Kansas Butterflies: 22 Stunning Species You Should Know About

Kansas Butterflies

Since we cannot discuss all of the more than 190 species of Kansas Butterflies in a single post, I will focus on just 22 of most fascinating Kansas Butterflies.

Kansas, in the middle of the United States, is well-known for more than just its vast prairies and sunflower fields; the state is also home to various wildlife.

Kansas is home to many fascinating and beautiful species of butterflies including Monarch, Painted Lady, Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, Black Swallowtail, Pearl Crescent, Question Mark, Great Spangled Fritillary, Common Buckeye, Red Admiral, and Cloudless Sulphur amongst others.

I will be shedding light on the identification of these magnificent Kansas butterflies, the habitats in which they live, and the importance of conserving them.

Also see: Indiana Butterflies: Exploring 22 Stunning Species You Should Know About

Let’s begin!

22 Species Of Kansas Butterflies You Should Know About

#1. Monarch

Monarch
Monarch (Photo credit: Canva)
SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION
KingdomPhylumClassOrderFamilyGenusSpecies
AnimaliaArthropodaInsectaLepidopteraNymphalidaeDanausD. plexippus

Around the middle to end of September, The Monarch butterflies arrive in Kansas and survive on aster, goldenrod, and other wildflowers in these wetlands in the central Kansas area.

The Monarch butterflies wings are orange with black lines and white dots along the edges. They gather in areas with abundant milkweed.

Their average wing span is between 3.7 and 4.1 inches, making them relatively large butterflies.

Monarch butterfly has the average lifespan of between six and nine months.

The bright coloring of a monarch butterfly warns potential predators that it is highly poisonous and has a foul taste. 

The monarch butterfly can only survive on milkweed. It’s full of a poison they store in their bodies, making them toxic and protecting them from numerous predators.

To find monarch butterflies during the day, look for a wildflower area. As night falls, they seek out shady, cool, damp areas.

#2. Common Buckeye

Common Buckeye
Common Buckeye (Photo credit: Canva)
SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION
KingdomPhylumClassOrderFamilyGenusSpecies
AnimaliaArthropodaInsectaLepidopteraNymphalidaeJunoniaJ. coenia

The Common Buckeye belongs to the large and varied family of Brush-footed Butterflies. This places it in the same group as the monarch butterfly, viceroy butterfly, malachite butterfly, and fritillary butterfly.

The wing span of a common buckeye ranges from 1.65 – 2.8 inches (4.2 – 7 cm) long, with females having a larger wing span than males. 

The wings of a common Buckeye are black and blue with two eyespots, one small and one large.

They got their name from each wing’s iridescent and multicolored eye-like markings.

The adult has a life span of 6 to 20 days, and they feed on flower nectar and nectar plants such as gumweed, tickseed sunflower, and knapweed. 

Host plants of the Common Buckeye include plants from the acanthus and snapdragon families.

You can find the Common Buckeye in open areas, sunny meadows, fields, and clearings.

#3. Eastern Tiger Swallowtail

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION
KingdomPhylumClassOrderFamilyGenusSpecies
AnimaliaArthropodaInsectaLepidopteraPapilionidaePapilioP. glaucus

The wingspan of the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail can range from 7.9 to 14.0 centimeters (approx. 3.12 to 5.5 inches), and it is considered a large species

The adults have four black bands on the front wings of their yellow bodies. A perfect alignment exists between the innermost and median bands on the hind wing. There is a row of yellow spots along the black margins of the wings.

The male is a bright yellow color with tiger-like stripes. There are two different kinds of females; one is yellow, just like the male, and the other is black with shadows of dark stripes.

The Eastern Tiger Swallowtail can be found in river valleys, parks, broadleaf woods, forest edges, and suburbs.

#4. Eastern Black Swallowtail

SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION
KingdomPhylumClassOrderFamilyGenusSpecies
AnimaliaArthropodaInsectaLepidopteraPapilionidaePapilioP. polyxenes

The eastern black swallowtail butterfly is widespread throughout the state of Kansas. Its natural environment consists of gardens, fields, and forests.

