PH. 623-237-3790

An In-Depth Guide to Black and White Butterflies in North America

Post date |

The Funeral of the Dead Butterflies

  • Ingame
  • Crop

Subject Classification

T-01-68

E-Boxes

16

Attack Type

WHITE (4 – 6)

Risk Level

HE This Abnormality is Capable of Instadeath This Abnormality is Capable of Breach

Good Mood Range

11 – 16

Norm Mood Range

7 – 10

Bad Mood Range

0 – 6

Qliphoth Counter

2

Probabilities

The Funeral of the Dead Butterflies (T-01-68) is a humanoid Abnormality which has a white butterfly for a head and possesses five arms, two at each shoulder and one coming from its neck. It wears a black suit and coat with a single white sleeve for its middle arm. It carries a black coffin with a butterfly engraved on its lid behind its back with two of its arms. According to the flavor text, the coffin is full of butterflies.

Black and white butterflies are some of the most stunning insects in nature. Their contrasting wing patterns dazzle the eye and captivate the imagination. From the common Cabbage White to the rare Sierra Nevada Parnassian black and white butterflies display incredible diversity across North America.

In this guide, we’ll explore 48 of the most popular black and white butterfly species found in backyards, forests, and fields across the United States and Canada. Whether you’re a lepidopterist looking to expand your life list or simply want to identify fluttery visitors to your garden, you’re sure to find inspiration here!

Why Do Some Butterflies Have Black and White Wings?

Before diving into the different species, let’s consider why certain butterflies feature black and white colors. There are a few key reasons behind this phenomenon

  • Camouflage – Many butterflies blend into their surroundings with black and white patterns. Species like the Cabbage White disappear against patchy sunlight and shadow

  • Mimicry – Some black and white butterflies mimic other distasteful or poisonous insects to avoid predation. The Viceroy famously mimics the Monarch.

  • Thermoregulation – Dark colors absorb heat while light colors reflect it. By alternating black and white scales, butterflies can regulate their body temperature.

  • Warning Coloration – Vivid patterns may warn predators that a butterfly has a nasty taste or toxin. Species like the Zebra Longwing flash their stripes boldly.

Now let’s check out some of the stunning black and white beauties flying through North America!

1. Cabbage White

The Cabbage White (Pieris rapae) is one of the most ubiquitous butterflies on the continent. It thrives in open meadows, fields, and urban parks across the United States and Canada.

True to its name, the Cabbage White loves dining on cabbage and other cruciferous plants. It lays eggs on these host plants so its black-spotted green caterpillars have food aplenty.

Males flaunt pure white wings while females showcase a subtle cream coloration. Both sexes display black forewing tips, earning this butterfly its common moniker.

With its camouflaging colors, the Cabbage White disappears against dappled light and shadow. Keep an eye out for these fluttering black and white butterflies on your next stroll through an open field!

2. Summer Azure

Brilliant blue colors may dominate the male Summer Azure (Celastrina neglecta), but females flaunt elegant black and white wings.

Ranging across most of North America, this species inhabits meadows, fields, marshes, and backyards. The Summer Azure flies in one or two broods from spring through summer.

The underside of its wings are adorned with sparse black dots and patches. From above, the white coloration provides camouflage as the butterfly feeds atop favorite flowers like dogbane, viburnum, and marigolds.

Watch for the flashing white wings of the female Summer Azure on your next warm spring day!

3. Zebra Swallowtail

Few sights compare to the Zebra Swallowtail (Eurytides marcellus) fluttering through the woods. This large butterfly earned its name from the striking black and white striped pattern on its wings and body.

Found from the East Coast to the Midwest, the Zebra Swallowtail makes its home in deciduous woodlands. It uses long ‘tails’ on its hindwings to confuse and distract potential predators.

The Zebra Swallowtail frequents flowers like lilac, dogbane, and Japanese honeysuckle. But it has also been known tosip juices from decaying fruit and animal scat to supplement its diet!

4. Cabbage White

Common Name: Cabbage White butterfly (Pieris rapae)

Key Identifying Traits: White wings with distinct black tips on forewings. Males have pure white wings while females have creamy wings. Larvae are velvety green with faint yellow stripes and covered in small black dots.

