We will explore and identify 40 Florida butterflies, with pictures showcasing their unique beauty.
Each species has unique characteristics, colors, and wing patterns, making them distinct and easily recognizable.
Florida, with its diverse landscapes and favorable climate is a haven for over 180 verified butterfly species.
From White Peacock, Black Swallowtail, Painted Lady, Viceroy Butterfly, to Clouded Sulphur Butterfly, Common Buckeye, Peck’s Skipper, and Common Wood-Nymph are some of the species of butterflies you can find in Florida.
I will focus on 40 common butterfly species found in Florida since they are too many to discuss all at once here.
Let us delve into the fascinating details of each butterfly, uncovering their identifying features and shedding light on their behaviors.
Also See: 22 Common Butterflies In Utah (ID With Pictures)
Identifying 40 Florida Butterflies
#1. Red-spotted Purple Butterfly
Size: The Red-spotted Purple is a medium-sized butterfly with a wingspan ranging from 2.5 to 3.5 inches (6.4 to 8.9 cm).
Coloration and Wing Patterns: This butterfly has dark blue-black wings with iridescent blue scales.
The upper side of its wings features red spots near the base and along the outer edges.
When the wings are open, the blue coloration and red spots create a striking contrast.
Identifying Features: The Red-spotted Purple butterfly resembles the Pipevine Swallowtail, a poisonous butterfly.
This mimicry protects from predators. The underside of its wings is a mottled brown color with a metallic silver-blue band. It also has a row of orange spots near the outer edges.
Unique Behaviors: The Red-spotted Purple is known for its swift and agile flight. It is often seen gliding and swooping through forested areas.
This butterfly strongly prefers wooded habitats and is rarely found in open spaces.
#2. Viceroy Butterfly
Size: The Viceroy butterfly is a medium-sized butterfly with a wingspan ranging from 2.75 to 3.25 inches (7 to 8.3 cm).
Coloration and Wing Patterns: This butterfly has orange wings with black veins and borders.
It resembles the Monarch butterfly but can be distinguished by a black line across its hindwings. The Viceroy also has a more rounded shape compared to the Monarch.
Identifying Features: The Viceroy’s wings are covered in scales that give them a velvety appearance.
The undersides of its wings are lighter in color, with a pale orange hue. The Viceroy has a distinctive black line across the hindwings, which helps differentiate it from similar species.
Unique Behaviors: The Viceroy butterfly is known for its slow and leisurely flight. It can often be found near wetland areas and meadows.
This butterfly relies on mimicry, imitating the appearance of the toxic Monarch butterfly to deter potential predators.
#3. Clouded Sulphur Butterfly
Size: The Clouded Sulphur is a small butterfly with a wingspan ranging from 1.25 to 2.5 inches (3.2 to 6.4 cm).
Coloration and Wing Patterns: This butterfly has pale yellow wings with a subtle greenish hue.
The wings are slightly translucent, allowing light to pass through. The males have more vibrant yellow coloration compared to the females.
Identifying Features: The Clouded Sulphur has rounded wings and a relatively small body. Its wings have a smooth texture and lack distinct patterns or markings.
The pale yellow coloration helps it blend in with flowers and foliage.
Unique Behaviors: The Clouded Sulphur is an active butterfly with a swift and erratic flight.
It can often fly low to the ground, visiting a wide range of open habitats such as fields, meadows, and gardens.
This butterfly has a strong affinity for nectar-rich flowers.
#4. Orange Sulphur Butterfly
Size: The Orange Sulphur is a small to medium-sized butterfly with a wingspan ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 inches (3.8 to 6.4 cm).
Coloration and Wing Patterns: This butterfly features bright orange wings with black borders and spots.
The upper side of its wings has a vibrant orange coloration, while the undersides are a paler shade of orange.
Identifying Features: The Orange Sulphur has relatively rounded wings and a compact body. Its wings have a slightly textured appearance, and the black borders and spots create a striking contrast against the orange background.
Unique Behaviors: The Orange Sulphur is a common butterfly found in a variety of open habitats, including gardens, fields, and roadsides.
It has a rapid and erratic flight pattern, rushing from one flower to another in search of nectar.
