Missouri boasts a rich raiment of butterfly stroke species . This guide present 45 diverse character , such as the Monarch , Painted Lady , and Red Admiral , foreground their unique characteristics and behavior . research the intricate patterns of the Viceroy , the migrant habits of the Red Admiral , and the stunning colors of the Eastern Comma . Uncover the fascinating world of these delicate creatures as they grace the Missouri landscapes with their beauty and good will .
Different types of Butterflies of Missouri
Checkered White
Checkered Whites , scientifically lie with as Pontia Protodice , have 1 - 2 inch wingspan . male exhibit dark grayness marking , while female person feature checkered patterns on fore- and hindwings . Notably , they utilize UV signal for communicating and mate selection . Females strategically dwell eggs on host industrial plant fruit or stem turn , with larvae show up a penchant for prime or fruits . Common in Missouri , these butterflies flourish in sunny , heart-to-heart areas such as comeuppance , plains , and dry grasslands , as well as in piece - made locations like airports and railroads .
Horace’s Duskywing
Horace ’s Duskywings , or Erynnis Horatius , boast 1.5 - 1.75 in wingspread . Males flaunt dark brown hues with soupcon of lily-white and yellow , while females exhibit light brown shades with distinctive turgid spots . Their rapid , darting flight distinguishes them , often check in undetermined field , oak forest , and sunlit dirt wayside . Male butterflies perch on slopes , expect female about a foot above ground . Caterpillars construct leaf nest , feed on saplings , and the last brood hibernates through winter , reach them among the first spring sightings .
Peck’s Skipper
Peck ’s Skipper , scientifically Polites Peckius , boasts 1 - 1.25 in wingspans . Identified by yellow - spotted hindwings over a dark brown al-Qaeda and cherry-red / orange patches from above , females tend to be drear . These skipper frequent Missouri ’s meadow , parks , prairie , and vacant lots , favour open space abundant with nectar flowers and sunlight . male person bask in the sun , fore-wing loose and hindwings horizontal , look potential mates . day mating precedes the female place eggs individually on horde plants , with Caterpillar feeding on bluegrass , Elmer Rice cutgrass , and other grasses .
Zabulon Skipper
The Zabulon Skipper , or Lon Zabulon , features a 1 - 1.5 inch wingspan with distinct characteristics , such as xanthous - orange hindwings and Brown University - abut annexe . male person display yellow hues with hints of orange and a blue brown border from above , while females flux purplishblack and browned base with yellow and whiteangular spots and a zig formula .
thrive in Missouri , they dwell woodland edge , roadsides , and watercourse peripheries , adapting readily to parks , gardens , and suburban environments . Typically , male person waitress for females perched on branch or flowers , prosecute in courting during the afternoon or occasionally in the morning . distaff Zabulon Skippers lay eggs one by one on the bottom of hostplant leaves , aiding as important pollinator for various plant and flower coinage in their extensive habitat .
Zebra Swallowtail
The Zebra Swallowtail , love as Eurytides Marcellus , boasts 2.5 - 3.5 inch wingspread with distinctive red consistency patches and hindwing bar . Summer specimens exhibitblack hues with zebra - same whitebars , while spring ones boast bolder white shape . Beloved by partizan , they frequent Missouri ’s broadleaf woodlands , swamp , and riversides plenteous in papaia Tree , from time to time venture into open fields for nectar . Despite their dish , their caterpillars possess a secret defense chemical mechanism . An orange gland , the Osmeterium , utter a strong odor to dissuade predator .
Eastern Giant Swallowtail
The Eastern Giant Swallowtail , or Heraclides Cresphontes , demonstrate 4 - 6.5 column inch wingspans , featuring dark brown toblack color above and yellowhighlights . thrive in Missouri , they frequent deciduous forest , suburban gardens , and bloom - rich meadow , their size and salient appearance making them a delightful backyard sight . Males actively essay females near legion industrial plant , using wooing displays before mate . Females lay eggs on leaf steer . Larvae resemble pocket-size brown snake , employing an Osmeterium , an orange / cerise structure resembling a snake ’s tongue , emitting a noxious odor when threatened .
Silver-Spotted Skipper
The Silver - Spotted Skipper , or Epargyreus Clarus , flaunts 1.75 - 2.25 in wingspread with a prominent silver eyepatch on the hindwing ’s central part . fly high in Missouri , they exhibit a diverse diet , utilize their long natural language to feed on clay , flowers , and from time to time animal ordure . Typically find at woodland sharpness abundant with nectar , males perch on idealistic flora , engaging in jerky flights to court females . Post - mating , female lay eggs on master of ceremonies plants . Caterpillars employ advanced folio - cutting technique , form protective silk - bound tubes during the Clarence Day , while dark run occur alfresco . When peril , caterpillars give off a defensive greenchemical and scatter their scent to confuse vulture .
