There are over 157 Michigan butterflies, but we are going to be learning about 22 Common types of Michigan butterflies with pictures since it will be too lengthy to cover all species of Michigan butterflies in a single post.
Michigan is a butterfly enthusiast’s paradise, with its diverse ecosystems, including forests, meadows, wetlands, and gardens, providing ideal habitats for a wide range of butterfly species.
From the magnificent monarchs to the delicately painted ladies, Michigan hosts various species of butterflies that captivate both beginners and experienced enthusiasts.
In this post, we will take a closer look at 22 common types of butterflies found in Michigan, showcasing their exquisite beauty and shedding light on their importance within the state’s ecosystem.
Also See: Maryland Butterflies: 20 Common Species With ID Guide And Pictures
Michigan’s Marvelous Butterfly Species: 22 Common Types
#1. Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus)
The Eastern Tiger Swallowtail is a big butterfly that may be found in Michigan and is one of the state’s most well-known species.
Its wings are marked with a stunning combination of black stripes and bright yellow, and the females of the species frequently have extra blue accents.
These butterflies can be found all over the state, although they are most common in gardens and along the edges of forests, where they feed on the nectar that different flowers produce.
#2. Monarch (Danaus plexippus)
Due to its remarkable journeys over such great distances, the monarch butterfly has become something of a cultural symbol.
These butterflies are well-known for the brilliant orange color of their wings, which are accented with white dots and black veins.
During their annual migration, monarch butterflies make a significant stop in Michigan to rest and recharge on the nectar that is produced by milkweed and other types of blooming plants.
Michigan acts as an important stopover for monarch butterflies.
#3. Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes)
Dark wings with beautiful golden markings and a striking row of blue and orange dots near the tail are characteristics of the Black Swallowtail butterfly, which is a common butterfly species in the state of Michigan.
It is common to find them in gardens and meadows, where they can be seen flitting around gracefully from blossom to flower in search of nectar.
The caterpillars of this species eat a variety of herbs and plants, including fennel, parsley, and dill.
#4. Silver-spotted Skipper (Epargyreus clarus)
The skipper butterfly is a species that can be found across Michigan. It is a little and fleeting butterfly.
It possesses wings that are a dark brown color and have beautiful silver markings on the undersides of the wings. The nectar of many flowers, including milkweed, thistles, and dogbane, is what these skippers feed on, therefore it is common to see them zipping quickly around wide fields and meadows.
#5 Mourning Cloak (Nymphalis antiopa)
The Mourning Cloak butterfly is easily recognizable thanks to its unusual wings, which are a deep maroon color and have cream-colored borders.
This species can be found all over the state of Michigan in wooded areas and at the boundaries of forests.
They are one of the first butterflies to emerge in the early spring, often even before the snow has completely melted off the ground. Because they spend the winter in a dormant state, Mourning Cloak butterflies have one of the longest lifespans of any butterfly species.
#6. Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui)
The Painted Lady butterfly, also known as Vanessa cardui, is a huge butterfly that may reach a wing span of up to 2.75 inches and is orange and black in color.
It is one of the butterflies that can be found on every continent with the exception of Antarctica, making it one of the most common butterflies in Michigan.
The Painted Lady butterfly is a migratory species, and as such, it frequently travels extensive distances in search of suitable breeding grounds and food sources.
The larvae of this butterfly feed on various plants, including thistles, clover, and mallow. The butterfly itself is a pollinator.
The Painted Lady butterfly is not only stunning and interesting to observe, but also vital to the health of the environment in which it resides.
#7. Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta)
The wingspan of the stunning Red Admiral butterfly, Vanessa atalanta, ranges from 2.5 to 3.5 inches. Its wings are a brilliant crimson, and its body is black with orange and white markings. The Red Admiral butterfly is widespread and can be seen in Michigan gardens and meadows.
The Red Admiral butterfly feeds exclusively on flower nectar. The plants nettle, thistle, and clover are among those that the caterpillars enjoy munching on.
The Red Admiral butterfly is a migratory species that must travel great distances to find its preferred food and mating sites.
#8. Pearl Crescent (Phyciodes tharos)
Michigan is home to the tiny Pearl Crescent (Phyciodes tharos). Its wingspan is between two and three inches.
The upper surface of the wings is orange with black borders; fine black lines cross the postmedian and submarginal regions. A dark marginal patch with a white crescent can be seen on the underside of the hind wing.
The Pearl Crescent typically grows in wide-open spaces like meadows, along the sides of roads, in empty lots, in fields, and in swaths of open pine forests. This butterfly can be observed fluttering across Michigan from May through September.
The Pearl Crescent is a nectar feeder, meaning it feeds on the sweet liquid secreted by flowers.
Caterpillar hosts include Aster pilosus, Aster texanus, and Aster laevis, all of which have smooth-leaved true asters.
#9. Eastern Comma (Polygonia comma)
Michigan is home to the Eastern Comma butterfly, or Polygonia comma. Its wings are easily recognizable because they are shaped like a tiny, tattered leaf with scalloped edges.
