There are approximately 750 species of butterflies in the United States, and one hundred and twenty different species of those butterflies have been spotted in New York; welcome to the Butterflies Of New York, where we have the common and the uncommon species of a remarkable variety of butterflies grace the skies with their vibrant colors and graceful flights.
In this post, we will explore the fascinating world of butterflies in New York, delving into their pictures, size, distinctive features, and unique behaviors, which make them a captivating subject of study for nature enthusiasts and researchers alike.
From the iconic Monarch butterflies to the lesser-known species, the diverse butterfly population in New York is a testament to the state’s rich biodiversity.
Read Also: Maryland Butterflies: 20 Common Species With ID Guide And Pictures
Identifying Butterflies Of New York
Butterflies are fascinating creatures that captivate us with their beauty and grace. To identify butterflies of New York, it is important to familiarize yourself with their key features and characteristics.
Here are some tips and information to help you in your New York butterfly identification
Wing Patterns and Colors:
The wing patterns and colors of butterflies of New York are unique to each species. Take note of the color combinations, such as vibrant oranges, blues, yellows, or intricate patterns of spots, stripes, or bands.
These distinct patterns can be essential in identifying different butterfly species.
Size and Shape:
Pay attention to the size and shape of the butterfly’s wings. Some species have broad wings, while others have narrow or elongated wings.
Comparing the wingspan and shape can provide valuable clues for butterfly identification.
Flight Characteristics:
Observe the flight pattern of the butterfly. Some butterflies fly rapidly and erratically, while others have a more leisurely and smooth flight.
How a butterfly flies help narrow down the possibilities when identifying New York butterfly species?
Host Plants:
Many butterfly species have specific host plants where they lay their eggs and feed their caterpillars.
Knowing the host plants associated with a particular butterfly species can help narrow its identity.
Keep an eye out for butterflies near their preferred host plants.
Habitat and Location:
Different butterfly species have specific habitat preferences. Some species thrive in meadows, while others prefer woodland areas or gardens.
By noting the habitat and location where you spot a butterfly, you can further narrow down the possibilities for identifying these New York butterfly.
Common Butterfly Species in New York
New York is home to different butterfly species with unique beauty and characteristics.
Here, we will introduce you to 36 common butterfly species found in New York, providing pictures, size information, identifying features, and highlighting their unique behaviors.
#1. Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus)
Size: Wingspan of 3.5 to 4 inches.
Identifying Features: Striking orange wings with black veins and borders. Wings feature white spots along the edges.
Unique Behaviors: Known for their remarkable long-distance migrations spanning thousands of miles. Monarchs undertake an awe-inspiring journey to reach their overwintering grounds.
#2. Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus)
Size: Wingspan of 3.5 to 5.5 inches.
Identifying Features: Eastern Tiger Swallowtail is a large butterfly with distinctive yellow wings and black stripes. Females may have either yellow or black wings.
Unique Behaviors: Eastern Tiger Swallowtail gracefully flutters through gardens and parks, seeking nectar from various flowers.
#3. Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes)
Size: Wingspan of 2.7 to 3.7 inches.
Identifying Features: Black wings with elegant yellow markings. The upper wings are black with yellow markings, while the lower wings have yellow spots.
Unique Behaviors: This species prefers plants such as parsley, dill, and fennel as their host plants for egg-laying.
#4. Painted Lady Butterfly (Vanessa cardui)
Size: Wingspan of 2.0 to 2.9 inches.
Identifying Features: Wings display a lovely orange, black, and white combination. The upper wings have orange and black patterns, while the lower wings display eye-like spots.
Unique Behaviors: Painted Lady are Known for their migratory behavior and widespread distribution. Painted Lady Butterflies undertake extensive journeys across continents.
#5. Pearl Crescent Butterfly (Phyciodes tharos)
Size: Wingspan of 1.25 to 1.75 inches.
Identifying Features: The Pearl Crescent Butterfly is a small butterfly with intricate orange, black, and white patterns on the wings.
Unique Behaviors: Pearl Crescent Butterfly species is found in meadows and open areas and adds elegance to New York’s butterfly diversity.
#6. Red Admiral Butterfly (Vanessa atalanta)
Size: Wingspan of 2.5 to 3.0 inches.
Identifying Features: Red admiral butterflies have deep black wings adorned with bold red bands and white spots. The upper wings have red bands, while the lower wings display a mix of black and red.
Unique Behaviors: Red admiral butterflies prefer sap and rotting fruit as food sources.
#7. Great Spangled Fritillary (Speyeria cybele)
Size: Wingspan of 2.5 to 4.0 inches.