Least Skipper
The Least Skipper , or Ancyloxypha Numitor , showcases 0.75 - 1 inch wingspan with dark brown hues and celebrated upper wing orange patches . coarse in Missouri ’s moist , undefendable regions , they frequent grassy habitats like marshes , streams , ditches , theatre , and hillsides , laying testicle on grass blades . Newly hatched larvae essay security by rolling themselves within the forage . dynamic male Least Skippers inexhaustibly police grassy area , search females for conjugation . However , female person once in a while freeze off onward motion by drop and positioning their wings beneath their bodies .
Pipevine Swallowtail
The Pipevine Swallowtail , known as Battus Philenor , boasts 2 - 3 column inch wingspans , predominantly black with vivacious metallic blue edges and orange - white spots underneath . active in Missouri , they scrounge for nectar , favour pink andpurple flowerslike Phlox . male person actively pursue female for conjugation , after which females lay egg on the undersides of host plant , typically in the Aristolochia class such as Virginia Snakeroot and Dutchman ’s pipe . Unpalatable to predator , these butterflies have a defense mechanism similar to other metal money .
Sachem
The Sachem , or Atalopedes Campestris , expose 1 - 1.5 column inch wingspans . Males exhibit muffled orange forewings with brown edges and dim yellow hindwings marked with a distinctive brownish expanse and pale dapple . female sport dark brown forewings with orange centers , smutty speckle , and white windows , while their hindwings bear brown hues with V - mould pale spots .
thrive in sunstruck receptive areas such as pastures , fields , suburban lawns , and garden , males adopt a passive role during mating , perching on or near the flat coat until chosen by female . After mating , females lay egg on juiceless grass vane , and the caterpillars secure themselves within leaves for protection while feeding on pasturage blades . recognisable by their whirling flight pattern , sachem , along with Whirlabouts and Fiery Skippers , are playfully dub the “ three wizards ” by lepidopterist .
Common Checkered-Skipper
The Common Checkered - Skipper , known as Burnsius Communis , flaunt 0.75 - 1.25 inch wingspans with wither white chromaticity , tan bands , and a black or brown hindwing edge . Notably , they feature a distinctive black and blanched checkered formula from above . This butterfly stroke , normally spotted in Missouri , favor Mallow as its primary host plant , thriving in forage , undefended fields , and disturbed web site , ofttimes seen near roads . Males actively seek suitable female for pairing , lead to the laying ofpale green testis on the legion plant’ssoft parts . Upon hatch , caterpillars ingest the host plant , wave leavesfor wintertime protection .
Little Sulphur
The Little Sulphur , or Eurema lisa , sport a 1 - 1.5 in wingspread , with males exhibiting promising icteric wings with black perimeter or wind , while females feature pale yellow wings with colored speckles . Theircaterpillars lark about deep unripe hues with flimsy ointment stripeson each side .
In Missouri , they shop at disturbed open areas such as roadsides , vacant lots , and hiking trails . Often concern to as Little Yellows , they are pull in to local aster kind for ambrosia and employ bobwhite quail pea plant as a host works for their cat . While present twelvemonth - rhythm in warm climates , they ’re typically sight from late June to early October in northern region .
Cloudless Sulphur
The Cloudless Sulphur , or Phoebis sennae , sport a 2.2 - 2.8 inch unmarked , hopeful lemon tree - yellow wingspan . extremely recognizable in Missouri , they flourish extravagantly , exhibiting a deficiency of shyness around mankind . Predominantly pure yellow , they may exhibit small white eyespots rim in grim red on their upper wing . Despite not being class as threatened , habitat loss from overdevelopment has impacted their population . Planting aboriginal bloom can help in pull these cheerfulbutterfliesand funding their preservation .
Clouded Sulphur
The Clouded Sulphur , or Colias philodice , displays a 1.75 - 2.75 column inch wingspread with two gloss form : one white with a light green tone and one yellow . Both variations boast a cherry-red - ring eyespot and pinkish wing borders . Abundant in Missouri , they multiply prolifically and adapt to diverse habitats , often seen in roadsides , parks , and gardens . Distinguishable by their wandering , rickety flight of stairs , they apportion habitat with their kin , the Orange Sulphur , characterize by their foolish flight design . Interestingly , only female Clouded Sulphurs present the lily-white morph , while male remain systematically yellow .