The parsley, dill, and carrots that are in the carrot family are favorites of the eastern black swallowtail caterpillar.

This butterfly belongs to the Papilionidae family (Swallowtails) because its hind wings have projections that look like swallowtails.

Polyxena, a character in Homer’s myth Iliad, inspired the species name (polyxenes).

The wingspan of an adult Eastern black swallowtail is three to four inches. The wings are yellow with a black body.

Males can be identified by a blue spot on their underside hind wing. A series of orange spots run along the underside of the females’ hind wings.

The diet of Eastern Black Swallowtail includes nectar from flowers like red clover, milkweed, and thistles.

The Eastern Black Swallowtail butterfly is common in many open habitats, from fields and suburbs to marshes, deserts, and roadside shrubbery.

#5. Red Admiral

SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION
KingdomPhylumClassOrderFamilyGenusSpecies
AnimaliaArthropodaInsectaLepidopteraNymphalidaeVanessaV. atalanta

Red Admirals are common in Kansas. Its wingspan measures between 2-3 inches. The tops of the wings are black and marked with a red band and white spots. The wings are orange and marked with black on the underside.

In Kansas, you can spot red admiral butterflies just about anywhere: in open fields, wooded areas, or manicured backyards.

They’re drawn to blooms, especially fragrant ones. Caterpillars of the Red Admiral butterfly eat nettles and other members of the Raspberry family.

The Red Admiral inhabit grassland, farmland, coastal, woodland towns, and gardens.

Male Red Admirals are very possessive of their roosting territories, and it is not uncommon to see them chasing each other away.

#6. Spicebush Swallowtail

SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION
KingdomPhylumClassOrderFamilyGenusSpecies
AnimaliaArthropodaInsectaLepidopteraPapilionidaePapilioP. troilus

The Spicebush Swallowtail is a sight to behold, with its striking greenish-black wings and brilliant blue markings. Females are larger than males, and their wingspan can range from 3 to 4.5 inches.

This butterfly’s caterpillar resembles a bird dropping, which serves as an effective camouflage to protect it from predators.

Due to its preference for damp habitats, the Spicebush Swallowtail can frequently be observed in Kansas near riverbanks and wetland areas.

Gardens with plants like Butterfly Bush, Purple Coneflower, Wild Bergamot, and Milkweeds will surely attract these winged beauties.

#7. Painted Lady

SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION
KingdomPhylumClassOrderFamilyGenusSpecies
AnimaliaArthropodaInsectaLepidopteraNymphalidaeVane Baltimore Checkerspot ssaV. cardui

The Painted Lady butterfly boasts a wingspan of about 2.5 to 3.5 inches, and its orange and black markings are easily recognizable.

Its upper wings are a stunning combination of brown, orange, and white, while its lower wings are covered in striking orange spots and black markings.

The Painted Lady’s brilliant markings set it apart from other types of butterflies.

The painted Lady is a highly versatile butterfly that can be spotted in suburban backyards and rural and wild areas.

It is not uncommon to see the Painted Lady in any part of Kansas, but she is especially widespread during migration seasons.

The population of Painted Lady butterflies is stable and, therefore, not threatened. However, climate change and the destruction of its natural habitat threaten this butterfly.

Planting nectar-rich flowers, providing shallow water, or draining wet sand can attract these butterflies to your garden.

#8. American Lady

SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION
KingdomPhylumClassOrderFamilyGenusSpecies
AnimaliaArthropodaInsectaLepidopteraNymphalidaeVanessaV. virginiensis

The wingspan of an American Lady butterfly is about 2.75 inches. The tops of its wings are a stunning orange and brown pattern with bold black markings.

Compared to other species of butterflies, this one is easily distinguished by the row of white spots that runs along the outer edge of the forewings.

If you find yourself in Kansas, keep your eyes peeled for the mesmerizing American Lady Butterfly as it flits from flower to flower, adding to the state’s natural splendor and rich biodiversity.