The underside of its wings are mottled brown, like a dried leaf, while the top side is orange with dark markings.
In Michigan, you can spot this butterfly almost anywhere there are trees or flowers. Its popular name comes from the distinctive “comma” or “question mark“-shaped markings on its hindwings.
The Eastern Comma is an intriguing and visually appealing butterfly species found in the state of Michigan.
#10. Great Spangled Fritillary (Speyeria cybele)
The Great Spangled Fritillary (Speyeria cybele) is a type of butterfly that is native to Michigan.
It is big and has bright orange wings with black markings that make it stand out. Its wings have a pattern of silver spots on the top, while the undersides are a mix of orange, brown, and silver spots.
This type of butterfly lives in meadows, prairies, and open woods all over Michigan. The Great Spangled Fritillary is a beautiful, well-known butterfly that adds bright colors to Michigan’s natural scenery.
#11. American Copper (Lycaena phlaeas)
The American Copper butterfly (Lycaena phlaeas) lives in Michigan.
It is a small butterfly with bright orange wings that have black spots on them.
The undersides are a unique copper color. This species is common in Michigan’s open fields, meadows, and wetlands.
It flies quickly and erratically, and people know it likes to land on flowers with lots of nectar.
The American Copper butterfly adds a splash of color to Michigan’s natural areas with its bright colors and delicate look. It is a joy to see for people who like to be in nature.
#12. Baltimore Checkerspot (Euphydryas phaeton)
Michigan is home to the Baltimore Checkerspot. It’s a tiny butterfly, but its bright orange wings are spotted with black, and the undersides have a coppery tint.
This butterfly is widely distributed over Michigan’s open grasslands, meadows, and wetlands.
It flies quickly and erratically, and it prefers flowers with lots of nectar.
#13. Eastern Tailed-Blue (Cupido comyntas)
Michigan is home to the Eastern Tailed-Blue (Cupido comyntas). The length of its wingspan is roughly 2 inches. Above, the wings are blue with black borders; below, the hind wing bears a black bar at the end of the cell, clear black markings, and three big orange spots at the outer margin near the tail.
Open regions like meadows, fields, roadside, and disturbed habitats are where you’ll find the Eastern Tailed-Blue.
This butterfly can be observed throughout the months of April through October in Michigan.
The Eastern Tailed-Blue takes its sustenance from floral nectar.
Caterpillars of this species eat a wide range of plants in the pea family, including alfalfa (Medicago sativa), yellow sweet clover (Melilotus officinalis), and numerous kinds of vetch (Vicia), clover (Trifolium), wild pea (Lathyrus), and bush clover (Lespedeza).
#14. Giant Swallowtail (Papilio cresphontes)
The Giant Swallowtail butterfly, Papilio cresphontes, can be seen in Michigan on rare occasions. With a wing span of up to six inches, it is among North America’s largest butterflies.
It has mostly black wings with bright yellow bands and dots. Although it does not permanently inhabit in Michigan, this species occasionally makes the journey north from the warmer southern states.
Gardens, fields, and forests are all good places to find the Giant Swallowtail.
Spotting this beautiful butterfly in Michigan is a once in a lifetime opportunity that elevates the state’s already impressive collection of butterfly species.
#15. Clouded Sulphur (Colias philodice)
In Michigan, you can often see Clouded Sulphur butterflies (Colias philodice). Females often have a white or pale yellow color variation, and males have bright yellow wings with light greenish-gray patterns.
This species of butterfly is widespread across Michigan, and can be spotted in various environments.
The Clouded Sulphur butterfly is recognized for its irregular and energetic flight, and it is drawn to blooms with nectar.
Its bright yellow coloring brightens up the state of Michigan’s landscape, making this butterfly a welcome sight for nature lovers.
#16. Peck’s Skipper (Polites peckius)
A little butterfly known as the Peck’s Skipper (Polites peckius) can be found in the state of Michigan.
Its wing span is somewhere between one and two inches. The upper surface of the wings are brown with patches of reddish-orange, and the forewing bears a stigma that is sinuous.
The gender assigned to darker people carries no stigma. On the underside of the hindwings of both the male and female, there is a cluster of huge yellow spots in the center that is bordered by dark brown.
It is common to find the Peck’s Skipper in open grassy environments such as meadows, marshes, lawns, and roadside verges.
The month of May through the month of October is the best time to spot this common species of butterfly in Michigan.
#17. Canadian Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio canadensis)
The Canadian Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio canadensis) has a wingspan is roughly 3.5 cm. The top of the wings are bright yellow and striped with black, while the underside is the same color but marked with orange and black.
The Canadian Tiger Swallowtail prefers humid forests with flowing water.
This butterfly can be observed fluttering across Michigan from May through July.
The nectar of flowers is a source of nutrition for the Canadian Tiger Swallowtail. Its caterpillars eat birch, aspen, and black cherry, among other plants.
#18. Hackberry Emperor (Asterocampa celtis)
The Hackberry Emperor, also known as Asterocampa celtis, is a species of butterfly that can be found in Michigan occasionally.