Orange Sulphur
The Orange Sulphur , or Colias eurytheme , boasts a 1.5 - 2.5 inch wingspan with hopeful yellow - orange coloring , accentuated by blackened annex borders and unorthodox spot . In Missouri , they shop sunny wayside , hayfield , and garden , nourishing themselves and laying eggs on the host plant Alfalfa , earning the byname “ Alfalfa butterfly . ” placeable by their humbled , erratic , jerky flight , they are commonly sighted in urban and suburban surface area throughout springiness and summertime .
Cabbage White
The Cabbage White , or Pieris rapae , showcases a 1.25 - 2 in wingspan , light unripe to whitened wing with black tips and dots . Agile in various Missouri habitats , they avoid thick forests , thriving even in large urban center . combat-ready in summertime , their caterpillar , known as Cabbage Worms , pose a threat to cabbage , shekels , and other brassica plants . Given their invasive nature , persevering plant protection is essential , as they ’ve become one of the most destructive species to crops in the neighborhood , put in through food and farming trade .
Spicebush Swallowtail
The Spicebush Swallowtail , or Papilio troilus , displays a 3 - 4 column inch wingspan , dark browned to melanise with cream - colorise annexe edge maculation and greenish - blue or shining low hindwing spell . flourish in forest , swamps , and unused fields , they remain participating from late spring to former capitulation . appeal them with azalea or touch-me-not for ambrosia . Their caterpillars , known for their distinctive appearance , favor white sassafras and spicebush . Notably , they can regulate body temperature , enable activity in cool temperature compare to other Missouri swallowtails .
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
The Eastern Tiger Swallowtail , or Papilio glaucus , flaunts a 3.5 - 5.5 in wingspread . male brag vibrant scandalmongering chromaticity with black chevron and borders , while females exhibit two color forms : light-headed , slenderly darker yellow with marked black markings , and gloomy , nearly all - inglorious with light low speckle on the lower wing . Renowned for its striking appearance , this unfrequented flier frequents Missouri , occasionally learn in virile gatherings “ puddling ” on sloshed priming coat . Planting grandiloquent - stalked flower like phlox , vernonia , and lilac can attract them to home gardens . Notably , the caterpillar ’s defense strategy involves prominent ocellus and an enlarged head , mimicking a threatening Snake River to dissuade predator .
Black Swallowtail
The Black Swallowtail , or Limenitis archippus , showcases a 2.5 - 4.25 inch wingspread , sport contraband chromaticity with row of light yellow spots , a red - orange ocellus , and blue billet on each hindwing . Common in Missouri gardens , they favour flower nectar and often visit garden plant . Theirgreen caterpillarsrely on naturalize herbs like parsley and spate as server plants , potentially posing risk if they feed excessively . Evolved mimicry resembling the toxic Pipevine Swallowtail allows them to camouflage and elude predators effectively .
Banded Hairstreak
The Banded Hairstreak , or Satyrium calanus , exhibit a 1 - 1.25 inch wingspread , featuring depart brown to slate gray hues , black - ring red dots along the wings ’ forbidden edge , blank stripes , and a blue patch near the extension tails . Typically found in forested country or gay clearings near forest , they are drawn to nectar plants , making sighting easier near wooded regions . Planting dogbane or meadowsweet can further attract them . Active for approximately four weeks in other summer , they mate once during this flow , with eggs surviving through summer , pin , and winter , hatching into caterpillars make out spring . bet for them around oak tree , walnut , and hickory trees .
Gray Hairstreak
The Gray Hairstreak , or Strymon melinus , features a 1 - 1.5 inch wingspan , displaying slating white-haired hues with a lone bright orange pip on each down in the mouth wing . Notably , their underside wing birth light gray spook with a black and white stripe . They are ordinarily found in open areas such as wayside , unused pastures , and rural meadow , with their caterpillars utilizing various works as hosts , thriving in diverse habitats . Sporting tenuous , longsighted flank backside resemble hairs , they employ this adaptation as a defensive mechanics , diverting predators ’ attending from the body . Mimicking a head teacher with antenna and utilizing eyespots for distraction , the Gray Hairstreak buys time to escape from likely threats .
Eastern Tailed-Blue
The Eastern tag - Blue , or Cupido comyntas , showcases a 0.75 - 1 inch wingspan . male exhibit brilliant down in the mouth hues with a chocolate-brown boundary line and white edges , while females display gray - brownish shades with snowy edges . Both genders boast one or two small orange dapple above the wing tails . Easily spotted in Missouri ’s vacant lots , forage , and garden , they are one of the most abundant species and readily drawn to flush . Their distinguishing features include delicate , hair - like tails on the hindwings , though these often break off , and a silver - gamy underside .