#5. American Copper Butterfly
Size: The American Copper is a small butterfly with a wingspan of 0.75 to 1.25 inches (1.9 to 3.2 cm).
Coloration and Wing Patterns: This butterfly has copper-colored wings with black spots and borders. The upper side of its wings is predominantly orange-brown, while the undersides have a coppery sheen.
Identifying Features: American Copper has a delicate and petite appearance. Its wings are rounded and slightly scalloped along the edges.
The copper coloration is distinctive and sets it apart from other butterfly species.
Unique Behaviors: American Copper can often be found in grassy areas, meadows, and open woodlands.
It has a quick and darting flight close to the ground, resembling a skipping motion. This butterfly basks in the sun, perching on low vegetation.
#6. Spring Azure Butterfly
Size: The Spring Azure is a small butterfly with a wingspan ranging from 0.75 to 1.25 inches (1.9 to 3.2 cm).
Coloration and Wing Patterns: This delicate butterfly has pale blue wings. The males have a bluish hue, while the females’ wings display a more silvery appearance. Both the upper and undersides of its wings have the same coloration.
Identifying Features: The Spring Azure has rounded wings and a slender body. Its wings are relatively smooth, lacking prominent markings or patterns.
The pale blue coloration gives it an ethereal and delicate appearance.
Unique Behaviors: The Spring Azure frequents open habitats, including meadows, gardens, and woodland edges.
It has a delicate and fluttery flight pattern, gliding from flower to flower in search of nectar. This butterfly is often seen in the company of other small butterfly species.
#7. Eastern Tailed-Blue Butterfly
Size: The Eastern Tailed-Blue is a small butterfly with a wingspan ranging from 0.75 to 1 inch (1.9 to 2.5 cm).
Coloration and Wing Patterns: This butterfly has light blue wings with a black border and a thin tail-like projection on its hindwings.
The blue coloration is more vibrant in males, while females’ wings display a slightly paler shade.
Identifying Features: The Eastern Tailed-Blue has relatively rounded wings and a compact body.
The black border and tail-like projection are distinctive features for identification. Its wings have a smooth texture and lack prominent markings.
Unique Behaviors: The Eastern Tailed-Blue frequents open habitats, garden areas, and meadows.
It has a quick and fluttery flight, often flying close to the ground. This butterfly is known to be attracted to a variety of flowers, especially legumes.
#8. Northern Crescent Butterfly
Size: The Northern Crescent is a medium-sized butterfly with a wingspan ranging from 1.5 to 2 inches (3.8 to 5.1 cm).
Coloration and Wing Patterns: This butterfly has orange-brown wings with black markings.
The upper side of its wings has a mottled appearance, while the undersides feature distinct black and silver spots.
Identifying Features: The Northern Crescent has a distinctive shape with angled forewings and rounded hindwings.
Its wings have a textured appearance with intricate patterns. The black and silver spots on the undersides are key identifying features.
Unique Behaviors: The Northern Crescent can be found in various habitats, including meadows, woodland edges, and roadsides.
It has a swift and agile flight, often perching on low vegetation. This butterfly is known to bask in the sun, opening and closing its wings to regulate body temperature.
#9. Common Wood-Nymph Butterfly
Size: The Common Wood-Nymph is a medium-sized butterfly with a wingspan of 1.75 to 2.5 inches (4.4 to 6.4 cm).
Coloration and Wing Patterns: This butterfly has brown wings with subtle eye spots near the edges.
The upper side of its wings has a mottled appearance, while the undersides are lighter in color.
Identifying Features: The Common Wood-Nymph has broad, rounded, slightly scalloped wings.
Its wings have a textured surface and a mixture of light and dark brown tones. The eye spots are more prominent on the undersides.
Unique Behaviors: The Common Wood-Nymph prefers grassy areas, including meadows, fields, and woodland clearings. It has a slow and erratic flight, gliding low to the ground.
Common Wood-Nymph butterfly is known to rest on vegetation with its wings closed, blending in with its surroundings.
#10. Common Ringlet Butterfly
Size: The Common Ringlet is a small butterfly with a wingspan ranging from 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5 to 3.8 cm).
Coloration and Wing Patterns: This butterfly has dark brown wings with a distinctive ring-shaped spot on each forewing.
