In this Maine butterfly guide, “Maine Butterflies: 22 Species you should know about.” I will introduce you to 22 enchanting butterflies of Maine, each with unique colors, patterns, and behaviors. Discover the regal Monarch Butterfly, the elusive Question Mark Butterfly, and the vibrant Pearl Crescent Butterfly, among many other Maine butterfly species.
Maine’s diverse landscapes, from lush woodlands to sunny meadows, provide a haven for over 120 species of butterflies.
Join me on a captivating journey into the world of these delicate winged creatures, and gain a deeper appreciation for the natural wonders that grace the scenic beauty of Maine.
Also read: Kansas Butterflies: 22 Stunning Species You Should Know About
Maine butterfly identification: 22 Types of Butterflies in Maine
Maine is home to a dazzling variety of butterfly species, all adding to the state’s pristine beauty.
Both seasoned butterfly watchers and newbies find awe in the beauty of these winged wonders, ranging from the majestic Monarch to the striking Eastern Tiger Swallowtail.
Let’s take a closer look at some of Maine butterfly habitats and fascinating butterfly species:
#1. Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus)
| SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION | ||||||
| Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family | Genus | Species |
| Animalia | Arthropoda | Insecta | Lepidoptera | Nymphalidae | Danaus | D. plexippus |
The Monarch butterfly is widely recognized and loved across much of North America, including Maine.
The annual migration of the Monarch butterfly, best recognized for its bright orange and black wing patterns, is a feat of nature.
Identifying Features
The wing span of a monarch butterfly ranges from 3.5 to 4.7 inches (9 to 12 cm), and its body size ranges from 0.4 to 0.3 inches (2–3 cm).
Monarch butterflies are easily identifiable by the orange and black pattern on their wings, which also feature white spots along the margins.
Males have two black spots on the underside of their hind wings, while females have none of these markings.
Feeding Habit
Monarch caterpillars will only eat milkweed. Caterpillars store cardiac glycosides, a poison found in milkweed, for protection. Because of this toxin, caterpillars can avoid being eaten by predators.
Adult Monarch butterflies rely primarily on nectar for sustenance. In addition to milkweed and sunflowers, they enjoy nectar from dandelion and aster flowers. Butterflies get their flight and reproduction fuel from nectar.
Conservation Status
Their numbers have dropped due to several factors, such as habitat loss, climate change, and pesticide use.
Conservation and protection efforts are essential to ensure the survival of Monarch butterflies and their milkweed host plants.
#2. Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus)
| SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION | ||||||
| Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family | Genus | Species |
| Animalia | Arthropoda | Insecta | Lepidoptera | Papilionidae | Papilio | P. glaucus |
The Eastern Tiger Swallowtail butterfly’s bright yellow wings are adorned with bold black stripes, making it a visual feast.
The beauty of these butterflies, among the largest in Maine, cannot be ignored.
Identifying Features
The Eastern Tiger Swallowtail is a butterfly with a body length of 2–3 inches (5–8 cm) and a wing span of 4–5 inches (10–13 cm) (2.5–3.8 cm)
Four black stripes on the forewings and a blue or blue-green patch on the hindwings make for a striking combination of colors on the wings.
Males lack the iridescent blue wash that is present on the females’ tails.
The average life span of an Eastern Tiger Swallowtail is just 2 to 4 weeks.
Feeding Habit
The Eastern Tiger Swallowtail butterfly is a nectarivore, consuming only flower nectar for sustenance.
It enjoys the nectar of many different flowers, but its favorites are butterfly bush, milkweed, and thistle. Adults obtain their hydration from dew and leaf moisture as well.
Conservation Status
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail is considered species of least concern. Even though it is not in immediate danger of extinction, it is still vital to safeguard its natural environment and maintain healthy populations.