American Snout
The American Snout , or Libytheana carinenta , brag a 1.5 - 2 inch wingspan , presenting chocolate-brown hues with orange and white patches resemble a dead leafage . Its distinctive long , pecker - like “ snout ” serve as disguise , mimic a leaf . unequalled in Missouri , this unique feature aids its covert . While they transmigrate north annually , they stay on scarce and problematical due to their exceptional camouflage . monumental migratory groups occasionally darken the sky during sighting .
Little Wood Satyr
The Little Wood Satyr , or Megisto cymela , displays a 1.5 - 1.9 in wingspread , characterized by dark-brown hues and multiple yellow - ring eyespots . Often regain in fly-by-night woodlands , clearings , and nearby brushy areas , they prefer lower perch like folio bedding rather than branch or magniloquent grass . Unlike other butterfly stroke , they do n’t look for out flowers due to their dieting . or else , they are attracted to brute dung , rotting mushrooms , and old sap flow . It ’s best to watch over this species in its natural habitat rather than endeavor to pull it to your one thousand .
Common Wood-Nymph
The Common Wood - Nymph , or Cercyonis pegala , showcases a 2 - 3 column inch wingspan , typically present tad of browned with dark eyespots . It can be find in various habitats , include unfastened forests , hayfield , farming fields , and salt marshes . Their caterpillars hatch late in fall , hibernate through winter , and feed on pasturage , particularly Kentucky Bluegrass . During late summer and early fall , they are most alive . While they on occasion consume flush nectar , they prefer rotting yield or decaying plant . With their preference for a common lawn green goddess , you may not need to institute anything unexampled to attract this coinage .
Silver-Bordered Fritillary
The Silver - Bordered Fritillary , or Boloria selene , features a 1.6 - 2.1 column inch wingspread with bright orange hues , irregular black markings , and a thin white edge . Its wing sport a thick pitch-black boundary line with orange dots and metallic , silvery dots on the undersurface . This species prefer wet grasslands , front a decline due to habitat kerfuffle from agricultural field of study . To attract them , look at planting violets for their caterpillars and thistle for nectar . Keep an eye on the footing for their swift , low flights characterized by streaks of Orange River .
Meadow Fritillary
The Meadow Fritillary , or Boloria bellona , boasts a 1.5 - 2 inch wingspan with yellow - orangeness hues and dusky black-market splotches . Its muted underside resemble a dead leaf , aiding in disguise . This light touch - footed butterfly stroke is common in easterly Missouri , active throughout the summer . To appeal them , look at planting aster flowers like Black - eyed Susans , daisy , and sunflowers in your garden .
Great Spangled Fritillary
The Great Spangled Fritillary , or Speyeria cybele , has a 2.5 - 3.5 inch wingspan with an orange tree chromaticity and a typical vane - same design of grim lines and dit . It thrives in open , sunny area like pastures and meadows , often congregating in heavy numbers around Sonchus oleraceus or violet fields . This non - migratory specie feature caterpillars that hibernate through wintertime , come forth alongside the Modern growth of their master of ceremonies reddish blue plant in spring . After sexual union , males typically perish week before females , who , after feed for a few week , lie orchis and also meet their end .
Variegated Fritillary
The Variegated Fritillary , or Euptoieta claudia , boasts a 1.75 - 2.25 inch wingspan with tawny brown to burnt orange coloring marked by calamitous dots and lines . take care for them in Missouri ’s hayfield , candid lots , and fields . To appeal them to your garden , plant life peak like butterfly stroke weed , mint , and sunflowers , and provide host plants such as violets , pantywaist , and passionflower for their caterpillar . The Variegated Fritillary ’s chrysalis is a stunning tidy sum , resembling an exquisite bejewel pendent with its pearly white coloration and glazed gold spike .
Common Buckeye
The Common Buckeye , or Junonia coenia , vaunt a 2 - 2.5 in wingspan with brownish coloring , classifiable orangish bars , and eye - catch black and white rings that outline several prominent eyespot . Look for them in Missouri ’s open spaces like pastures , honest-to-goodness area , and roadside . While they ’re conservative and toilsome to border on , they wing tight to the ground and often perch for photograph opportunities . In the southern U.S. , Common Buckeyes do n’t cleave to a specific mating season , as they can procreate incessantly due to the lucky clime . However , in northerly province , they migrate in the south for the winter and regaining in the spring , producing two to four generations each time of year .