You might even see it perform its mesmerizing dance if you’re lucky.

Suppose you are interested in observing these beautiful insects and would like to do so. In that case, you should consider going to parks, gardens, and other open areas of the outdoors where native plants are allowed to flourish and serve as a suitable habitat for these lovely butterflies.

#9. American Snout

SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION
KingdomPhylumClassOrderFamilyGenusSpecies
AnimaliaArthropodaInsectaLepidopteraNymphalidaeLibytheanaL. carinenta

Another fascinating butterfly species found in Kansas is the American Snout (Libytheana carinenta). The name of this butterfly species comes from the long, pointed protrusion that extends from the center of its face.

These butterflies stand out due to their unique design: brown wings with white spots and a row of orange spots near the edges.

Their camouflage and safety from predators are greatly enhanced because their wings are folded, and they look like dead leaves or small twigs.

In Kansas, American Snout butterflies are common where hackberry trees and other host plants thrive (Celtis species).

 Their caterpillars can’t survive without the hackberry trees that provide them food.

Kansas parks, woods, and areas with hackberry trees are good places to look for American Snout butterflies.

#10. Viceroy

SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION
KingdomPhylumClassOrderFamilyGenusSpecies
AnimaliaArthropodaInsectaLepidopteraNymphalidaeLimenitisL. archippus

Another beautiful butterfly species in Kansas is the Viceroy (Limenitis archippus). They are so similar to the Monarch butterfly that their similarity acts as protective mimicry.

Both the Viceroy and the Monarch have orange wings with black veins and white spots, while the Viceroy looks smaller and has a black line across its hind wings, while the Monarch does not.

In Kansas, Viceroy Butterflies are common in open areas such as fields and meadows, as well as in gardens and along waterways.

Like many butterflies, they are vital to pollination because they feed on the nectar of flowers.

The defensive tactics of the Viceroy butterfly are fascinating. It is protected from predators by looking like the toxic Monarch butterfly but does not produce any toxins.

Many birds and other animals avoid the Viceroy because they mistake it for the poisonous Monarch.

Looking for Viceroy Butterflies in Kansas? They can be found near their host plants and in sunny areas with plenty of nectar-rich flowers.

#11. Queens

SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION
KingdomPhylumClassOrderFamilyGenusSpecies
AnimaliaArthropodaInsectaLepidopteraNymphalidaeDanausD. gilippus

Another stunning butterfly that calls Kansas home is the Queen butterfly or Danaus gilippus.

Although visually similar to the Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus), this species deserves recognition due to its unique characteristics.

The Queen butterfly has a wingspan of approximately 3 to 3.5 inches.

Its wings display a striking pattern of deep orange-brown and black, with white spots and distinct black veins.

The males and females have similar wing patterns, but the females tend to have more prominent markings.

These butterflies can be found throughout Kansas, from open fields and meadows to gardens and roadside vegetation.

Like the Monarch, they are essential to the ecosystem as pollinators because they feed on nectar from flowering plants.

To increase your chances of seeing a Queen butterfly in Kansas, keep an eye out for flowering plants and milkweed.

Like most butterflies, they are most visible during the day, when they flit gracefully from flower to flower.

#12. Hackberry Emperor

SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION
KingdomPhylumClassOrderFamilyGenusSpecies
AnimaliaArthropodaInsectaLepidopteraNymphalidaeAsterocampaA. celtis

Asterocampa celtis, also known as the Hackberry Emperor butterfly, is a beautiful and widespread butterfly in Kansas. Providing vital ecosystem services as a pollinator, this butterfly gets its name from the hackberry tree (Celtis species), also its primary host plant.

The Hackberry Emperor is a small butterfly with a wing span of only 2.5 to 3 inches.

The upper surface of its wings is covered in a pattern of dark spots that give it a unique appearance.

When resting on tree trunks, the butterfly’s camouflaged brown and gray mottling underwings serve it well.

