butterflies in wisconsin

A Fluttering Guide to the Beautiful Butterflies of Wisconsin

Wisconsin is home to a stunning variety of butterflies that bring joy and color to backyards and nature preserves across the state each summer. From vibrant monarchs to delicate hairstreaks, these winged beauties delight nature lovers of all ages as they flutter among wildflowers and trees.

In this article we’ll take a closer look at some of the most popular butterflies found in Wisconsin when and where to spot them, and how you can attract more of these flying flowers to your own yard or garden.

Top Butterflies Spotted in Wisconsin

With over 120 species documented, Wisconsin butterfly lovers have plenty to seek out once warm weather arrives. Here are some of the most common and beautiful butterflies likely to be seen:

• Monarchs – One of the most famous butterflies in North America, monarchs are popular for their bright orange wings outlined in black. These crowning jewels of the butterfly world pass through Wisconsin twice yearly during their epic migration that takes them all the way to Mexico for the winter. Look for them in meadows and parks from August to October.

• Eastern Tiger Swallowtails – Wisconsin’s state butterfly since 1977, these striking insects have yellow wings with black tiger stripes and blue and orange spots near their tails They gather nectar from flowers in many habitats from May to September

• Red Admirals – Handsome red admirals sport velvety black wings punctuated by bright bands of orange and white. These beauties are common in parks and backyards, feeding on sap flows and rotting fruit.

• Mourning Cloaks – One of Wisconsin’s earliest butterflies to emerge in spring, mourning cloaks are deep maroon with cream borders and blue spots. They can even survive cold weather by hibernating under tree bark over the winter.

• Cabbage Whites – Probably the most abundant butterfly in the state, the white-winged cabbage white flutters everywhere from backyards to vegetable gardens. Watch for them hovering over cabbage family flowers from May to October.

Ideal Times and Places to See Butterflies

While a few hardy butterflies like mourning cloaks may fly on warm winter days, most don’t emerge until temperatures warm up in spring and summer. Late May through early September is generally peak butterfly watching season in Wisconsin.

Some top spots to spot these winged beauties include:

• Flower gardens – Both backyard plantings and public gardens attract thirsty butterflies looking for nectar.

• Parks and nature preserves – Open grassy areas with trees offer ideal butterfly habitat.

• Wetlands – Butterflies congregate near stream and lake edges to drink and gather minerals.

• Woodland trails and clearings – Sunny openings surrounded by shady woods shelter many species.

• Milkweed patches – Vital milkweed plants nourish monarch caterpillars and draw in adults.

The most active butterfly times are on warm, sunny days from mid-morning through late afternoon when nectar sources are most abundant. Position yourself near flowers, watch patiently, and have your camera ready!

Creating a Butterfly-Friendly Landscape

Gardeners can easily transform their outdoor space into a butterfly paradise with some simple tips:

• Plant native flowering plants that provide nectar. Leading picks include milkweed, bee balm, coneflowers, asters, and sedums.

• Include trees and shrubs that give butterflies shelter such as dogwoods, willows, and lilacs.

• Provide open areas for basking including dirt patches, large stones, or mulch.

• Supply water sources like a shallow bird bath, small pond, or pebble fountain.

• Avoid pesticides that can poison butterflies and caterpillars.

• Maintain diversity by planting for continuous bloom from spring through fall.

• Allow weedier areas with native violets, clovers, and nettles that many butterflies rely on.

• Adopt organic gardening practices to protect all pollinators while improving your soil.

With a few of these tried and true tips, you’ll be rewarded with a kaleidoscope of dancing butterflies animating your landscape all season long. The beauty and wonder they add to any environment make the effort well worth it.

Fluttering Fantasies Come to Life

From the showy monarchs of late summer to the first mourning cloaks of early spring, Wisconsin’s butterflies dazzle all who take the time to appreciate them. Watching their airy antics transports us to a lighter realm, if only for a moment.

Getting to know these living rainbows through dedicated observation opens our eyes to nature’s subtle delights right in our own neighborhoods. A glimpse of fluttering wings has the power to lift our spirits and remind us of life’s simple joys.