It is a brown butterfly with beautiful patterns and markings on its wings, and it is around the size of a medium-sized butterfly.
The hackberry tree, which is the Hackberry Emperor’s favored host plant, inspired the insect’s common name.
Even though it is not a native species, you can occasionally spot it in Michigan, which is further north than its typical distribution.
This particular butterfly can be found in the edges of woodlands, near rivers, and even in suburban areas with hackberry trees if such locations have enough of them.
The Hackberry Emperor butterfly is unique to the state of Michigan and serves as a symbol of both the state’s natural beauty and its rich biodiversity among butterfly species.
#19. Spicebush Swallowtail (Papilio troilus)
The Spicebush Swallowtail is a species of butterfly that can be found in Michigan occasionally.
It has a reputation for having an arresting look, with black wings bearing blue and orange markings on them.
This butterfly, which is about the size of a medium-sized leaf, is most often found in wooded environments, such as forests and riparian areas.
The Spicebush Swallowtail gets its name from the plant that serves as its host, the spicebush, which is consumed by the butterfly’s caterpillars.
Even though it is not a common inhabitant, this butterfly will occasionally fly all the way up to Michigan from its normal area in the south.
The Spicebush Swallowtail is a beautiful butterfly that can be found in the natural landscapes of Michigan.
#20. Dun Skipper (Euphyes vestris)
The Dun Skipper is a species of small butterfly that is native to the state of Michigan. Its wing span is somewhere between 1.25 and 1.5 inches.
On the upper surface of the wings there is a dark brown region in the middle, while the underside of the wings are brown with a pattern of black patches.
It is common to see the Dun Skipper in open grassy places such as meadows, marshes, and the sides of roads.
It is a common butterfly in Michigan, and the months of May through September are the best times to spot it flitting around.
The Dun Skipper is a nectar feeder, which means that it consumes the nectar that is produced by flowers.
The caterpillars of this species consume several different types of grass, including bluegrass (Poa pratensis) and orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata).
#21. American Lady (Vanessa virginiensis)
The American Lady butterfly (Vanessa virginiensis) can be seen in Michigan. The black, orange, and white markings on its wings make it easy to see.
This butterfly can be found all over the state of Michigan, especially in open areas like fields, meadows, and gardens.
The American Lady butterfly is a migrant that visits nectar-rich flowers like thistles and sunflowers, where it lays its eggs.
The American Lady butterfly is a welcome addition to Michigan’s scenic vistas, thanks to its brilliant colors and graceful flying. Nature lovers in the state can have a wonderful time watching this species in gardens and open areas.
#22. Red-spotted Purple
The Red-spotted Purple (Limenitis arthemis astyanax) can be found in the state of Michigan. It is a butterfly with dark, iridescent blue-black wings and unique red dots on the underside of its body. It is of a medium size.
Throughout the state of Michigan, you can frequently spot this butterfly in wooded areas, forests, and near streams. In order to avoid being eaten by predators, the Red-spotted Purple butterfly imitates the appearance of the venomous Pipevine Swallowtail.
It gets its nourishment from a wide variety of sources, including decaying fruit and sap from trees.
The Red-spotted Purple butterfly is known for its vibrant colors and graceful flight, both of which contribute a touch of beauty and mystery to the natural landscapes found in Michigan.
Michigan Butterfly Habitats:
Michigan provides diverse habitats that cater for different butterfly species. Forest clearings serve as havens for woodland butterflies, where they flutter among the dappled sunlight and find abundant nectar sources.
Wetlands and meadows, on the other hand, offer a paradise for grassland butterflies, with a wealth of wildflowers and open spaces to thrive in.
Even urban gardens can play host to butterflies, providing a welcoming oasis amidst concrete landscapes.
Migration Patterns of Michigan Butterflies
One of the most awe-inspiring spectacles in Michigan is the great Monarch migration. Every year, thousands of Monarch butterflies embark on an incredible journey, traveling long distances to reach their overwintering grounds.
Michigan serves as a crucial pit stop along their epic migration route.
In addition to Monarchs, other migratory butterfly species can also be spotted in Michigan, adding to the wonder and beauty of this natural phenomenon.
Conclusion on Michigan Butterflies: 22 Common Types with Pictures
Throughout the course of this guide, we have covered 22 of the most common species of Michigan butterflies, ranging from the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail to the Red-spotted Purple, each of these butterflies has been identified.
We can ensure that the state of Michigan’s unique butterfly diversity will be around for future generations to enjoy if we take the time to appreciate and protect these delicate insects.
The variety of butterfly species seen in Michigan is evidence of the state’s healthy ecosystems and the conservation efforts that have been made.
Each species of butterfly possesses a beauty all its own as well as an important role to play in the environment, from the regal Monarch to the elusive Mourning Cloak.
A wonderful way to interact with nature and deepen one’s appreciation for the subtle wonders of the natural world is to investigate the 22 common species of butterflies that can be found in the state of Michigan.