#3. The Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes)
| SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION | ||||||
| Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family | Genus | Species |
| Animalia | Arthropoda | Insecta | Lepidoptera | Papilionidae | Papilio | P. polyxenes |
Identifying Features
With a wingspan of 3–4 inches (7.6 to 10.2 cm),the Black Swallowtail is a relatively large butterfly.
The black wings have yellow and blue markings on the upper surface. The wings are black and yellow on the undersides.
There is a black spot in the middle of the males’ forewings, but the females’ wings are spotless.
Feeding Habit
As a nectarivore, the Black Swallowtail gets its nutrition from flower nectar. The nectar of milkweeds, thistles, and clover are its favorites.
Adults also use dew and leaf moisture as a source of hydration.
Habitats
The Black Swallowtail butterfly can be spotted in various environments, from gardens to meadows to forests.
Conservation Status
There are no current indications that the Black Swallowtail should be considered a threatened or endangered species.
However, due to the destruction of their habitat and the use of pesticides, their numbers have decreased in certain regions.
#4. The Painted Lady Butterfly (Vanessa Cardui)
| SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION | ||||||
| Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family | Genus | Species |
| Animalia | Arthropoda | Insecta | Lepidoptera | Nymphalidae | Vanessa | V. cardui |
Identifying Features
The wingspan of a Painted Lady butterfly is between 2.5 and 3.5 inches (6.4 to 9 cm). The upper wings are orange and marked with black and white. The wings are marked in black against an orange background.
The hind wings of the Painted Lady are marked with black and white eyespots, making it easily recognizable.
Feeding Habit
The nectar of flowers provides the only food for the Painted Lady as it is a nectarivore.
Habitats
The Painted Lady butterfly can be spotted in gardens, parks, forests, and meadows. Their caterpillar food source is thistles, so they like to hang out in places with plenty thistles.
Conservation Status
At this time, the Painted Lady is not regarded to be a species in danger of extinction or endangered.
#5. The Eastern Comma (Polygonia comma)
| SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION | ||||||
| Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family | Genus | Species |
| Animalia | Arthropoda | Insecta | Lepidoptera | Nymphalidae | Polygonia | P. comma |
The Eastern Comma is a beautiful butterfly that can be distinguished from other species in its range by its distinctive wing shape and coloration.
It is also known as the Hop Merchant and the Common Comma.
Identifying Features
When the Eastern Comma butterfly rests on tree bark or foliage, its scalloped, jagged wings are effective camouflage because they look like crumpled leaves.
Its upper wings are intricately marked in dark colors and range from bright orange to dark brown.
The butterfly is a vibrant orange with pronounced dark markings in the spring and summer, but it changes to a more subdued brown in the fall and winter to better blend in with its environment.
Habitat
In addition to suburban gardens, these butterflies are found in deciduous forests and woodlands.
They thrive in environments that provide plenty of food for their caterpillars and nectar for the adults.
Feeding Habits
Eastern Commas are primarily nectar feeders and prefer many flowering plants. Common nectar sources for these butterflies include asters, goldenrods, milkweed, and dogbane.
Conservation Status
Although Eastern Commas are not in danger of extinction, safeguarding their habitat and maintaining healthy populations is still important.
#6. Baltimore Checkerspot (Euphydryas phaeton)
| SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION | ||||||
| Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family | Genus | Species |
| Animalia | Arthropoda | Insecta | Lepidoptera | Nymphalidae | Euphydryas Baltimore Checkerspot ssa | E. phaeton |
The Baltimore Checkerspot butterfly has beautiful colors and a unique wing pattern with distinctive wings and wetland preferences.
Identifying Features
Its wings have striking black and orange or red markings. Its checkerboard-like pattern on the upper side of its wings gives it its name.
The Baltimore Checkerspot is a medium-sized butterfly with a wingspan of 2–2.5 inches (5–6.5 centimeters).
Habitat
The Baltimore Checkerspot is a wetland specialist and prefers marshy areas. It inhabits marshes, wet meadows, streambanks, and roadside ditches. These areas have plenty of host plants and nectar for the butterfly.