The upper side of its wings has a velvety appearance, while the undersides are lighter in color.
Identifying Features: The Common Ringlet has relatively rounded wings with a scalloped edge.
Its wings have a textured surface, and the ring-shaped spot near the center of each forewing is a key identifying feature.
The overall coloration is dark brown with subtle variations.
Unique Behaviors: The Common Ringlet prefers grassy habitats, including meadows and prairies.
It has a low and fluttering flight close to the ground, rarely venturing high into the air. This butterfly is often found in shaded areas or on overcast days.
#11. Peck’s Skipper Butterfly
Size: Peck’s Skipper is a small butterfly with a wingspan of 0.75 to 1 inch (1.9 to 2.5 cm).
Coloration and Wing Patterns: This butterfly has brown wings with a unique pattern of light spots. The upper side of its wings has a uniform brown coloration, while the undersides are lighter.
Identifying Features: Peck’s Skipper has relatively rounded wings and a compact body.
The wings are slightly textured, and the light spots on the undersides create a distinctive pattern. The overall coloration is brown with subtle variations.
Unique Behaviors: Peck’s Skipper can be found in open fields, meadows, and roadsides.
It has a quick and darting flight, resembling a skipping motion. This butterfly is known to visit a variety of flowers, particularly those with composite inflorescences.
#12. Common Buckeye Butterfly
Size: The Common Buckeye is a medium-sized butterfly with a wingspan of 1.75 to 2.6 inches (4.4 to 6.6 cm).
Coloration and Wing Patterns: This butterfly has brown wings with prominent orange eyespots on the upper side.
The forewings feature two large eyespots, while the hindwings have a row of smaller eyespots. The undersides of its wings are marbled with intricate patterns of brown, cream, and black.
Identifying Features: The Common Buckeye has a unique and recognizable wing pattern, with the prominent eyespots being its most distinctive feature. The wings are textured, and the intricate markings provide excellent camouflage.
Unique Behaviors: The Common Buckeye can be found in various open habitats, including meadows, fields, and roadsides.
It has a fast and erratic flight, often perching on low vegetation. This butterfly is known for its territorial behavior, defending its favorite perching spots.
#13. Pearl Crescent Butterfly
Size: The Pearl Crescent is a small to medium-sized butterfly with a wingspan from 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5 to 3.8 cm).
Coloration and Wing Patterns: This butterfly has orange-brown wings with black markings. The upper side of its wings has a mottled appearance, while the undersides are lighter in color.
The wings also feature a row of small pearl-like crescent-shaped spots near the outer edges.
Identifying Features: The Pearl Crescent has rounded wings and a compact body. Its wings have a textured surface, and the pearl crescents on the undersides are a key identifying feature. The overall coloration is orange-brown with black markings.
Unique Behaviors: The Pearl Crescent is often found in open habitats such as meadows, fields, and roadsides.
It has a quick and darting flight close to the ground. This butterfly is known to visit a variety of flowers, especially those from the aster family.
#14. Question Mark Butterfly
Size: The Question Mark is a medium-sized butterfly with a wingspan of 2.25 to 2.75 inches (5.7 to 7 cm).
Coloration and Wing Patterns: This butterfly has brown wings with intricate patterns and markings.
The upper side of its wings has a mottled appearance, while the undersides are lighter in color. The forewings feature a silver question mark-shaped marking near the apex.
Identifying Features: The Question Mark has relatively rounded wings and a compact body.
Its wings have a textured surface with intricate brown, cream, and gray patterns. The silver question mark on the forewings is a key identifying feature.
Unique Behaviors: The Question Mark can be found in various habitats, including woodlands, forest edges, and gardens.
It has a slow and fluttery flight, often seen perching on tree trunks or the ground. This butterfly is known to feed on rotting fruits and tree sap.
#15. Zebra Longwing (Heliconius charithonia)
Size: Medium-sized butterfly with a wingspan of 2.5 to 3.5 inches.
Physical Characteristics: Black wings with distinctive long, narrow yellow stripes.
Identifying Features: The zebra-like pattern on its wings makes it easily recognizable. It has a slow and graceful flight.