Identifying Features: Great spangled fritillary is a large butterfly with eye-catching silver spots on its wings.
Unique Behaviors: Commonly found in meadows and grassy areas, adding beauty to New York’s countryside.
#9. Silver-Spotted Skipper (Epargyreus clarus)
Size: Wingspan of 1.5 to 2.5 inches.
Identifying Features: Small butterfly with silver spots on its underwings. The upper wings are brown with a darker central band.
Unique Behaviors: Silver-Spotted Skipper are often seen darting quickly among flowers in search of nectar.
#10. Question Mark Butterfly (Polygonia interrogationis)
Size: Wingspan of 2.4 to 2.9 inches.
Identifying Features: Named after the silver mark on the underside of its hindwing, which resembles a question mark. The upper wings are orange-brown with dark markings.
Unique Behaviors: Easily identifiable due to its distinct wing shape and markings.
#11. Eastern Comma Butterfly (Polygonia comma)
Size: Wingspan of 1.8 to 2.4 inches.
Identifying Features: Renowned for its distinct jagged wing edges and intricate patterns. Its coloration ranges from orange to brown, allowing effective camouflage against tree bark and fallen leaves.
Unique Behaviors: Often seen basking in the sun with wide-open wings.
#12. American Copper Butterfly (Lycaena phlaeas)
Size: Wingspan of 0.8 to 1.2 inches.
Identifying Features: Small butterfly with a stunning combination of orange and brown hues on its wings.
Unique Behaviors: Commonly found in grassy habitats and easily observed due to its vibrant colors.
#13. American Lady Butterfly (Vanessa virginiensis)
Size: Wingspan of 1.6 to 2.9 inches.
Identifying Features: Deep orange-brown wings with black and white markings. The upper wings have orange patches, while the lower wings display eye-like spots.
Unique Behaviors: Known for their migratory behavior and preference for open areas and meadows.
#14. Red-spotted Purple Butterfly (Limenitis arthemis astyanax)
Size: Wingspan of 2.5 to 4 inches.
Identifying Features: Dark wings with iridescent blue or green markings. The upper wings have blackish-blue coloration, while the lower wings display red spots.
Unique Behaviors: Often seen in wooded areas, this species is known for its mimicry of the toxic Pipevine Swallowtail.
#15. Common Buckeye Butterfly (Junonia coenia)
Size: Wingspan of 1.6 to 2.6 inches.
Identifying Features: Rich brown wings with bold eyespots and intricate patterns. The upper wings have large eyespots, while the lower wings display a brown, orange, and black combination.
Unique Behaviors: Common Buckeye Butterfly species is highly territorial and can be found in various habitats, including open fields, gardens, and roadsides.
#16. Viceroy Butterfly (Limenitis archippus)
Size: Wingspan of 2.5 to 3.3 inches.
Identifying Features: Rich orange wings with black veins and a black border. The upper wings have a dark median band, while the lower wings resemble a Monarch Butterfly.
Unique Behaviors: Known for its mimicry of the Monarch Butterfly, this species can be found in wetland areas and along rivers.
#17. Common Sootywing Butterfly (Pholisora catullus)
Size: Wingspan of 1 to 1.4 inches.
Identifying Features: Dark brown or blackish wings. The upper wings have small white spots near the edges.
Unique Behaviors: Often found in open areas, this butterfly species has a rapid flight and prefers to feed on nectar from various flowering plants.
#18. Eastern Tailed-Blue Butterfly (Cupido comyntas)
Size: Wingspan of 0.75 to 1.25 inches.
Identifying Features: Small butterfly with iridescent blue wings and distinct orange markings near the tail. The upper wings are blue, while the lower wings are pale gray with orange spots.
Unique Behaviors: This species is known for its fast and erratic flight patterns, making it challenging to observe.
#19. Cabbage White Butterfly (Pieris rapae)
Size: Wingspan of 1.6 to 2.2 inches.
Identifying Features: White wings with black markings. Both the upper and lower wings have black spots and markings.
Unique Behaviors: Commonly found in gardens and agricultural areas, this species has a rapid flight and is considered a pest for cabbage-related crops.
#20. Clouded Sulphur Butterfly (Colias philodice)
Size: Wingspan of 1.25 to 2.5 inches. (Photo credit: canva.com)
Identifying Features: Yellow wings with black borders and faint spots. The upper wings have a large black spot, while the lower wings display small black spots.
Unique Behaviors: This butterfly species is often seen in open areas and meadows, and males engage in territorial behaviors.
#21. Orange Sulphur Butterfly (Colias eurytheme)
Size: Wingspan of 1.25 to 2.5 inches.