Conservation Status
Due to habitat loss and degradation, the Baltimore Checkerspot is a conservation concern.
Wetland destruction, agricultural development, and urbanization have reduced this butterfly’s habitat. Climate change and land use have also affected its population.
#7. Eyed Brown Butterfly (Satyrodes Eurydice)
| SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION | ||||||
| Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family | Genus | Species |
| Animalia | Arthropoda | Insecta | Lepidoptera | Nymphalidae | Satyrodes Baltimore Checkerspot ssa | S. eurydice |
Maine’s woodlands and forests are home to the charming and unassuming Eyed Brown Butterfly (Satyrodes Eurydice).
Identifying Features
Eyed Brown Butterflies have a 1.5–2 inch wingspan (3.8 to 5 centimeters). Its wings are brown and orange.
The butterfly is named for the eyespots on its wings. These eyespots look like small black circles with white centers, staring at predators.
The mottled underside of the wings camouflages against tree bark and fallen leaves.
This cryptic coloration protects the butterfly from predators when resting on woodland surfaces.
Habitat
The Eyed Brown Butterfly inhabits wooded areas with open and shaded areas. These butterflies thrive in Maine’s woodlands with their dappled sunlight and foliage.
Behavior
Adult Eyed Brown Butterflies are shy and feed on wildflower nectar near the ground. They fly gently and are most active in the morning and afternoon.
Conservation Status
Eyed Brown Butterflies are not endangered. Like many butterflies, their populations are affected by woodland habitat changes.
Maintaining diverse plant communities and reducing habitat fragmentation can help the Eyed Brown and other woodland butterfly species.
#8. Common Wood-Nymph (Cercyonis pegala)
| SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION | ||||||
| Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family | Genus | Species |
| Animalia | Arthropoda | Insecta | Lepidoptera | Nymphalidae | Cercyonis Baltimore Checkerspot ssa | C. pegala |
The Common Wood-Nymph (Cercyonis pegala), also known as the Wood-Nymph Butterfly, is a graceful species found in Maine’s woodlands and meadows.
Identifying Features
Its wingspan is 1.75 to 2.25 inches (4.5 to 5.7 centimeters), making it a medium-sized butterfly. Its wings have earthy brown, tan, and gray colors.
Its wings are decorated with intricate patterns and subtle eyespots.
The butterfly’s beautiful bands and patches on its underside provide excellent camouflage when resting on tree bark or grasses.
This natural disguise protects it from predators by blending in with its woodland surroundings.
Habitat
The Common Wood-Nymph prefers deciduous forests, open meadows, and sunny glades. In Maine, it flutters gracefully among the dappled sunlight filtering through the forest canopy or gently floats above meadow wildflowers.
Behavior
Common Wood-Nymphs fly slowly and gracefully as adults. They’re calm and peaceful, like their woodland habitats.
Conservation Status
The Common Wood-Nymph is not currently considered a species of conservation concern. However, as with many butterflies, the health of its woodlands and meadow habitats can impact its populations.
#9. Common Ringlet Butterfly (Coenonympha tullia)
| SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION | |||||||
| Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family | Genus | Species | |
| Animalia | Arthropoda | Insecta | Lepidoptera | Nymphalidae | Coenonympha | C. tullia | |
Maine’s grasslands and meadows are home to the charming and unassuming Common Ringlet butterfly.
Identifying Features
Having a wingspan of 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5 to 3.8 centimeters), the Common Ringlet is a small butterfly. Its warm, earthy wings have subtle patterns of dark lines and spots.
It has a row of “eyespots” on its wings. These eyespots may protect the butterfly from confusing predators.
Habitat
The Common Ringlet Butterfly inhabits meadows, grasslands, and marshes. These butterflies thrive in Maine’s diverse grassland habitats, including hayfields and prairies.
