The Dazzling Diversity of Butterflies in Michigan

As an avid lepidopterist and lifetime Michigan resident, I’ve had the pleasure of observing the many species of butterflies that inhabit our state From the majestic Monarch to the tiny Eastern Tailed Blue, Michigan hosts a wide variety of these winged beauties In this article, I’ll showcase some of the most notable butterflies found in the Great Lakes region and share tips on the best places to spot them.

A Fluttering Phenomenon

With over 120 species documented, Michigan has one of the most diverse butterfly populations in the Midwest. This is largely thanks to the state’s variety of habitats, from northern forests to southern prairies. Butterflies thrive in areas that provide abundant nectar plants and host plants for their caterpillars. In Michigan, some of the most butterfly-friendly zones include meadows, wetlands, dunes, and nature reserves.

The seasonal dance of butterflies here also draws interest, as some are year-round residents while others migrate Summer brings an influx of species and higher activity as butterflies take advantage of the warming weather and floral abundance. However, even on a chilly spring day, you may spy early risers like Mourning Cloaks basking in the sun

Marvelous Michigan Butterflies

Let’s learn about some of the common and special butterflies that brighten our landscapes from May through September

Monarch

TheMonarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is undoubtedly the most recognizable species, famous for its vivid orange wings outlined in black. These butterflies favor milkweed as caterpillars and can be spotted fluttering around meadows, fields, and gardens seeking nectar. In fall, Monarchs migrate south in droves to overwinter in Mexico’s Oyamel fir forests.

Black Swallowtail

With its namesake “swallowtails” streaming from its hindwings, the Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes) is a large, striking butterfly. Males exhibit bright yellow bands on their dark wings, while females have more muted blue-green markings. Look for them in meadows, gardens, and anywhere their caterpillar host plants, parsley and other umbellifers, are found.

Red-spotted Purple

The deep blue iridescence of the Red-spotted Purple (Limenitis arthemis) makes it one of our most beautiful butterflies. Males have vivid blue upper wings, while females are more brown. Both feature characteristic red and orange spots on their lower wings. They thrive in deciduous forests and areas with abundant cherries and willows.

Common Wood-Nymph

The Common Wood-Nymph (Cercyonis pegala) camouflages well among sun-dappled forests and woodland trails where it can be spotted feeding on sap, rotting fruit, and animal scat. Its wings are predominately brown and feature two large eyespots likely meant to startle predators.

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail

Michigan’s largest swallowtail, the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus) is hard to miss with its yellow and black striped wings. Look for them along streams or in woodlands where they nectar on flowers like milkweed and lilac. Their caterpillars munch on a variety of trees, including cherry, ash, and tulip.

American Copper

The brilliant metallic copper sheen of the American Copper’s (Lycaena phlaeas) wings shine as it darts among flowers in open fields and wet meadows. Males establish and defend territories waiting for females to pass through. Caterpillars rely on sheep sorrel as their sole host plant.

Silver-spotted Skipper

Among the many skippers in Michigan, the Silver-spotted Skipper (Epargyreus clarus) is the largest and one of the most common. They have velvety dark brown wings with distinctive white bands and spots. As caterpillars, they spin protective shelters of leaf silk to hide in.

Delaware Skipper

The Delaware Skipper (Anatrytone logan) is identified by its unique checkerboard pattern on the underside of its wings. These small butterflies favor moist woodlands and can be observed nectaring alongside busy trails. Their caterpillars feed exclusively on grass species.

Bronze Copper

Catching sight of the brilliant bronzy orange hue of the Bronze Copper (Lycaena hyllus) is a special treat. They inhabit wetlands and other moist areas where their sole caterpillar host plant, dock, grows. Their population appears to be declining in Michigan, making them a species of conservation concern.

Pepper and Salt Skipper

True to its name, the Pepper and Salt Skipper (Amblyscirtes hegon) has wings peppered with patches of white scales on a dark brown-gray background. Look for them in a variety of habitats, especially near woodland trails, where they can be seen feeding on flower nectar.

Prime Butterfly WatchingLocations

Now that you know some butterflies to look for, where are the best places in Michigan to see them? Here are some top sites for butterfly watching:

• Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge: Over 230 species of butterflies have been recorded at this wetland refuge. Abundant wildflowers and protected grasslands make it a prime hotspot.

• University of Michigan Biological Station: With open field experiments and protected forest, this ecological research station draws many species. Guided butterfly walks are available in summer.

• Ned Smith Nature Trail: Located in Calhoun County, this pleasant trail features diverse prairie, forest, and wetland habitats. Butterflies and wildflowers thrive here.

• Fort Custer Recreation Area: The open, grassy fields within this state park attract a high density and diversity of butterflies.

• Point Pelee National Park: The southernmost point of mainland Canada, this park hosts many butterflies, including rare migrants from the south like Zebra Swallowtails.

Tips for Butterfly Viewing

To make the most of your butterfly watching adventures, keep these tips in mind:

• Visit in summer when diversity and activity peak. However, some early spring and late fall specials can be enjoyed too.

• Look for butterflies on sunny days when temperatures exceed 60°F and wind speeds are low.

• Scan for basking and nectaring butterflies on open wildflowers, tree sap flows, mud puddles, and dung.

• Watch for quick-flying skippers near wooded trails and rolling hilltops.

• Carry close-focusing binoculars to study markings and behaviors without disturbing butterflies.

• Research hotspots ahead of time and be respectful of all habitat.

The Lifecycle of Butterflies

Getting acquainted with the magical metamorphosis of butterflies adds an extra layer of interest to observing them. Like all insects, butterflies undergo complete metamorphosis with four life stages:

Egg – Females lay eggs, usually on or near the caterpillar’s host plant. Eggs are often nearly microscopic.

Caterpillar – After 3-10 days, caterpillars hatch and feed voraciously on leafy vegetation to fuel their growth through several instars over 2-4 weeks.

Pupa – In this resting stage, the caterpillar transitions into the adult butterfly via an intricate process hidden inside a chrysalis or cocoon.

Adult – The fully formed butterfly emerges after 10-15 days, its wings drying and body hardening before it takes first flight. Adults live 2-6 weeks feeding on nectar while mating and laying eggs.