Identifying Features: Bright orange wings with black borders and dark spots. The upper wings have dark markings, while the lower wings display small black spots.
Unique Behaviors: Commonly found in open fields and meadows, this species is known for its rapid flight.
#22. Eastern Pine Elfin Butterfly (Callophrys niphon)
Size: Wingspan of 0.75 to 1 inch.
Identifying Features: Small butterfly with dark brown wings. The upper wings have pale patches, while the lower wings are lighter in color.
Unique Behaviors: This species is often associated with pine forests and has a slow and erratic flight.
#23. Sleepy Orange Butterfly (Abaeis nicippe)
Size: Wingspan of 1.75 to 2.5 inches.
Identifying Features: Yellow wings with black borders and a series of black spots. The upper wings have a large black spot near the center.
Unique Behaviors: Commonly found in open areas and meadows, this species is known for its basking behavior to regulate body temperature.
#24. Great Spangled Fritillary (Speyeria cybele)
Size: Wingspan of 2.5 to 4 inches.
Identifying Features: Orange-brown wings with black markings and silver spots. The upper wings have large silver spots, while the lower wings display intricate patterns.
Unique Behaviors: This species prefers open fields and meadows and is known for its strong and erratic flight.
#25. Variegated Fritillary (Euptoieta claudia)
Size: Wingspan of 2.5 to 3.75 inches.
Identifying Features: Orange-brown wings with black markings and silver spots. The upper wings have dark borders, while the lower wings display silver spots.
Unique Behaviors: Commonly found in open areas, this species has a fast and erratic flight pattern, making it challenging to observe closely.
#26. Red Admiral Butterfly (Vanessa atalanta)
Size: Wingspan of 2.75 to 4 inches.
Identifying Features: Black wings with orange bands and white spots. The upper wings have a distinct red band, while the lower wings display white spots on a black background.
Unique Behaviors: This species is known for its migratory behavior and can be found in various habitats, including gardens, parks, and wooded areas.
#27. Common Wood-Nymph (Cercyonis pegala)
Size: Wingspan of 1.5 to 2.5 inches.
Identifying Features: Brown wings with intricate patterns and eyespots. Both the upper and lower wings have a series of eyespots.
Unique Behaviors: This species is often found in grassy habitats and meadows and has a slow and bobbing flight.
#28. Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus)
Size: Wingspan of 0.75 to 1.25 inches.
Identifying Features: Gray wings with orange markings and small black spots. The upper wings have orange patches, while the lower wings display small black spots.
Unique Behaviors: Commonly found in open areas, this species has a rapid and erratic flight. It often perches with its wings closed, showcasing the gray undersides.
#29. Eastern Pine Elfin (Callophrys niphon)
Size: Wingspan of 0.75 to 1 inch.
Identifying Features: Dark brown wings with pale patches. The upper wings have pale spots, while the lower wings are lighter in color.
Unique Behaviors: This butterfly species is often associated with pine forests and has a slow and erratic flight.
#30. Sachem Butterfly (Atalopedes campestris)
Size: Wingspan of 1.25 to 1.75 inches.
Identifying Features: Brown wings with orange markings. The upper wings have small orange patches, while the lower wings display a combination of brown and orange.
Unique Behaviors: Commonly found in grassy habitats and meadows, this species has a fast and erratic flight pattern.
#31. Common Checkered-Skipper (Pyrgus communis)
Size: Wingspan of 0.75 to 1.25 inches.
Identifying Features: Brown wings with distinctive black and white checkered patterns. Both the upper and lower wings have checkered markings.
Unique Behaviors: This species is often seen in open areas and meadows, and quick and darting movements characterize its flight.
#32. Delaware Skipper (Anatrytone logan)
Size: Wingspan of 1 to 1.5 inches.
Identifying Features: Orange-brown wings with black markings. The upper wings have darker patches, while the lower wings display a combination of orange and black.
Unique Behaviors: Commonly found in grassy habitats and meadows, this species has a rapid and darting flight.
#33. Peck’s Skipper (Polites peckius)
Size: Wingspan of 0.75 to 1 inch.
Identifying Features: Brown wings with subtle markings. The upper wings have small dark spots, while the lower wings display a combination of brown and white.
Unique Behaviors: This small butterfly species is often seen in open areas and grasslands, and quick and erratic movements characterize its flight.
#34. Zabulon Skipper (Poanes zabulon)
Size: Wingspan of 1 to 1.25 inches.
Identifying Features: Brown wings with subtle orange and yellow markings. The upper wings have darker patches, while the lower wings display a combination of brown, orange, and yellow.