Behavior
The adult Common Ringlet butterflies flutter low to the ground, gently gliding among grasses and wildflowers. They’re hard to track in grasslands due to their fast, erratic flight.
Conservation Status
The Common Ringlet is not currently considered a species of conservation concern. However, as with many butterflies, their grassland habitats’ health can influence their populations.
Preserving and protecting these grasslands from development and habitat fragmentation is essential for the continued well-being of this butterfly and the many other species that depend on these ecosystems.
#10. American Lady Butterfly
| SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION | ||||||
| Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family | Genus | Species |
| Animalia | Arthropoda | Insecta | Lepidoptera | Nymphalidae | Vanessa | V. virginiensis |
The American Lady Butterfly (Vanessa virginiensis) is a beautiful and well-known species in Maine gardens and meadows.
Identifying Features
Medium-sized American Lady Butterflies have wingspans of 1.75 to 2.5 inches (4.5 to 6.4 centimeters). Orange, brown, black, and white spots decorate its wings.
Its orange wings have bold black bands and white spots near the tips. This color scheme grabs attention.
Habitat
The American Lady Butterfly inhabits meadows, gardens, woodland edges, and roadsides. These butterflies thrive in Maine’s diverse landscapes with abundant flowering plants.
Behavior
Adult American Lady Butterflies can fly through various habitats. Asters, goldenrods, and milkweed are among the nectar-feeding flowers they frequent.
Conservation Status
American Lady Butterflies are not endangered. Like many butterflies, habitat and host plant availability can affect its population. These butterflies and their pollination role depend on diverse habitats with plenty of nectar-rich flowers.
#11. American Copper
| SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION | ||||||
| Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family | Genus | Species |
| Animalia | Arthropoda | Insecta | Lepidoptera | Lycaenidae | Lycaena | L. phlaeas |
The American Copper Butterfly (Lycaena phlaeas), known as the Small Copper, sparkles in Maine’s wildflowers and meadows. Its bright colors and small size make it striking.
Identifying Features
American Copper Butterfly has a wingspan of 0.75 to 1 inch (1.9 to 2.5 centimeters) making it a small butterfly. Despite its small size, this butterfly has a striking coloration.
The upper side of its wings is orange-red with dark brown or black spots and a narrow black border.
Its name comes from the butterfly’s mottled brown and copper wings.
Both male and female American Coppers have similar coloring, but females have wider black wings.
Habitat
The American Copper Butterfly thrives in meadows, grasslands, and roadside verges. With their abundant wildflowers, Maine’s diverse landscapes are ideal for these butterflies.
Behavior
American Copper Butterflies search for nectar in wildflowers as adults. Asters, goldenrods, and milkweed are among their favorites.
Conservation Status
No conservation action is needed for the American Copper Butterfly.
#12. Clouded Sulphur Butterfly
| SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION | ||||||
| Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family | Genus | Species |
| Animalia | Arthropoda | Insecta | Lepidoptera | Pieridae | Colias | C. philodice |
Maine’s Clouded Sulphur Butterfly (Colias philodice) is delicate and beautiful. This butterfly brightens natural landscapes with its bright yellow color and gentle flight and are popular among Maine’s native butterflies.
Identifying Features
The Clouded Sulphur Butterfly has a 1.5–2.5-inch wingspan (3.8 to 6.4 centimeters). The greenery contrasts with its lemon-yellow wings.
Its wings have subtle black markings near the wingtips. Male Clouded Sulphurs are usually brighter yellow than females.
The butterfly’s name comes from its pale yellow undersides with green hints and a faint cloud-like pattern.
Habitat
The Clouded Sulphur Butterfly inhabits meadows, gardens, fields, and roadsides.
These butterflies thrive in Maine’s diverse landscapes with abundant flowering plants.
Behavior
Adult Clouded Sulphur Butterflies fly gracefully from flower to flower, seeking nectar. Their graceful flight pattern matches their sunny meadows.