Wingspan: 1.5 – 2.5 inches

Habitat: Open fields, meadows, disturbed areas, urban parks and gardens.

Diet: Adults drink nectar from flowers. Larvae feed on cruciferous plants like cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and radish.

Range: Throughout North America except Florida, southwest states. Also found in Europe, North Africa, and Asia.

Natural History: The Cabbage White thrives in open, sunny environments. It frequently establishes itself in urban and suburban areas. Females lay eggs singly on host plants. It produces two to three generations per year. The Cabbage White overwinters as a chrysalis.

5. Summer Azure

Common Name: Summer Azure butterfly (Celastrina neglecta)

Key Identifying Traits: Males have bright blue wings with narrow dark edges. Females have predominately white wings with sparse black spots above and gray undersides.

Wingspan: 0.9 – 1.2 inches

Habitat: Meadows, fields, marshes, roadsides.

Diet: Adults sip nectar from flowers like dogbane, azalea, clover, vetch, and marigolds. Larvae feed on plants like dogbane, New Jersey tea, and viburnum.

Range: Most of North America from southern Canada to Mexico. Absent in parts of the southwest.

Natural History: The Summer Azure inhabits open areas and sometimes forests. It produces one or two broods from spring through summer. The larvae overwinter as pupae. It frequents backyards and will visit flower gardens.

6. Zebra Swallowtail

Common Name: Zebra Swallowtail butterfly (Eurytides marcellus)

Key Identifying Traits: Long wing tails, black and white striped pattern on wings and body. Red-orange spots near body on hindwings.

Wingspan: 3 – 4 inches

Habitat: Deciduous forest and woodland edges

Diet: Adults drink nectar from flowers like pawpaw, lilac, dogbane, and Japanese honeysuckle. Larvae feed on pawpaw, sassafras, tulip tree, and spicebush.

Range: Eastern North America west to Colorado and Texas. More common in southeastern states.

Natural History: The Zebra Swallowtail utilizes a wide variety of deciduous wooded habitats. It produces two generations per year. The Zebra Swallowtail overwinters as a pupa. The long hindwing tails likely help confuse predators.

Identifying More Black and White Beauties

From the widespread Summer Azure to the rare Bernardino Blue found only in southern California, black and white butterflies demonstrate impressive diversity across North America.

Here are a few more fascinating species to spot fluttering through backyards and wild areas:

  • Pale Swallowtail – Common in the west, this large butterfly has creamy white wings with bold black stripes.

  • Margined White – Small with white wings and faint black edges, it frequents fields and prairies.

  • Lorquin’s Admiral – Native to California and Oregon, this woodland butterfly has velvety black wings with white banding.

  • Gray Hairstreak – Tiny with a white underside and gray upperwings marked with a bold orange band.

  • Spring White – Almost entirely white with basic black wing veins, it inhabits western deserts and dry slopes.

  • Acadian Hairstreak – Found in eastern woodlands, this species has a brown upper side and vivid orange and black-lined underside.

Part of the fun of watching butterflies is identifying new and interesting species. Grab your field guide and see how many black and white beauties you can observe gliding through your region!

Top Black and White Butterfly Watching Tips

Now that you’ve learned about some of the most popular black and white butterfly species, here are some tips for spotting and observing these winged beauties:

  • Visit open habitats – Watch for butterflies in meadows, fields, prairies, and savannas where flowers thrive.

  • Plant nectar flowers – Lure butterflies into your yard by landscaping with plants like lilac, marigold, and butterfly bush.

  • Follow rivers and streams – Riparian areas nourish plants that butterflies feed on.

  • Bring binoculars – Scan treetops and hillsides for a better view of active butterflies.

  • Watch mud puddles – Butterflies gather at moist earth for nutrients and minerals.

  • Note host plants – Pay attention to plants that caterpillars feed on to spot different species.

  • Visit areas at different times – Early morning and late afternoon are peak activity periods.