Unique Behaviors: This species prefers grassy habitats and meadows, and rapid movements and short glides characterize its flight.
#35. Silver-spotted Skipper (Epargyreus clarus)
Size: Wingspan of 1.5 to 2.75 inches.
Identifying Features: Brown wings with silver spots on the undersides. The upper wings have pale patches, while the lower wings display silver spots.
Unique Behaviors: This butterfly species is often seen darting quickly among flowers in search of nectar, and it has a fast and erratic flight pattern.
#36. Northern Cloudywing (Thorybes pylades)
Size: Wingspan of 1.25 to 1.75 inches.
Identifying Features: Brown wings with subtle markings. The upper wings have dark patches, while the lower wings display a combination of brown and white.
Unique Behaviors: Commonly found in open areas and meadows, this species has a rapid and darting flight, resembling the flight pattern of a skipper butterfly.
Butterfly Conservation and Habitat Preservation
Conservation efforts are vital in safeguarding butterfly populations and preserving their habitats.
Butterflies are beautiful creatures that bring joy to our lives. Still, they also contribute to important ecological processes such as pollination and serve as indicators of ecosystem health. Unfortunately, butterflies face numerous challenges worldwide in New York, making conservation efforts essential to their survival.
Importance of Conservation Efforts for Butterfly Populations
Biodiversity Preservation:
Butterflies are a significant component of biodiversity, and their conservation helps maintain the delicate balance of ecosystems.
By protecting butterfly populations, we ensure the preservation of diverse plant species that rely on butterflies for pollination.
Indicator Species:
Butterflies are sensitive to environmental changes, making them valuable indicators of ecosystem health.
Butterfly populations’ decline can serve as early warning signs of habitat degradation, pollution, or climate change impacts.
Conservation of Other Species:
Butterfly conservation efforts often have broader benefits, as protecting their habitats helps maintain suitable conditions for a wide range of other insect species, birds, and small mammals.
Challenges Faced by Butterflies in New York and Their Habitats
Habitat Loss:
Urbanization, agricultural expansion, and land development have resulted in the loss and fragmentation of natural habitats. Butterflies rely on specific habitats for breeding, feeding, and overwintering, making habitat loss a significant threat to their populations.
Climate Change:
Rising temperatures and altered precipitation patterns affect butterfly habitats and disrupt their life cycles. Temperature changes can impact the timing of butterfly emergence, mating, and migration, leading to mismatches with their host plants and food availability.
Pesticide Use:
Widespread pesticide use, including insecticides and herbicides, negatively impacts butterfly populations. These chemicals can directly harm butterflies or destroy their host plants and nectar sources, reducing their abundance and diversity.d. Invasive Species:
Invasive plant species can outcompete native host plants, reducing available food sources for butterfly caterpillars. Additionally, invasive insects, such as certain parasitoids or predators, can threaten butterfly populations.
Individual Contributions to Butterfly Conservation
Plant Native Species:
Incorporating native plants in gardens and landscapes provides essential resources for butterflies, including host plants for caterpillars and nectar-rich flowers for adult butterflies.
By creating butterfly-friendly habitats, individuals can attract and support local butterfly populations.
Avoid Pesticide Use:
Minimizing or eliminating pesticide use in gardens and landscapes helps protect butterflies and their habitats. Instead, opt for natural pest control methods or select butterfly-safe alternatives.
Support Conservation Organizations:
Contribute to organizations dedicated to butterfly conservation. These organizations work on research, habitat restoration, education, and policy advocacy to protect butterflies and their habitats.
Monitoring butterfly populations and habitats.
By contributing observations and data, individuals can contribute to scientific research and help identify trends and conservation priorities.
Promote Habitat Connectivity:
Support efforts to create and maintain interconnected habitats that allow butterflies to move freely across the landscape.
This includes advocating for preserving green spaces, establishing butterfly corridors, and promoting habitat restoration projects.
Conclusion: Butterflies Of New York: Pictures, Size, Features, Unique Behaviors
Throughout this article, we have explored the pictures, size, distinctive features, and unique behaviors of various butterflies of New York.
Conservation efforts are essential for ensuring the survival of butterflies in New York. Habitat loss, climate change, pesticide use, and invasive species threaten their populations.
By preserving butterfly habitats, promoting native plant species, and raising awareness about their importance, we can contribute to their conservation.
We encourage readers to appreciate and understand the remarkable world of butterflies. Whether observing their migratory patterns, creating butterfly-friendly gardens, or participating in citizen science initiatives, each individual can make a difference in protecting these enchanting creatures.