Conservation Status
Clouded Sulphur Butterflies are not endangered. Like many butterflies, habitat and host plant availability can affect its population.
These Maine Butterflies and their pollination role depend on diverse habitats with plenty of nectar-rich flowers.
#13. Cloudless Sulphur Butterfly
| SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION | ||||||
| Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family | Genus | Species |
| Animalia | Arthropoda | Insecta | Lepidoptera | Pieridae | Phoebis | P. sennae |
The Cloudless Sulphur Butterfly is a beautiful and fascinating species that flutters around Maine in the summertime.
This Maine butterfly adds a splash of sunshine and beauty to the landscapes it flies over with its bright yellow wings and graceful flight.
Identifying Features
The average wingspan of a Cloudless Sulphur Butterfly is between 2.5 and 3.5 inches (6.4 to 8.9 centimeters), making it a species in the larger end of the butterfly size spectrum.
Its wings are a brilliant lemon yellow, which stands out dramatically against the blue of the summer sky.
The tops of its wings are a brilliant, spotless yellow, while the bottoms are lighter yellow with pink highlights near the wing tips.
The Cloudless Sulphur’s long, slender wings contribute to its graceful airiness.
Habitat
The Cloudless Sulphur Butterfly lives in many open environments, from meadows and gardens to fields and even the coast.
These butterflies are well-suited to the varied habitats in Maine, particularly the state’s coastal areas and areas with plenty of flowering plants.
Behavior
In their adult form, Cloudless Sulphur Butterflies can easily break the sound barrier as they soar through the air, searching for nectar.
They are attracted to many flowers, but lantanas, zinnias, and milkweed are favorites.
Conservation
Currently, the Cloudless Sulphur Butterfly is not on the list of endangered species. Because of its wide distribution and ability to thrive in various environments, this species is still common in many regions with suitable host plants and nectar sources.
#14. Coral Hairstreak Butterfly
| SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION | ||||||
| Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family | Genus | Species |
| Animalia | Arthropoda | Insecta | Lepidoptera | Lycaenidae | Satyrium | S. titus |
The Coral Hairstreak Butterfly (Satyrium titus) is a stunningly beautiful, elusive species living in Maine’s forests’ treetops.
Identifying Features
The average wing span of a Coral Hairstreak Butterfly is 1.25 inches (2.5 to 3.2 centimeters), making it a medium-sized species. Its diminutive in stature, but its visual appeal is huge.
Dark brown or black coloring can be seen on the upper side of its wings, with bright orange or coral markings along the outer edges of the hind wings.
The butterfly’s coral markings give it its name and make it easy to spot.
When at rest, the butterfly’s wings can blend seamlessly with tree bark and leaves thanks to their soft grayish-brown color and intricate pattern of white and orange spots on the undersides.
Habitat
The Coral Hairstreak Butterfly is a common sight in deciduous and mixed forests, where it typically inhabits the canopy. These elusive insects thrive in Maine’s vast and varied forests, featuring deciduous and coniferous trees.
Behavior
Coral Hairstreaks, when fully grown, tend to fly quietly and stealthily, and they frequently congregate in the upper canopy of trees.
They can be seen flitting gracefully from flower to flower, sipping nectar from dogwoods, milkweed, and asters.
Conservation Status
The Coral Hairstreak Butterfly is endangered in some parts of its range due to its elusive nature and particular habitat preferences but are secured in other parts.
#15. Henry’s Elfin Butterfly
| SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION | ||||||
| Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family | Genus | Species |
| Animalia | Arthropoda | Insecta | Lepidoptera | Lycaenidae | Callophrys | C. henrici |
Henry’s Elfin Butterfly (Callophrys henrici) is a stunningly beautiful and exceptionally rare butterfly species found in Maine’s wilds.
Identifying Features
The wingspan of a typical Henry’s Elfin Butterfly is only 0.75 to 1 inch (1.9 to 2.5 centimeters). It may be small, but its singular and alluring form more than makes up for its diminutive stature.