#16. Gulf Fritillary (Agraulis vanillae)
Size: Medium-sized butterfly with a wingspan of 2.5 to 3.5 inches.
Physical Characteristics: Bright orange wings with black markings and silver spots on the undersides.
Identifying Features: The upper side of the wings has intricate black markings, while the undersides have silver spots. It has a swift and erratic flight.
#17. Monarch (Danaus plexippus)
Size: Large butterfly with a wingspan of 3.5 to 4 inches.
Physical Characteristics: Orange wings with black veins and borders and white spots on the black borders.
Identifying Features: The vibrant orange color with black veins and borders is a key characteristic. Monarchs undergo long-distance migrations and rely on milkweed plants.
#18. Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus)
Size: Large butterfly with a wingspan of 3.5 to 5.5 inches.
Physical Characteristics: Yellow wings with black tiger stripes and blue and orange spots near the tails.
Identifying Features: The black tiger stripes on the wings are distinctive. Females have two color variations: yellow and black, while males are predominantly yellow.
#19. Julia Heliconian (Dryas iulia)
Size: Medium-sized butterfly with a wingspan of 2.5 to 3 inches.
Physical Characteristics: Bright orange wings with black markings and iridescent blue streaks near the body.
Identifying Features: The vibrant orange color and iridescent blue streaks on the wings are key features. It has a slow and graceful flight.
#20. Great Southern White (Ascia monuste)
Size: Medium-sized butterfly with a wingspan of 2.5 to 3.5 inches.
Physical Characteristics: White wings with black tips and black veins.
Identifying Features: The white color with black tips is a distinguishing feature. It has a rapid flight and is commonly found in open areas.
#21. Pipevine Swallowtail (Battus philenor)
Size: Medium-sized butterfly with a wingspan of 3 to 4 inches.
Physical Characteristics: Black wings with iridescent blue scaling and white spots.
Identifying Features: The iridescent blue scaling on the black wings is unique. It mimics the Red-spotted Purple for protection.
#22. Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes)
Size: Medium-sized butterfly with a wingspan of 3 to 4 inches.
Physical Characteristics: Black wings with yellow markings and a row of yellow spots on the hind wings.
Identifying Features: The combination of black wings and yellow markings is distinctive. It has a swift and erratic flight.
#23. Queen (Danaus gilippus)
Size: Medium-sized butterfly with a wingspan of 2.5 to 3.5 inches.
Physical Characteristics: Orange wings with black veins and borders and white spots on the black borders.
Identifying Features: Similar to the Monarch, but smaller in size. It has a swift and direct flight.
#24. Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui)
Size: Medium-sized butterfly with a wingspan of 2 to 2.8 inches.
Physical Characteristics: Orange-brown wings with black and white spots.
Identifying Features: The delicate orange-brown wings with black and white spots are characteristic. It is a highly migratory species.
#25. Eastern Comma Butterfly
Size: The Eastern Comma is a medium-sized butterfly with a wingspan of 1.75 to 2.5 inches (4.4 to 6.4 cm).
Coloration and Wing Patterns: This butterfly has orange-brown wings with intricate black and brown patterns.
The upper side of its wings has a mottled appearance, while the undersides are lighter in color. The forewings feature a distinct white comma-shaped marking.
Identifying Features: The Eastern Comma has rounded wings with a slightly scalloped edge.
Its wings have a textured surface with intricate brown, black, and cream patterns. The white comma-shaped marking on the forewings is a key identifying feature.
Unique Behaviors: The Eastern Comma is often found in woodland areas, forest edges, and gardens. It has a slow and fluttery flight, frequently seen perching on leaves or tree trunks. This butterfly feeds on rotting fruits, tree sap, and nectar from various flowers.
#26. Atala (Eumaeus atala)
Size: The Atala butterfly, native to Florida, is a visually striking species. Despite its small size, measuring around 1.5 to 2 inches in wingspan, it boasts vibrant colors and distinct wing patterns.
Coloration and Wing Patterns: The wings are predominantly black with iridescent blue spots and red-orange markings.
Identifying Features: The Atala butterfly can be easily identified by its unique features, including the red-orange abdomen and the black wings adorned with blue patches. These striking colors serve as a warning to predators, indicating their toxicity.
