The Diversity of Butterflies in Massachusetts

Massachusetts is home to a wide variety of butterfly species. With its range of habitats from coastal areas to forests and meadows the state provides ideal conditions for many types of butterflies. Here is an overview of some of the most notable butterflies found in Massachusetts

Swallowtail Butterflies

Several species of swallowtail butterflies can be seen in Massachusetts. The Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus) is a large, yellow and black butterfly that is a common sight from spring through fall. Its caterpillars feed on trees such as wild cherry, tulip poplar, ash and birch.

The Canadian Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio canadensis) resembles the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail but has a broader black stripe on its wings. It is mainly found in northern and western Massachusetts.

The Spicebush Swallowtail (Papilio troilus) is dark black with pale blue spots. As its name suggests, it relies on spicebush as a host plant.

Two other swallowtails sometimes seen in the state are the Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes), identified by its yellow bands on a black background, and the Giant Swallowtail (Papilio cresphontes), an enormous butterfly with yellow and black tiger stripes.

Sulphur Butterflies

Several species of yellow sulphur butterflies can be found in the state. The Clouded Sulphur (Colias philodice) is pale yellow with dark borders. It is widespread and feeds on clover and alfalfa. The Orange Sulphur (Colias eurytheme) is bright orange-yellow and slightly larger. The Little Yellow (Eurema lisa) is the smallest sulphur butterfly, with a wingspan under 1 inch.

Hairstreaks

Many types of hairstreak butterflies inhabit Massachusetts. They are named for the thin ‘tails’ on their hindwings. Species found in the state include the Acadian Hairstreak (Satyrium acadica), the Banded Hairstreak (Satyrium calanus), the Hickory Hairstreak (Satyrium caryaevorum), and the Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus).

The Coral Hairstreak (Satyrium titus) is famed for its bright orange coloration. The Hessel’s Hairstreak (Callophyrs hesseli) and the Early Hairstreak (Erora laeta) are two rare species mainly limited to western Massachusetts.

Copper Butterflies

Copper butterflies have mostly reddish-orange coloration. The American Copper (Lycaena phlaeas) can be found statewide, especially in moist meadows. The Bronze Copper (Lycaena hyllus) prefers drier, sandier habitats. The Bog Copper (Lycaena epixanthe) lives only in acidic bogs and marshlands.

Brushfooted Butterflies

Several types of brushfooted butterflies can be seen in Massachusetts. The Mourning Cloak (Nymphalis antiopa) is a large butterfly with purplish-black wings and yellow borders. It overwinters as an adult and is one of the first butterflies to emerge in spring.

The Red-spotted Purple (Limenitis arthemis), Viceroy (Limenitis archippus) and Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta) all have black wings with scarlet bands or spots. The Monarch (Danaus plexippus) is the state’s largest and most recognizable butterfly with its orange wings and black veins and borders.

Some fritillary butterflies found in the state include the Great Spangled Fritillary (Speyeria cybele), the Aphrodite Fritillary (Speyeria aphrodite), and the Meadow Fritillary (Boloria bellona). Various species of checkerspots and crescents also inhabit Massachusetts.

Skipper Butterflies

Many types of skipper butterflies can be observed in Massachusetts. They are called skippers because of their fast, darting flight patterns. Species include the Silver-spotted Skipper (Epargyreus clarus), the Peck’s Skipper (Polites peckius), the Delaware Skipper (Anatrytone logan), and the Hobomok Skipper (Poanes hobomok).

The Tawny-edged Skipper (Polites themistocles), the Long Dash (Polites mystic), and the Zabulon Skipper (Poanes zabulon) are all mid-sized brown skippers with yellow bands on their wings. Tiny skippers like the Least Skipper (Ancyloxypha numitor) have wingspans under 1 inch.

Finding Butterflies in Massachusetts

Some of the best spots to find butterflies in Massachusetts include meadows, gardens, parks, marshes, and along trails and woodland edges. Peak viewing times are between late spring and early fall when most species are actively flying about and feeding on flower nectar.

Pine barrens, Cranberry bogs, coastal dunes, and Mount Greylock are some unique hotspots with rare butterfly species found nowhere else in the state. With over 115 species documented, Massachusetts provides ample opportunities to observe a diversity of butterfly species.