Eastern Comma
The Eastern Comma , or Polygonia comma , has a 2 - 2.5 inch wingspan with orange colour and black mottling on the upper wings , while the low-down wings are predominantly black with some orangish spot . They inhabit deciduous forests , suburban yard , and parks , with Nettle and Elm Trees serving as preferred hosts for their caterpillar . grownup are n’t drawn to flowers but instead feast on decaying yield , carrion , and animal waste . Despite this unappealing diet , they ’re quite unwashed and can often be tell apart . Interestingly , Eastern Commas hibernate as adults , seeking tax shelter in logarithm mickle , tree hollow , and even human - made structures during winter . Their mating season begins in former spring , with new generations becoming participating in former summer .
Question Mark
The Question Mark , or Polygonia interrogationis , brag a 2.25 - 3 in wingspread with deep orange food colour , bootleg spots , and a lavender bound . you may recover them in moist woodland and timberland edges , peculiarly where elm tree tree and nettles grow . Their vibrant upper - wing colouration counterpoint with a dappled brown bottom , providing effective folio - like camouflage . Their intriguing name stem from a light marking on the undersurface , resembling a rudimentary interrogative sentence mark .
Pearl Crescent
The Pearl Crescent , or Phyciodes tharos , is recognizable by its 1.25 - 1.75 inch wingspan , adorned with intricate black patterns resembling lace against a bright orange tree backdrop . Look for them near moist ground in various habitat like woods edges , fields , hayfield , and gardens . Their caterpillar prosper on Aster plants , making these a great addition to any butterfly stroke - friendly garden .
Mourning Cloak
The Mourning Cloak , or Nymphalis Antiopa , boast a 3 - 4 inch wingspan with distinctive black wings showcasing an iridescent lustre , highlighted by a scandalmongering moulding and over-embellished spots . Their home ground ranges from deciduous forests to suburban railyard and parks , making them adaptable but fairly problematical . They ’re know to survive long winters and live up to ten calendar month , making them one of the longest - lived butterfly metal money .
Red-Spotted Purple
The Red - Spotted Purple , or Limenitis arthemis astyanax , flaunts 3 - 4 inch wings with iridescent blackish - downhearted coloration and red - orange spots , mimicking the toxic Pipevine Swallowtail . These beautiful butterfly stroke exhibit a sort of forms , include the White Admiral in the north . They prey on carrion , sap , and rotting fruit , making these items a expectant lure for them during their active season from April to October .
Hackberry Emperor
The Hackberry Emperor , or Asterocampa celtis , has a 2 - 2.75 in wingspread with a striking gold brown and nearly black pattern , highlighted by orange - ringed eyespots . These funny butterfly avoid prime , alternatively search sodium from human skin , as well as minerals from filth , rocks , and paving material . They also feed on sap , droppings , carrion , and rotting fruit and drink water supply from rain puddle .
Viceroy
Viceroys , or Limenitis archippus , have a 2.5 - 3.25 column inch wingspan with deep orangeness food colouring and distinctive black border and veins . see for the bleak line on the bottom wing to differentiate them from Monarchs . Viceroy caterpillars , with their greenish - brown , spiny appearance , hibernate in rolled - up leaves and come out during the next breeding season .
American Lady
depend for American Lady butterfly with a 1.75 - 2.5 column inch wingspan near flower plants in open Missouri landscapes . Their brilliant orange coloring , black edge , and classifiable eyespots dish up as a defence chemical mechanism . These flighty butterfly stroke are fast to take flight at any sign of disturbance .
Monarch
Keep an centre out for Monarch butterflies , with a 3.5 - 4 inch wingspread , in Missouri . Their iconic stained - meth approach pattern , white dots , and milkweed trust are well - known . support Monarchs with silkweed planting can also benefit other pollinators , especially during their migration in mid - September .
Painted Lady
Painted Lady butterflies in Missouri have a 1.75 - 2.5 inch wingspread and migrate to Mexico for the wintertime . They ’re adaptable and often seem in alter number . Their unique year - beat mating habit is influenced by their migration pattern . face for them in undisturbed exposed areas .
Red Admiral
The Red Admiral is a far-flung Missouri butterfly with a 1.75 - 2.5 inch wingspread . face for it near forest boundary and moist orbit . They enjoy fermented fruit and have a unique migratory rule , incite south in wintertime and retrovert northward in late spring . Calm and reachable , they often bring on masses .
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