The Dazzling Diversity of Butterflies in Maryland

Maryland is home to a stunning variety of butterfly species. These delicate winged beauties add brilliance and wonder to backyards, parks, and natural areas across the state. With over 115 species identified, Maryland’s butterflies showcase an amazing range of sizes, colors, and behaviors.

In this article, we’ll highlight some of the most notable butterflies found in Maryland and discuss the best places to see them during their flight seasons Whether you’re a seasoned lepidopterist or simply entranced by their fluttering wings, read on to learn about these charismatic insects

Swallowtails

Some of the largest and most recognizable butterflies in Maryland are the swallowtails. Characterized by their vivid yellow and black patterns and long “tails” on their hindwings, these butterflies are a familiar sight from spring through fall.

The state butterfly of Maryland, the Baltimore checkerspot, is a type of swallowtail. However, the more commonly seen swallowtails include the black swallowtail, spicebush swallowtail, and the stunning tiger swallowtail with its trailing black stripes.

Swallowtails frequent gardens and meadows, sipping nectar from flowering plants. Watch for them on host plants like spicebush, tulip trees, and common milkweed as the females lay their eggs.

Sulphurs and Whites

Smaller and more delicate than the swallowtails, the sulphurs and whites fly from spring to fall in Maryland. Most have bright yellow, orange, or white coloration.

Common species include the cloudless sulphur, orange sulphur, and cabbage white. Two special residents are the West Virginia white and Olympia marblewhite which only reside in a few mountain counties.

Look for these sociable butterflies gathering at mud puddles or nectaring in groups at flowers in fields and roadsides. The larvae feed on plants like clover, vetch, and mustards.

Brushfoots

This large group encompasses familiar butterflies like monarchs, admirals, ladies, and fritillaries. They are called “brushfoots” because their front legs are nearly nonfunctional, looking like tiny furry brushes.

Well-known Maryland brushfoots include the monarch, American lady, red admiral, and great spangled fritillary. Some species have multiple broods, so you may spot both spring and late summer generations.

These butterflies frequent meadows, marshes, and woodland edges. Watch for them on diverse nectar plants as well as their caterpillar host plants like milkweed, violets, and passion flower vines.

Skippers

Skippers comprise their own family of butterflies with characteristics between moths and butterflies. They have stocky, hooked antennae and hold their wings closed or partially open when resting. Skippers have fast, erratic flight and are named for their skipping wing beats.

Some of Maryland’s common skippers include the silver-spotted skipper, fiery skipper, and Dun skipper. They frequent grassy areas like meadows, fields, and wetlands. Caterpillars use grasses and sedges as host plants.

Where to See Butterflies in Maryland

Some of the best places to observe butterflies in Maryland include:

• Public Gardens: Lilypons Water Gardens, Brookside Gardens, Green Spring Gardens, and Adkins Arboretum.

• State Parks: Gambrill State Park, Patapsco Valley State Park, Greenbrier State Park, Gunpowder Falls State Park.

• National Parks: Catoctin Mountain Park, Monocacy National Battlefield.

• Reforestation Areas: Ethel Cox Memorial Reforestation Area, Nursery Site 27 Reforestation Area.

• Wildlife Refuges: Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge, Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge.

• Natural Areas: Soldiers Delight Natural Environmental Area, Sideling Hill Creek Gorge Natural Area, Rocky Gap State Park.

Tips for Butterfly Watching

To get the most out of your Maryland butterfly encounters, keep these tips in mind:

• Visit areas with native nectar plants and host plants.

• Look for butterflies along sunny field edges, meadows, marshes, and woodland clearings.

• Watch mud puddles, sandy roads, dung, and sap flows where butterflies congregate for nutrients.

• Butterfly activity peaks on warm, sunny, low-wind days, usually mid-morning to late afternoon.

• Move slowly and pause frequently; quick motions will startle butterflies away.

• Use binoculars for distant viewing and get low to the ground for close-up encounters.

• Photograph butterflies when possible for help with identification.

Supporting Butterfly Populations

Butterfly populations face many threats like habitat loss, pesticides, invasive species, and climate change. Here are a few ways you can help protect Maryland’s butterflies:

• Plant native caterpillar host and nectar plants in your yard and community spaces.

• Avoid pesticides or use the most butterfly-friendly options.

• Join conservation organizations like the Xerces Society that protect habitat.

• Support parks, refuges, and nature reserves that provide essential habitat.

• Follow butterfly gardening and conservation guidelines from resources like the University of Maryland Extension.

The Beauty of Butterflies

From the first painted ladies of spring to late fall monarchs, butterflies grace Maryland with their vibrant fluttering wings. Their complex life cycles, amazing migrations, and delicate beauty enthrall nature lovers of all ages.

Get out and explore the diverse species found near you. Slow down and appreciate the wonder found in your own backyard and local natural areas. Protecting habitats where these special creatures live and breed ensures continued delight in Maryland’s butterflies for generations to come.