Unique Behaviors: The Atala butterfly has a remarkable behavior of feeding exclusively on the coontie plant, which contains toxic compounds that protect it from predators.
This specialization in diet and its bright coloration make the Atala butterfly a fascinating and memorable sight in the Florida landscape.
#27. Baltimore Checkerspot Butterfly
Size: The Baltimore Checkerspot is a medium-sized butterfly with a wingspan of 1.75 to 2.5 inches (4.4 to 6.4 cm).
Coloration and Wing Patterns: This butterfly has black wings with distinct orange and white markings.
The upper side of its wings has a checkered pattern, while the undersides are lighter in color. The forewings feature prominent orange patches near the apex.
Identifying Features: The Baltimore Checkerspot has rounded wings with a slightly scalloped edge.
Baltimore Checkerspot wings have a smooth surface with intricate black, orange, and white patterns. The checkered pattern on the upper side and the orange patches are key identifying features.
Unique Behaviors: The Baltimore Checkerspot can be found in wetland areas, including marshes and stream banks.
Baltimore Checkerspot has a slow and fluttery flight, often perching on vegetation. This butterfly feeds on nectar from various flowers, particularly those from the mint family.
#28. Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
Size: The Eastern Tiger Swallowtail is a large butterfly with a wingspan ranging from 3.5 to 5.5 inches (8.9 to 14 cm).
Coloration and Wing Patterns: This butterfly exhibits sexual dimorphism. Females have two color variations, yellow and black, while males are predominantly yellow. Both genders have distinct black tiger stripes on their wings.
The undersides of their wings are pale yellow with black markings.
Identifying Features: The Eastern Tiger Swallowtail has large and elongated wings with a smooth surface.
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail wingspan and distinctive black tiger stripes make it easily recognizable. The color variation between males and females is also a key identifying feature.
Unique Behaviors: The Eastern Tiger Swallowtail can be found in different habitats, including forests, fields, and gardens. It has a slow and graceful flight, often seen fluttering around flowers. This butterfly feeds on nectar from various flowers, such as milkweed and lilac.
#29. Spicebush Swallowtail Butterfly
Size: The Spicebush Swallowtail is a medium-sized butterfly with a wingspan ranging from 2.5 to 4 inches (6.4 to 10.2 cm).
Coloration and Wing Patterns: This butterfly has black wings with distinctive blue crescents near the hindwing tails. The upper side of its wings also features blue scaling. The undersides are predominantly green with black markings.
Identifying Features: The Spicebush Swallowtail has elongated wings with a smooth surface. The blue crescents near the hindwing tails and the blue scaling on the upper side are key identifying features. The overall coloration is black with blue and green accents.
Unique Behaviors: The Spicebush Swallowtail can be found in woodland areas, forest edges, and gardens. It has a slow and graceful flight, often perching on leaves and flowers.
Spicebush Swallowtail butterfly is known to feed on nectar from various flowers, with a particular preference for spicebush and milkweed.
#30. Black Swallowtail Butterfly
Size: The Black Swallowtail is a medium-sized butterfly with a wingspan ranging from 2.75 to 4 inches (7 to 10.2 cm).
Coloration and Wing Patterns: This butterfly has black wings with prominent yellow markings.
The upper side of its wings features a row of large yellow spots near the hindwing tails. The undersides are similar but with additional blue scaling.
Identifying Features: The Black Swallowtail has elongated wings with a smooth surface.
The prominent yellow markings on the black wings and the row of large yellow spots near the hindwing tails are key identifying features.
The undersides also exhibit blue scaling.
Unique Behaviors: The Black Swallowtail can be found in various habitats, including meadows, fields, and gardens.
It has a slow and graceful flight, often seen fluttering around flowers. This butterfly feeds on nectar from various flowers, such as milkweed and thistle.
#31. Giant Swallowtail Butterfly
Size: The Giant Swallowtail is a large butterfly with a wingspan ranging from 4.5 to 6.5 inches (11.4 to 16.5 cm).
Coloration and Wing Patterns: This butterfly has black wings with yellow bands and spots.
The upper side of its wings features prominent yellow bands, while the undersides are similar but with additional blue scaling.
Identifying Features: The Giant Swallowtail has elongated wings with a smooth surface.