Its upper wings are a dark, glossy brown with a reddish sheen. The males stand out from the crowd with an extra row of flashy orange spots along the wingtips.
Habitat
The best places to spot a Henry’s Elfin Butterfly are wooded areas, especially those with various tree types.
The abundant native plants and diverse habitats in Maine’s vast forests make it a perfect home for these elusive butterflies.
Behavior
Henry’s Elfin Butterflies mature into nimble fliers that skitter deftly from flower to flower in search of nectar.
They prefer to fly low and quietly, keeping to the cover of vegetation.
Conservation Status
Due to its restricted distribution and specific habitat requirements, the Henry’s Elfin Butterfly is listed as a species of special concern in some areas.
There are no known threats to the global population of Henry’s Elfin, which are Secure globally, widespread and abundant, but may be uncommon in some areas of its range.
#16. Pink-edged Sulphur
| SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION | ||||||
| Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family | Genus | Species |
| Animalia | Arthropoda | Insecta | Lepidoptera | Pieridae | Colias Coral Hairstreak Butterfly essa | C. interior |
The Pink-edged Sulphur Butterfly (Colias interior) is a beautiful and graceful species that can be found in the sunny meadows of Maine.
Identifying Features
The average wing span of a Pink-edged Sulphur Butterfly is between 1.5 and 2.25 inches in length (3.8 to 5.7 centimeters).
Its upper wings are a pale yellow, while the undersides are a lighter shade still.
Named for the fine pink or pinkish-orange band that runs along the outer edges of its wings, this butterfly is a sight to behold.
Habitat
The Pink-edged Sulphur Butterfly is common in many open environments, from meadows and prairies to gardens.
The abundance of wildflowers in Maine’s vast and varied meadows makes it a perfect habitat for these butterflies.
Behavior
The adult Pink-edged Sulphur Butterfly is a graceful flier that hops from flower to flower in search of nectar.
Asters, goldenrods, milkweed, and many other flowers are magnets for these winged creatures.
Conservation Status
At this time, the Pink-edged Sulphur Butterfly is not on the list of endangered or critically endangered species. Due to its wide distribution and its adaptability to different environments, this species is still common in many regions with adequate nectar resources.
#17. Spring Azure
| SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION | ||||||
| Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family | Genus | Species |
| Animalia | Arthropoda | Insecta | Lepidoptera | Lycaenidae | Celastrina Coral Hairstreak Butterfly essa | C. ladon |
The Spring Azure Butterfly (Celastrina ladon) enchants Maine’s woods. This butterfly brings wonder and serenity to natural landscapes with its delicate wings and ethereal hue.
Identifying Features
Spring Azure Butterflies have wingspans of 0.75 to 1.25 inches (1.9 to 3.2 centimeters). Its celestial blue color draws attention despite its small size.
Males have iridescent blue wings, while females may be gray or blue. Both genders have thin black wing borders. Its wings are powdery blue with tiny black spots and white streaks.
Habitat
The Spring Azure Butterfly flutters gracefully among deciduous woodlands and forest edges. These celestial butterflies thrive in Maine’s vast deciduous-coniferous woodlands.
Behavior
Adult Spring Azure Butterflies gracefully fly from flower to flower, seeking nectar. Violets and azaleas are their favorites.
Conservation Status
Spring Azure Butterflies are not endangered. It is common where host plants and nectar sources are available due to its wide range and adaptability.
#18. Tawny Emperor Butterfly
| SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION | ||||||
| Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family | Genus | Species |
| Animalia | Arthropoda | Insecta | Lepidoptera | Nymphalidae | Asterocam | A. clyton |
The Tawny Emperor Butterfly (Asterocampa clyton) is a monarch butterfly that rules over Maine’s forests. This butterfly’s vibrant colors and imposing appearance command respect and admiration from anyone lucky to see it.