With sharp eyes and patience, you’re sure to observe a diversity of dazzling black and white butterflies inhabiting areas near you. Use this guide to identify the species that share your landscape. Happy butterfly watching!

black and white butterflies

Ability[]

The Funeral of the Dead Butterflies ability triggers when its Qliphoth Counter reaches 0. Its Qliphoth Counter can fluctuate in the following ways:

  • Decrease by 1 when an Agent with Justice level 2 or lower works with the Abnormality.
  • Decrease by 1 when an Agent with Fortitude level 4 or higher works with the Abnormality.
  • Decrease by 1 with 80% chance when getting a Bad Work Result.

When the Funeral of the Dead Butterflies Qliphoth counter reaches zero it will breach containment.

When the Funeral of the Dead Butterflies breaches it will begin walking around the facility with 400 HP. When there is a target in the same room as it, it will perform one of two attacks:

  • It extends its left arm and make a gun shape with the hand, then shoots some butterflies towards an employee which will deal (10-15) White Damage.
  • It slams the coffin it carries with it on the ground and places it vertically in front of itself. After a few seconds the coffin will open and butterflies will flood the corridor in front of it, dealing consistent low (3-4) White Damage for some seconds to any entities trapped in the swarm.

If the Abnormality depletes the Sanity of an employee with its attacks, the employee will die instead of panicking, with butterflies resting on their corpse. When defeated, the Funeral of the Dead Butterflies will slowly float down and enter its coffin before returning to containment.

Origin[]

Its stated to be a mourner that had existed to free the employees that could not leave the company, with the hopes of laying them to rest. However, with the employees not even being granted death even when resigning, the objective was unachievable. Now, the Abnormality carries the empty hope that the employees stuck within the facility may return to whence they came, waiting for an end to come.

Black and White Butterfly Meaning

FAQ

What kind of butterfly is black and white?

The Marbled White is a distinctive and attractive black and white butterfly, unlikely to be mistaken for any other species.

What does it mean when you see black and white butterflies?

Their contrasting colors represent duality and balance in life’s journey. When you spot a black and white butterfly, it might signal an important spiritual message or life change. Many cultures view these creatures as messengers from the unseen realm, bridging the gap between the physical and spiritual worlds.

How do you identify a white butterfly with black spots?

Cabbage White Butterfly. A non-native species, the Cabbage White is one of the first butterflies to emerge in the spring. The wings are white with one black spot (males) or two black spots (females), plus a dark tip on the upper forewing.

What colors can butterflies see that humans can’t?

One cone perceives ultraviolet, another violet. Three perceive varying shades of blue, one sees blue-green, four see green and five see red—five times the color receptors of a human being!

What type of butterfly is a black & white butterfly?

Some well-known black and white butterfly species include the Cabbage White (Pieris rapae), Checkered White (Pontia protodice), and the Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes), among others. The southernmost regions of the United States and some of the northernmost regions of Mexico are where Pontia protodice is most frequently found.

Are black and white butterflies common?

Because most butterflies have at least a bicolor combination or multi-color appearance on their body. However, black and white butterfly species are most common in nature. They also have some other colors on their wings. Here is the collection of worldwide black and white Butterfly species which may already have in your garden.

Which butterfly has a white wing?

Most species tend to have more colorful males. One of the most ubiquitous butterflies, Cabbage Whites can be seen fluttering around gardens across Europe, Asia, and North America. Appropriately named, the white wings of the butterfly feature dark gray or black tips with one or two spots.

What does a black and white butterfly mean?

The presence of a black and white butterfly can be a symbol that it’s time to seek peace in your life. This might involve resolving ongoing conflicts with family members, friends, or colleagues. Remember, true peace often begins within yourself.

What does a black butterfly look like?

They have black skin with white patches and stripes. Their 2 inch average wingspan is what they have. Throughout India, one can find this huge species of butterfly. They have many numerous medium-sized black patches, together with white wings with black wing veins. Between 4.7 and 6.1 inches are their wingspan.

Where do black and white butterflies live?

A good range of black and white butterflies are also found in the Northern territories. These types of butterflies live at different altitudes from valleys to sunny mountain slopes. Most feed on various types of flower nectar and lay eggs directly on flowers. Black and white wing colors come in different patterns.

Leave a Comment