The black wings with prominent yellow bands and spots are key identifying features. The undersides also exhibit blue scaling.
Unique Behaviors: The Giant Swallowtail can be found in various habitats, including forests, fields, and gardens. It has a slow and graceful flight, often seen fluttering around flowers. This butterfly feeds on nectar from various flowers, such as milkweed and lantana.
#32. Common Sootywing Butterfly
Size: The Common Sootywing is a small to medium-sized butterfly with a wingspan ranging from 1.25 to 1.5 inches (3.2 to 3.8 cm).
Coloration and Wing Patterns: This butterfly has dark brown wings with lighter brown spots.
The upper side of its wings has a mottled appearance, while the undersides are lighter in color.
Identifying Features: The Common Sootywing has rounded wings and a compact body.
Its wings have a textured surface with lighter brown spots. The overall coloration is dark brown with subtle variations.
Unique Behaviors: The Common Sootywing can be found in various open habitats, including meadows, fields, and roadsides.
It has a quick and darting flight close to the ground. This butterfly feeds on nectar from various flowers, such as milkweed and thistle.
#33. Clouded Sulphur Butterfly
Size: The Clouded Sulphur is a small to medium-sized butterfly with a wingspan ranging from 1.25 to 2 inches (3.2 to 5.1 cm).
Coloration and Wing Patterns: This butterfly has yellow wings with variable amounts of pale green on the undersides.
The upper side of its wings has a smooth appearance, while the undersides are lighter in color.
Identifying Features: The Clouded Sulphur has rounded wings and a compact body. Its wings have a smooth surface with a slight sheen. The overall coloration is yellow with subtle variations.
Unique Behaviors: The Clouded Sulphur can be seen in open habitats such as like meadows, fields, and gardens. It has a quick and fluttery flight close to the ground. This butterfly is known to feed on nectar from various flowers, particularly those from the legume family.
#34. Gray Hairstreak Butterfly
Size: The Gray Hairstreak is a small butterfly with a wingspan ranging from 1 to 1.25 inches (2.5 to 3.2 cm).
Coloration and Wing Patterns: This butterfly has gray wings with prominent orange markings near the tails.
The upper side of its wings has a mottled appearance, while the undersides are lighter in color.
Identifying Features: The Gray Hairstreak has relatively rounded wings and a compact body. Its wings have a textured surface with intricate patterns of gray and orange. The overall coloration is gray with subtle variations.
Unique Behaviors: The Gray Hairstreak can often be seen in open habitats such as meadows, fields, and gardens. It has a quick and darting flight close to the ground. Gray Hairstreak butterfly is known to feed on nectar from various flowers, particularly those from the aster family.
#35. Eastern Pine Elfin Butterfly
Size: The Eastern Pine Elfin is a small butterfly with a wingspan ranging from 0.75 to 1 inch (1.9 to 2.5 cm).
Coloration and Wing Patterns: This butterfly has brown wings with intricate patterns of brown, orange, and white.
The upper side of its wings has a mottled appearance, while the undersides are lighter in color. The hindwings feature a row of distinct orange crescents.
Identifying Features: The Eastern Pine Elfin has relatively rounded wings and a compact body. Its wings have a textured surface with intricate brown, orange, and white patterns.
The row of orange crescents on the hindwings is a key identifying feature.
Unique Behaviors: The Eastern Pine Elfin can be found in coniferous forests and woodland areas.
It has a swift and agile flight, often perching on conifer needles. This butterfly is known to have a close association with pine trees, where the larvae feed on the needles.
#36. Eastern Comma Butterfly
Size: The Eastern Comma is a medium-sized butterfly with a wingspan of 1.75 to 2.5 inches (4.4 to 6.4 cm).
Coloration and Wing Patterns: This butterfly has orange-brown wings with intricate black and brown patterns.
The upper side of its wings has a mottled appearance, while the undersides arelighter in color. The forewings feature a distinct white comma-shaped marking.
Identifying Features: The Eastern Comma has rounded wings with a slightly scalloped edge. Its wings have a textured surface with intricate patterns of brown, black, and cream. The white comma-shaped marking on the forewings is a key identifying feature.
Unique Behaviors: The Eastern Comma is often found in woodland areas, forest edges, and gardens.