Identifying Features
The wingspan of a mature Tawny Emperor Butterfly is typically between 2.5 and 3.5 inches (6.4 to 8.9 centimeters). Its mesmerizing blend of warm and earthy tones on its wings makes for quite a sight when in flight.
Its upper wings are a deep tawny brown, while the outer edges are white with large white spots.
When resting on tree trunks or branches, the butterfly’s camouflage is greatly enhanced by the mottled brown and gray coloring of the undersides of its wings.
Habitats
The Tawny Emperor Butterfly is most commonly seen in the air forests and woodlands.
These majestic insects thrive in Maine’s varied and extensive forests, which feature deciduous and coniferous trees.
Behavior
Adult Tawny Emperor Butterflies soar high above the forest canopy in search of nectar, pollen, and mates.
They are also well-known for their “puddling” behavior, in which large numbers congregate on damp ground or surfaces to glean nutrients and minerals.
Conservation Status
The Tawny Emperor Butterfly is not a threatened species at this time. As a result of its wide tolerance for environmental conditions, it can be found in many places where appropriate host plants are grown.
#19. Milbert’s Tortoiseshell Butterfly
| SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION | ||||||
| Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family | Genus | Species |
| Animalia | Arthropoda | Insecta | Lepidoptera | Nymphalida | Aglais | A. milberti |
The Milbert’s Tortoiseshell Butterfly (Aglais milberti) is a rare and beautiful species that live in Maine’s cool forests. This butterfly stands out because of its bright colors and intricate patterns.
Identifying Features
The Milbert’s Tortoiseshell Butterfly is a species of medium size. Its wingspan is usually between 2.5 and 3.25 inches (6.4 to 8.3 centimeters). Its wings are a beautiful blend of different colors and patterns.
Its forewings are dark black or brown on the top, with bright orange spots and bright blue spots near the tips.
The back wings are a mix of orange and blue, with a black-and-white border around the edges.
Its underside wings are more muted, with a mottled and marbled pattern of browns and grays that helps it blend in with tree bark and leaves.
Habitat
The Milbert’s Tortoiseshell Butterfly usually lives in cool, shady forests, where it moves gracefully through the trees and grass.
With plenty of deciduous and coniferous trees, Maine’s large and varied forests are a great place for these hard-to-find butterflies to live.
Behavior
Milbert’s tortoiseshells grow up to be Butterflies that can fly quickly and easily, and you can often see them soaring between the trees as they look for food and mates.
Status of Conservation
The Milbert’s Tortoiseshell Butterfly is a species of special concern in some areas because it has a small range and likes to live in certain places.
For this rare and much-loved butterfly to stay alive, it is important to protect and keep its habitats in cool forests and to protect the native plants that serve as its food.
#20. Variegated Fritillary Butterfly
| SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION | ||||||
| Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family | Genus | Species |
| Animalia | Arthropoda | Insecta | Lepidoptera | Nymphalida | Euptoieta | E. claudia |
The Variegated Fritillary Butterfly is a beautiful and colorful butterfly that can often be found flitting among the wildflowers in Maine. This butterfly brings a sense of awe to Maine woodland and meadow.
Identifying Features
The wingspan of a typical Variegated Fritillary Butterfly is between 2.5 and 3.5 inches (6.4 to 8.9 centimeters). Its wings are an eye-catching combination of orange, brown, and black.
There are intricate black markings and patterns on the upper side of its wings, giving them the appearance of a delicate tapestry.
An attractive feature is the pattern of silver spots near the wingtips on the forewings. When resting on the ground or a flower, the butterfly’s mottled undersides of orange and brown wings serve as excellent camouflage.
Habitats
The Variegated Fritillary is a popular sight in open areas such as fields, meadows, andeventhe sides of roads.
It thrives where there are lots of wildflowers. These beautiful insects thrive in Maine’s varied and expansive landscapes due to the abundance of native flowering plants.
Behavior
The adult Variegated Fritillary Butterfly is a graceful flier that hops from flower to flower in search of nectar.
