| Pipevine Swallowtail (Battus Philenor) 3 1/4 inches |
Large and noticeable dark swallowtail, familiar in the southern U. S.
Larval foodplant is pipevine, Aristolochia spp. Pipevine plants contain noxious chemicals called aristolochic acids. When the caterpillars feed on the plants, the chemical are stored in their bodies, making them distasteful as both caterpillars and adults. Predators learn to avoid them.
Common in open habitats, including gardens
In the Southwest, males patrol hilltops looking for females
Rapid fluttery wing beats; generally fly low
Continue to flutter wings when perched
Black above with a single row of pale spots near edges of wings
Hindwing on male has blue iridescence – more subdued on female
From below the hindwing shows a single row of bright orange spots on an iridescent blue background |
|
| |
| Giant Swallowtail (Papilio cresphontes) to 4 inches |
Usually easy to identify; large and conspicuous
Larval foodplant: plants in the citrus family. Considered a pest of ornamental citrus by growers since caterpillars feed on the leaves.
Caterpillars look like bird droppings as a way to fool predators.
Flight is a graceful series of strong flaps and short glides.
Mostly dark above and yellow (including the body). On upperside has yellow bands that cross, forming an X near the tip of the forewing. “Tails” on hindwing have yellow centers. Sexes similar. Small rusty brown patch on hindwing – visible from above and below. |
|
| |
| Cloudless Sulphur (Phoebis Sennae) 2 - 2 1/2 inches |
Among the most conspicuous butterflies in southern regions. Primarily a Mexican species; we often have influxes during summer monsoons, when many migrate northward into the southwestern U.S.
Large and often fly high
Strong and rapid flight
Perch with wings closed
Visit flowers and mud
Larval Foodplant: Sennas
Male bright yellow above; female greenish white, bright yellow or pinkish orange Spots on forewing and hindwing in both species from below |
|
| |
| Dainty Sulphur (Nathalis iole) 1 inch or less |
Smallest sulphur
Common in open habitats, including deserts, fields, vacant lots
Usually flutters along within inches of the ground for reflected warmth
Larval foodplants: dogweed, marigold and other asters
From below hindwing varies from pale yellow to dusky green
From below, shows black spots
In flight looks greenish yellow; yellow and black wing surface |
|
| |
|
| Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus) About 1 inch |
Most widespread hairstreak in North America – found in gardens and parks
Fly rapidly flitting from side to side or in circles – hard to follow with the human eye
Males perch on trees in flat country or on shrubs/trees on hilly summits, waiting for females
Larval foodplants: eat flowering parts of legumes, mallows, and other types of plants (a broader array than most butterflies)
Gray to brownish gray below with a black and white line often edged with orange
Brownish gray above with bold orange eyespots on hindwing
Abdomen orange on males, gray on females |
|
| |
|
| Marine Blue (Leptotes marina) Less than 1 inch |
Common from Texas west to southern California
Flight is fast and erratic
Visits flowers on hot days; males frequent damp spots
Larval foodplants: flowers and fruits of various legumes
Strongly striped gray brown and white below
Male brown with strong purple overlay above; female brown and blue near body |
|
| |
|
| American Snout (Libytheana carinenta) 1 - 1.5 inches |
Visits flowers as well as sap and mud
Flight bouncy and gliding
Larval foodplants: hackberries
Head has long snoutlike palpi; forewing tips extended and squared off
When perched, resembles a leaf; palpi means leaf stem
Above: Brown with orange and white spots on the forewing
Below: Variable – hindwing plain or mottled |
|
| |
|
| Gulf Fritillary (Agraulis vanillae) 2.5 inches |
A butterfly of southern regions
Easily attracted to gardens containing passion vine
Fast flight – usually well above ground
Larval foodplant: Passion vines
Above: bright red orange with black markings, a few black-ringed white spots on the forewing
Below: Brown/orange with elongated silver spots |
|
| |
|
| Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui) About 2 inches |
Present on many continents
One of most familiar butterflies of North America
Most overwinter in Mexico
Seen in many different habitats
Males patrol hilltops in late afternoon to locate females
Flight fast and erratic
Larval foodplants: thistle, mallow, and many others, many of which are in the composite family
Browny orange, black, with white spots
Below: hindwing has row of four small eyespots
Above – hindwing has row of black spots; wing tips dark with white spots |
|
| |
|
| Queen (Danaus gilippus) About 2.5 inches |
Common in southern areas
Found in any open habitat
Avidly visits flowers
Males seek out particular kinds of flowers (ageratum, eupatorium) to obtain certain alkaloids that they require for breeding.
Adults may gather in groups to roost overnight
Larval foodplants: milkweeds. Milkweeds contain toxins which Queens are able to store in their own tissues, providing predator protection for both caterpillar and adult
Mostly rich dark orangey brown with white spots on the black body and in black wing margins |
|
| |
|
| Fiery Skipper (Hylephila phyleus) A little over 1 inch |
Looks like a little orange moth
Likes open habitats with Bermuda grass, so common in desert city gardens
Larval foodplant: primarily Bermuda grass
Flies low over lawns
Nectar plants – particularly likes lantana and verbena
Short antennae
Above: male yellow orange; wings have black-toothed margins
Below: hindwing yellow –orange with small brown spots
Female similar but has more orange-brown above and below |
|
| |
|