You can find these butterflies all over Kansas, in places like forests, meadows, and gardens.

They can often be seen scavenging for food in decaying fruit or sap, providing them with the nutrients they need to survive.

#12. Common Wood Nymph

SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION
KingdomPhylumClassOrderFamilyGenusSpecies
AnimaliaArthropodaInsectaLepidopteraNymphalidaeCercyonisC. pegala

As its name suggests, the Common Wood Nymph butterfly prefers to hang out in heavily vegetated areas like forests and grasslands.

It likes open areas with dappled sunlight, where it can be seen gliding effortlessly through the foliage and grasses.

The Common Wood Nymph butterfly can spread its wings to a maximum of 3 inches in diameter.

The upper surface of its wings is brown, with orange and black markings. When resting on the forest floor, the butterfly’s mottled pattern of brown and gray on the undersides of its wings serves as excellent camouflage.

In Kansas, you can find the Common Wood Nymph butterfly in areas with vegetation and scattered sunlight, like the edges of forests, meadows, and grassy fields.

The beautiful monarch butterfly is a welcome addition to the diverse and abundant Kansas butterfly population and can be seen by those with patience and a sharp eye.

#13. Variegated Fritillary

SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION
KingdomPhylumClassOrderFamilyGenusSpecies
AnimaliaArthropodaInsectaLepidopteraNymphalidaeEuptoietaE. claudia

The Variegated Fritillary (Euptoieta claudia) butterfly is a beautiful and fascinating butterfly species found in Kansas.

It can be seen in a wide range of environments, from open fields and meadows to gardens and roadside bushes, and is one of the most frequently spotted fritillary butterflies in Kansas.

The wingspan of a Variegated Fritillary butterfly is between 2.5 and 3.5 inches.

 The intricate patterns and black markings on its orange wings are stunning. When the butterfly rests on the ground, its camouflaged brown and gray mottling underwings serve it well.

You can spot the beautiful Variegated Fritillary butterfly in Kansas by visiting flowering fields or areas with patches of violets. When the weather is warm, these butterflies are most visible from late spring to early fall.

#14. Mourning Cloak

SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION
KingdomPhylumClassOrderFamilyGenusSpecies
AnimaliaArthropodaInsectaLepidopteraNymphalidaeNymphalisN. antiopa

The Mourning Cloak butterfly (Nymphalis antiopa) is a beautiful and unique butterfly native to Kansas. Its large size and distinct coloring stand out among other butterflies.

The wingspan of a Mourning Cloak butterfly is between 2.5 and 4 inches.

Its wings contrast with velvety dark brown in the middle and bright yellow around the edges. Its wings have a distinctive and slightly worn look due to the frayed appearance of the edges.

This butterfly does well in a wide range of environments, from forests and gardens to open fields and parks.

It has a slow, gliding flight pattern that adds to its allure, and it is frequently spotted flying among trees and shrubs.

The Mourning Cloak butterfly can survive the winter as an adult, which is interesting. It’s one of the few butterfly types that can hibernate through the winter in cracks in trees or similar locations. As a result, the Mourning Cloak butterfly emerges in early spring, well before many other species.

#15. Red-spotted Purple

SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION
KingdomPhylumClassOrderFamilyGenusSpecies
AnimaliaArthropodaInsectaLepidopteraNymphalidaeLimenitisL. arthemis

Kansas is home to a beautiful and fascinating butterfly species called the Red-spotted Purple (Limenitis arthemis astyanax).

Despite its name, this butterfly is not a member of the true “purple” butterfly group; however, its eye-catching coloring and unique patterning help it stand out from the crowd.

In adults, the wing span of a Red-spotted Purple is between 3.5 and 4.0 inches.

The leading edge of the front wings is black, with white dashes and rows of orange spots along the margins. Black covers the majority of the upper surfaces of the back wings.

If you are looking for the Red-spotted Purple butterfly in Kansas, you will have the best luck finding it in areas with plenty of flowering plants and wooded areas.