It has a slow and fluttery flight, often seen perching on leaves or tree trunks. This butterfly feeds on rotting fruits, tree sap, and nectar from various flowers.
#37. Horace’s Duskywing
Size: Horace’s Duskywing is a small butterfly species found in Florida. It typically measures around 1.5 inches in wingspan.
Coloration and Wing Patterns: The wings of this species feature a distinct coloration and wing pattern. The upper side of the wings is dark brown, while the underside is lighter with grayish-brown patches and small white spots near the wing edges.
Identifying Features: Horace’s Duskywing can be identified by its pointed forewings and rounded hindwings.
It also has a row of small orange spots on the forewing and a prominent white spot on the hindwing.
Unique Behaviors: Unique behaviors of this butterfly include their tendency to rest with their wings open and their rapid flight, often darting between vegetation.
#38. Long-Tailed Skipper
The Long-Tailed Skipper is a butterfly species commonly found in Florida.
Size: Long-Tailed Skipper has a moderate size, typically measuring around 1.5 to 2 inches in wingspan.
Coloration and Wing Patterns: The butterfly exhibits a vibrant coloration and wing pattern.
The upper side of the wings is dark brown with iridescent blue scales near the body, while the underside is lighter with a mix of white, brown, and grayish markings.
Identifying Features: The most distinguishing feature of the Long-Tailed Skipper is its long, thin tails extending from the hindwings. These tails are usually black with white tips.
Unique Behaviors: In terms of unique behaviors, this species is known for its fast and erratic flight pattern, often darting and fluttering swiftly from flower to flower.
#39. Fiery Skipper
Size: The Fiery Skipper is a small butterfly species commonly found in Florida. It has a compact size, with a wingspan measuring approximately 1 to 1.5 inches.
Coloration and Wing Patterns: The butterfly exhibits a striking coloration and wing pattern.
The upper side of the wings is mostly orange-brown with dark brown borders and veins. The underside is lighter with pale yellow and white markings.
Identifying Features: The Fiery Skipper can be identified by its rounded wings and its distinctive pattern of dark spots on the forewings and hindwings.
It also has a black body with a yellow thorax.
Unique Behaviors: As for unique behaviors, this species is known for its fast and erratic flight, often darting rapidly from flower to flower while hovering briefly to feed on nectar.
#40. Ceraunus Blue
Size: The Ceraunus Blue is a charming and diminutive butterfly species that can be found fluttering across the landscapes of Southern Florida.
With a modest size of about 0.75 to 1 inch in wingspan, it is one of the smaller butterflies in the region.
Coloration and Wing Patterns: The Ceraunus Blue exhibits an enchanting coloration and wing pattern.
The upper side of its wings showcases a delicate pale blue hue, adorned with a faint dark border that elegantly contrasts with the light background.
On the underside, the wings are light gray, intricately marked with white and brown patterns that create a subtle and intricate design.
Identifying Features: Identifying the Ceraunus Blue is relatively straightforward. Its small size, pointed wings, and the presence of tiny orange spots near the edges of the wings serve as key identifying features.
These minute orange spots, combined with the overall coloration and pattern of the wings, make the Ceraunus Blue a distinctive and recognizable species.
Unique Behaviors: the Ceraunus Blue is known for its swift and erratic flight. It darts from flower to flower, often flying close to the ground, and can be observed hovering briefly to feed on nectar.
When at rest, this butterfly tends to perch on vegetation with its wings closed, revealing the subdued gray underside with its intricate markings.
The Ceraunus Blue adds a touch of grace and beauty to the natural surroundings of Florida, captivating onlookers with its delicate presence.
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Conclusion: 40 Florida Butterflies: Pictures with Identifying Features
Anyone interested in recognizing the butterflies that they come across in Florida will find this post invaluable as it contains photographs as well as explanations of the characteristics that are used to identify the 40 Florida Butterflies.
Florida is a haven for over 180 verified butterfly species. But since it will be too lengthy to cover all butterfly species that exist in Florida, we only cover 40 Florida Butterflies, giving their identification features and behavior.
We hope you will be able to use this Florida butterfly guide when you embark on a butterfly-watching adventure in Florida.