Butterfly Families Are Key In Identification
There are seven butterfly families in North America. And about 717 identified species north of Mexico.
Identifying butterflies is easy when you start with the most common families, with the least members. That would be the Milkweeds (3 species), Whites (22 species) and the Sulphurs ( 37 species). These butterfly families are found throughout North America but not every species is in every region. This cuts down on the ones you need to know considerably. Focus on those species which are common to you area. My policy always is, "Start in your own backyard and work your way outward". Butterfly families are separated by wing vein patterns, color and how the butterfly sits or perches. Some groups almost always sit with their wings closed, others usually open. Each group has a general impression, size and shape. Learning size, color and flight patterns of the different groups is a good way to tell the families apart. If you want a good, reliable list of species in your local area contact chapters of the North American Butterfly Association, local nature centers and parks. The North American Butterfly Association has great regional lists of common local butterflies and the best nectar and host plants for several regions. Be sure to scroll down to the bottom of the page to find the free pdf.
| ButterflyFamily | ScientificName | Characteristics | Commonspecies | | Brush-Footed | Nymphalidae | Showy and Colorful. Most have short brushy front legsthatcan not be used for walking. Many do not feed on plant nectar, butanimal droppings, sap, or decaying fruit. Strong fast, direct fliers.Some are migrators. North American species (200). | Longwings, Brushfoots, Painted Ladies, Buckeyes,Fritillaries, Cresents, Admirals, Mourning Cloaks, Tortiseshells | | GossamerWings | Lycaenidae | Tiny and brightly colored. Attracted to sedum plants.North American species (135) | Coppers, Hairstreaks, Blues, Elfins | | Milkweed | Danaidae (sub-family of Nymphalidae) | Large orange and black butterflies. Some are migratory.Slow,strong fliers. Larva (caterpillars) feed upon poisionous members of theplant family Asclepiadaceae (milkweeds). NorthAmerica (3species) | Milkweed, Viceroy | | Skippers | Heperiidae | Most are small to medium orange or black butterflies.Fastfliers with streaking, bobbing flight. Appear to skip over vegetation.Hold their wings open while at rest. Largest and most diverse family inNorth America (about 270 species). | Skippers | | Whitesand Sulphurs | Pieridae | Medium-sized. Most are white (whites) or yellow/orange(sulphurs) butterflies. Most have spots on wings. Many are migratory orirruptive. Strong, fliers which move in a straight steady path. Speciesin North America Whites (22) or Sulphurs (37) | Whites and Sulphurs | | Satyrs | Satyridae (sub-family of Nymphalidae) | Medium-sized with soft brown colors, numerous eyespots,and camouflage coloring. Species in North America north of Mexico (45). | Satyrs | | Swallowtails | Papilionidae | Large and brightly colored. Many with tailedwings. InNorth America many overwinter in the chrysalis stage. Many continuallyflap wings while nectaring. U.S. species (31) | Swallowtails | |