Due to their eye-catching coloring and graceful flight, they are not hard to locate, particularly during the warmer months of the year.

#16. Pearl Crescent

SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION
KingdomPhylumClassOrderFamilyGenusSpecies
AnimaliaArthropodaInsectaLepidopteraNymphalidaePhyciodesP. tharos

The Pearl Crescent butterfly, also known as Phyciodes tharos, is a beautiful and common species of butterfly found in Kansas.

The wingspan of the Pearl Crescent butterfly ranges from about 1.25 to 1.75 inches.

The butterfly gets its name from the striking pattern of orange and black spots on the undersides of its hindwings.

These spots are shaped like pearl crescents and give the butterfly its name.

If you are interested in seeing the Pearl Crescent butterfly in Kansas, you should search for it in areas with blooming flowers and open land areas. Since they are most active during the warmer months, it is best to look for these butterflies between the late spring and the beginning of the fall.

#17. Question Mark

SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION
KingdomPhylumClassOrderFamilyGenusSpecies
AnimaliaArthropodaInsectaLepidopteraNymphalidaePolygoniaaP. interrogationis

The Kansas Question Mark butterfly (Polygonia interrogationis) is a fascinating and unusual species of butterfly.

The silver mark on the underside of its hind wings looks like a question mark or a comma, hence the name. This distinguishing feature is helpful for spotting this butterfly in the wild.

The wingspan of a Question Mark butterfly is between 2.5 and 3.5 inches. Its wings are a tricolor pattern of orange, brown, and black, with a silver or white “question mark” shape on the backs of its wings.

The adults of the Question marks consume putrefying (rotting) fruit, tree sap, dung, and sometimes even carrion for their food.

These butterflies are widespread across Kansas and can be spotted in various environments.

They are frequently spotted flying about and basking on rocks and tree trunks.

The Question Mark butterfly’s migratory habits are fascinating. This species’ population may spend the winter in warmer climes in some areas while remaining resident in others.

If you are in Kansas and want to see the Question Mark butterfly, you should go to parks and wooded areas that have a wide range of trees and plants.

Be on the lookout for their distinctive question mark on the underside of their wings and their coloration, which sets them apart from other butterflies.

#18. Cabbage White

SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION
KingdomPhylumClassOrderFamilyGenusSpecies
AnimaliaArthropodaInsectaLepidopteraPieridaePierisP. rapae

The Cabbage White butterfly is a species of butterfly found frequently in Kansas. It is a relatively small butterfly, measuring only 1.5–2 inches across its wingspan.

The wings have a light greenish-white color overall, with black wing tips and dots in the middle of each wing.

The females have two black dots on each side, whereas the males only have one black dot on each side.

The Cabbage White butterfly can be encountered in various habitats in Kansas, including fields, gardens, and forests.

Flowers, particularly those with a potent aroma, will catch their attention.

The cabbage white butterfly’s caterpillars eat plants in the cabbage family, such as cabbage, broccoli, and kale.

The cabbage white butterfly population in Kansas is not threatened or endangered. Their numbers are stable and can be seen almost anywhere in the state.

#19. Eastern Tailed-Blue

SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION
KingdomPhylumClassOrderFamilyGenusSpecies
AnimaliaArthropodaInsectaLepidopteraLycaenidaeCupidoC. comyntas

Kansas is home to a delightful and diminutive butterfly species called the Eastern Tailed-Blue (Cupido comyntas), found throughout Kansas and the rest of North America.

This butterfly may be small, but it certainly isn’t boring.

The Eastern Tailed-Blue butterfly is a small species with a wing span of only 0.75 to 1 inch.

Its wings are a stunning combination of blue and gray, with a row of tiny orange spots along the wing’s trailing edge.

The butterfly gets its moniker from the tails on its back wings.

These butterflies are common in Kansas’s meadows, fields, gardens, and other open spaces with flowering plants.

They are swift fliers that flit from plant to plant in search of nectar and favor flowers with lots of nectar.

