellow Pansy butterfly, Junonia hierta, is beautiful and has some unique traits:
Size: Yellow Pansies are small butterflies with wings about 1.5 to 2 inches across. Their small size makes them look even more delicate and graceful.
Coloration: The top side of their wings has intricate patterns, such as dark brown to black spots and prominent eyespots that help keep potential predators away.
These patterns are different for each butterfly.
Often, the undersides of their wings are paler and have the same markings.
Habitat: Yellow pansies can be found in gardens, meadows, and open woods, among other open areas.
Places with flowers that produce nectar, such lantana, milkweed, and asters, are particularly where you will see the Yellow Pansy Butterfly. It also favors surroundings that are warm and sunny.
#18. Yellow Jezebel (Delias agostina)
The Yellow Jezebel, or Delis agostina, is a butterfly of the family Pieridae, sometimes known as the yellows and whites. It is of a medium size.
Size: a butterfly of average size, measuring between 2.5 and 3 inches (6.4 to 7.6 cm) across its wing span
Coloration: The upper surface of the wings of males is bright yellow, and there are small black specks located at the tips of the forewings.
The females of Yellow Jezebel have a similar color pattern to the males, but the yellow on their wings is paler, and there are more widespread black markings on their bodies.
There are a few black specks scattered throughout the pale yellow underside of the wings.
Habitat: The Yellow Jezebel can be found in various habitats such as thick mixed forests, secondary forests, and forests along rivers; you will also see them in open areas in forests, hill forests, gardens, and woodlands.
Areas with Lantana, Ixora, and Buddleia flowers, which provide nectar, are desirable to the Yellow Jezebel.
The Yellow Jezebel is native to Asia and can be found everywhere, from India to Japan.
#19. Citrus Swallowtail (Papilio demodocus)
The Citrus Swallowtail is also frequently called the citrus butterfly, the orange dog, and the Christmas butterfly. Because of its remarkable coloring, it is a butterfly that collectors highly sought after.
Size: This butterfly is considered medium-sized, with a wing span of 2.5 and 3.5 inches (6.4 to 8.9 cm).
Coloration: The males’ wings are black with white and yellow markings, including a big yellow patch on the hindwings.
Females have black wings without any white or yellow markings.
The coloration of the male and female are identical, except that the female has more extensive yellow markings and a row of orange spots on the hindwings.
Habitat: The Citrus Swallowtail can be found in various habitats, some of which are gardens, woodlands, and forests.
It is mainly drawn to citrus trees, but it also feeds on other plants in the Rutaceae family.
Citrus trees are especially popular targets. You will see the Citrus Swallowtail throughout Africa, Asia, and Australia.
#20. Southern Dogface (Zerene cesonia)
The Southern Dogface, also known as the Zerene cesonia, is a butterfly found in North and South America.
The Southern Dogface is an exceptionally swift and agile flyer. Keep an eye out for the yellow wings that are of medium size and have a black border.
The forewings have a black marking that looks like a dog’s face.
Size: This butterfly is considered to be of medium size, having a wing span of 1.75 to 2.5 inches (4.4 to 6.3 cm).
Coloration: The upper surface of the wings is yellow, and there is a conspicuous black “dog’s face” marking on the forewing.
The underside of the wings is black. There are a few black specks scattered throughout the pale yellow underside of the wings.
Habitat: The Southern Dogface can be found in open environments, such as roadsides, open woodlands, riverbanks, gardens, fields, and urban areas.
Southern Dogface butterflies may sometimes go to fields used for farming, especially if there are flowering plants or wildflowers growing along the edges of the fields.
The southern portions of Canada and the United States, as well as parts of the United States, Mexico, and Central America, are home to the Southern Dogface.
#21. Canadian Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio canadensis)
Similar to the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus), the Canadian Tiger Swallowtail is recognizable by its orange patterns on the hindwings and its smaller size.
The Canadian Tiger Swallowtail is most likely the butterfly perched on birch, aspen, or black cherry trees.
Size: This butterfly is considered medium-sized, with a wing span of 2.5 and 3.1 inches (6.4 to 7.9 cm).
Coloration: Coloration consists of yellow wings with black stripes and borders on both males and females.
A line of orange dots runs along the back of the wings. The orange markings on the female are much more substantial than those on the male.
Habitat: The Canadian Tiger Swallowtail calls deciduous and mixed forests in the southern portion of Canada and the northern United States of America its home habitat.
Because its caterpillars feed on birch, aspen, and black cherry trees, this insect is particularly drawn to those species of plants.
#22. Cairns Birdwing
The stunningly beautiful Cairns Birdwing butterfly (Ornithoptera euphorion) lives in northern Australia, mostly in the tropical rainforests of Queensland.
This butterfly can be easily recognized by its big size, bright colors, and unique markings.
Size: The Cairns Birdwing is one of the largest species of butterfly found in Australia with Its wing span reaching up to 5.9 inches at its maximum (15 centimeters)
Coloration: The male’s wings have magnificent emerald green and black upper surfaces.
Its vivid green color contrasts with the black background, making it royal. Its hindwings have vivid red and white markings, adding to its beauty.
Female Cairns Birdwings have larger black wings with bright yellow or white patches and bands. These marks are less vivid than the males’ yet still stand out against the black backdrop.
Habitat: The Cairns Birdwing butterfly lives in northeastern Australia’s tropical rainforests and lush coastal areas, especially Queensland.
Since their larvae eat the leaves of the Dutchman’s pipevine (Aristolochia tagala), a common rainforest understory plant, these butterflies are very dependent on their habitat.
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CONCLUSION: 22 Black And Yellow Butterflies: Pictures with Identifying Features
In this post, we looked at the intriguing world of these colorful insects and highlighted the distinctive characteristics of 22 species of black and yellow butterflies.
The black and yellow butterfly family consists of many different species, each with its unique characteristics. The Common Brimstone, the Clouded Yellow, and the Tiger Swallowtail are examples of widespread black-and-yellow butterflies.
These butterflies are widely distributed and can be spotted in various environments like riversides and streamsides, gardens and parks, fields and meadows, farmland, and mountain habitats.
As we come to an end, we hope this visual guide to black and yellow butterflies will help you identify these butterfly species and inspire you to learn more about the natural world around you.