They fly with a strong, steady pattern, occasionally flapping their wings to catch insects.
Conservation Status
There is no reason to believe that the Variegated Fritillary Butterfly is in danger of extinction now. As a result of its wide distribution and ability to thrive in various environments, this species of butterfly can still be found in large numbers in many regions with adequate nectar resources.
#21. Question Mark Butterfly
| SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION | ||||||
| Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family | Genus | Species |
| Animalia | Arthropoda | Insecta | Lepidoptera | Nymphalidae | Polygonia | P. interrogationis |
Polygonia interrogationis, commonly known as the “Question Mark Butterfly,” is a rare but fascinating sight in the Maine woods. Everyone who gets the chance to see this butterfly is captivated by its unique form and mysterious patterns.
Identifying Features
The Trapezoid of Doubt, The average butterfly, has a wing span of 2.5 and 3.25 inches (6.4 to 8.3 centimeters).
Its wings are shaped like question marks or commas and have a distinctive jagged or irregular edge.
Its upper wings are a dazzling array of colors, ranging from black markings and patterns to deep orange and brown.
When resting, the butterflies mottled and marbled brown and gray underwings blend perfectly with the tree bark and leaves.
Habitat
Question Mark Butterfly is common in forests and wooded areas, where it flits silently from tree to tree.
These mysterious butterflies have been spotted in Maine’s vast forests, which feature deciduous and coniferous trees.
Behavior
Question Mark Butterflies were nimble fliers that preferred to remain low to the ground or in cool, shady areas when they grew up.
For warmth in the winter, they are known to sun themselves with their wings spread wide on rocks and tree trunks.
Conservation Status
Question Mark Butterflies at this time are not thought to be in need of special protection. Despite this, whenever it does show up in Maine, it is eagerly sought after by researchers and butterfly fans alike.
#22. Pearl Crescent Butterfly
| SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION | ||||||
| Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family | Genus | Species |
| Animalia | Arthropoda | Insecta | Lepidoptera | Nymphalidae | Phyciodes | P. tharos |
The Pearl Crescent Butterfly (Phyciodes tharos) is a beautiful jewel found in the wildflower meadows of Maine. With its bright colors and unique markings, this butterfly brings beauty and joy to the natural areas it likes to visit.
Identifying Features
The Pearl Crescent Butterfly is a small to medium-sized species. Its wingspan is usually between 1.25 and 1.75 inches (3.2 to 4.4 centimeters). Even though it’s not very big, it looks very interesting.
Its upper wings are bright orange with black edges and tiny black markings that look like brushstrokes on a painting.
The butterfly gets its name from the crescent-shaped white or pearl-colored spots near the tips of its forewings.
The undersides of its wings are a mix of orange and brown, with white and black markings.
Habitat
The Pearl Crescent Butterfly is often found in places like meadows, fields, and gardens with many open spaces.
It likes places where there are a lot of native wildflowers. With their bright flowers, the meadows in Maine are a great place for these beautiful butterflies to live.
Behavior
Pearl Crescent Butterflies are quick and active flyers that move gracefully among wildflowers searching for nectar.
They like a wide range of flowers, especially asters, goldenrods, and milkweed.
Conservation Status
The Pearl Crescent Butterfly is not a species that needs to be saved.
Conclusion
As we conclude our exploration of “Maine Butterflies: 22 Species You Should Know About,” we are left in awe of these delicate creatures’ remarkable diversity and beauty.
Each butterfly brings a unique charm to Maine’s landscapes, from the majestic Monarch to the mysterious Question Mark.
Maine Butterflies reminds us of the intricate and interconnected web of life that flourishes in our natural surroundings.
As we venture into the woodlands and meadows, let us cherish these Maine Butterflies and the ecosystems that sustain them.
By nurturing and preserving their habitats, we ensure that future generations can also revel in the wonder of Maine’s butterflies.