If you are interested in seeing the Eastern Tailed-Blue butterfly in Kansas, you should search for it in open areas with flowers that are currently in bloom, particularly those in the pea family.

Eastern Tailed-Blue are most active during the warmer months, and despite their small size, they are not difficult to spot thanks to their light blue coloring and distinctive tails.

#20. Clouded Sulphur

SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION
KingdomPhylumClassOrderFamilyGenusSpecies
AnimaliaArthropodaInsectaLepidopteraPieridaeColiasC. philodice

The Clouded Sulphur butterfly is a common species found in Kansas. It is a relatively small butterfly with a wing span of approximately 1.75 to 3 inches.

The wings are white with a light green tinge, each with a red-ringed eyespot and pinkish borders. The body of the insect is greenish-white.

In Kansas, Clouded Sulphur butterflies can be found in various habitats, including gardens, fields, and meadows.

They are drawn to the smell of flowers, particularly those with a potent fragrance. The Clouded Sulphur butterfly’s caterpillars eat plants in the mustard family, such as mustard, clover, and alfalfa. Clouded Sulphur butterflies can be found in the United States.

In the state of Kansas, Clouded Sulphur butterflies are not considered to be either endangered or threatened with extinction.

They are easy to spot almost anywhere in the state, and their populations are not in any danger.

#21. Orange Sulphur

SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION
KingdomPhylumClassOrderFamilyGenusSpecies
AnimaliaArthropodaInsectaLepidopteraPieridaeColiasC. eurytheme

Kansas is home to a beautiful and abundant butterfly species called the Orange Sulphur (Colias eurytheme).

Its bright yellow or orange coloring easily identifies the “sulphur” butterfly family. This butterfly, which can have a wingspan of up to 2 inches, is a welcome sight in the gardens it visits.

The wings of the Orange Sulphur butterfly are primarily bright orange, with black margins along the edges.

Females of this species can have a broader range of coloration options, ranging from a light yellow to an orange hue.

The upper sides of the wings of both males and females are marked with a series of distinct black spots.

If you are looking for the Orange Sulphur butterfly in Kansas, you will have the best luck finding it in areas with plenty of blooming flowers and open areas.

Since these butterflies are most active during the warmer months, the best time to see them is between the end of spring and the beginning of fall.

#22. Cloudless Sulphur

SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION
KingdomPhylumClassOrderFamilyGenusSpecies
AnimaliaArthropodaInsectaLepidopteraPieridaePhoebisP. sennae

There are many Cloudless Sulphur butterflies throughout Kansas. This butterfly is only about two inches in wing span.

Yellow wings with a few small black spots. A tiny white eyespot surrounded by a dark red ring is occasionally visible on the upper wings of these species.

Kansas has various habitats favorable to the Cloudless Sulphur butterfly, including grasslands, woodlands, and suburban backyards.

They are drawn to the sweet fragrance of flowers. Cloudless Sulphur butterfly caterpillars eat members of the pea family like various Cassia species.

The Cloudless Sulphur gets its name because its wings, mostly a brilliant yellow, have almost no dark markings.

This vivid color serves a dual purpose: it draws attention and helps the butterfly absorb sunlight, which it uses to control its body temperature.

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Conclusion

We have learned about the lives of 22 stunning Kansas butterflies. In Kansas, you can see butterflies ranging in size and color from the tiny Clouded Sulphur to the enormous Eastern Black Swallowtail.

These Kansas butterflies are widely distributed and can be spotted anywhere from open prairies and forests to manicured backyards. Both as pollinators of plants and prey for other animals, they serve an essential function in the ecosystem.

In addition to being beautiful, Kansas butterflies are vital to the ecosystem because they pollinate plants and help keep the delicate balance between flora and fauna.

By telling people about Kansas butterflies, we can encourage a sense of wonder and appreciation for the natural world, which will help conservation efforts and encourage people to take care of the environment responsibly.

Even though there are always environmental problems, we must keep and protect these Kansas butterflies for future generations.