We hope that each of you, our readers, will enjoy and appreciate this article we present about these 5 Beautiful North American Butterflies. It was certainly our pleasure to compile the information for you. May it provide you with both education and increased awareness.
These few species listed herein represent only a portion of the natural wonders found throughout the region, though. Yet, it’s our belief that they serve as excellent representations of the wonders found here. Check out some of our other articles for similar marvels.
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
Eastern Tiger Swallowatil Facts
- Leading off this article about these 5 Beautiful North American Butterflies comes the majestic Eastern Tiger Swallowtail.
- This breathtaking Lepidoptera most commonly goes by the somewhat informative common name that we use herein. Surprisingly, this Arthropod actually has no other widely accepted general name. That sets it apart from many related species.
- Within certain circles, however, it’s better known by another moniker. That’s its official, technical name. In the annals of science, it holds the name of the Papilio glaucus. Fortunately for the layperson, that’s a much simpler term than most hold.
- The stunning insect received that name due to the efforts of the esteemed Swedish zoologist, Carl Linnaeus. He accomplished the first recorded recognition of it as a separate and distinct species. That scientifically noteworthy action occurred in 1758.
- Its great visual appeal further led to it holding a unique distinction. Within the region it inhabits, it’s been named the official state butterfly of five different states. More specifically still, this marvel’s also the formal state insect of yet another state.
- Thankfully, the gorgeous Eastern Tiger Swallowtail seems to be maintaining a population base that’s both sufficient and stable. That also appears to hold true throughout the entirety of its range. The IUCN, thus has no listing for it on its Red List.
- The remarkable creature nevertheless faces the same threats as most species, at least. Many of these occur directly due to the actions of man. Habitat degradation and loss pose a possible danger. It also faces the potential threat of ongoing climate change.
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Physical Description
The magnificent Eastern Tiger Swallowtail immediately captivates those who encounter it. Unlike some of its relatives, though, it does so for several reasons. Is beauty alone would suffice to impress, to be certain. Yet this wonder of Nature also ranks as a large butterfly.
It does follow one pattern common among Lepidoptera, however. That’s because, like them, it displays a moderate degree of the physiological trait of sexual dimorphism. In its specific case, though, this natural characteristic manifests in both size and appearance.
Females of the beautiful species typically attain a slightly greater wingspan. Interestingly, this also varies according to region. This measurement thus depends greatly on the area in which the individual lives. Overall, however, this averages from 3.1 – 5.5 in (7.9 – 14 cm).
Individuals from the more northern part of its range tend to be smaller than their southern counterparts. This has no apparent impact on their coloring, though. The two sexes, do, however, disintinguish themselves here, too. And the females complicate things further.
Males of the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail present predominantly bright yellow wings. Four black stripes also appear on each forewing. The outer edge also shows black, with a series of yellow dots. The hindwing shows a mixture of yellow, red, and blue spots in various places.
Yet the females show two separate distinct patterns. Some present a primarily dark gray or black background across both wings. Others displays a mainly yellow background, like the males. Faint blue areas also appear on the hindwings, and a row of orange spots.
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Lepidoptera
- Family: Papilionidae
- Genus: Papilio
- Species: P. glaucus
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology
The visual splendor that is the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail evolved as native to a limited region of the world. That area, however, is one that likely won’t surprise many people. That’s true since this marvel of Nature evolved as native to a specific portion of North America.
Even there, though, its range is limited. It only lives within the boundaries of the United States. As its name indicates, it further lives only in the eastern part of the country. That range extends south from Vermont to Florida, and west to Texas and the plains.
This lovely Arthropod evolved as comparatively adaptible in terms of habitat requirements. Within its range, it makes its home anywhere deciduous forests appear. This includes such locations as fields, woodlands, creeks, rivers, roadsides, and gardens.
Yet this fabulous creation of evolution doesn’t stop there in its habitation practices. That’s because it does not hesitate to venture into regions of densely concentrated human populations. Due to this, it’s a common sight in city parks, private yards and gardens, as well.
The Eastern Tiger Swallowtail evolved as diurnal in its behavioral patterns. Most adults live largely solitary lives. Individuals generally fly above the tree canopy, unless descending to feed. Males also seek females by patrolling concentrations of potential food plants.
The adults also use a wide range of food sources. Intriguingly, though, they show a strong preference for the nectar from flowers that are either pink or red in color. Daisies and various legumes are popular choices, though they do not actively seem to discriminate.
Lange’s Metalmark Butterfly
Lange’s Metalmark Butterfly Facts
- Next up in this composition regarding 5 Beautiful North American Butterflies we give you the rare invertebrate named the Lange’s Metalmark Butterfly.
- Unfortunately, for all of its many special and fascinating qualities, the magnificent creation of Nature and evolution remains best known for a very sad reason. This little Lepidoptera currently holds a lamentable position among similar insects.
- The stunning insect ranks as the fourth rarest of all known varieties of butterflies in the world. In point of fact, the most recent estimates place the surviving population of the uniquely charming arthropod at no more than 450 individuals.
- Interestingly, a remarkable fact quickly became evident when Dr. John A. Comstock discovered the beautiful invertebrate in 1933. He found the marvel in one highly isolated region, and it has never been seen elsewhere.
- In addition, the amazing creature also represents a subspecies of another beautiful butterfly, the Mormon metalmark. Due to its official status as a subspecies, the IUCN does not list the Lange’s Metalmark Butterfly on its Red List.
- The butterfly presently holds the understandable status of Endangered in the country in which it appears, however. Quite thankfully for those who respect Nature, concerted conservation efforts remain underway at this time.
- But its own nature tends to limit these attempts to preserve it. For unknown reasons, the butterfly evolved a complete dependency upon on specific plant. Captive breeding has been ongoing since 2007, but few released individuals survive.
Lange’s Metalmark Butterfly Physical Description
Although it does stand out for its many other fabulous qualities, the beautiful Lange’s Metalmark Butterfly does not impress one due to its size. The marvelous insect elegantly proves the old adage that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes.
This stunning arthropod remains quite small in dimensions, at least compared to other butterfly species around the world. But this petite animal does distinguish itself from many others of its kind in that it displays no noticeable degree of sexual dimorphism.
Due to this uncommon fact, mature adults of both genders of the remarkable invertebrate attain the same average wingspan. Further, these quite delicate appendages have an average width measuring between 1 – 1.5 in (2.54 – 3.81 cm).
In addition, both genders of this species display the same overall physical appearance, beyond the simple matter of the wings. This includes both the overall coloring, and the patterns in which these appear. Obviously, this complicates identification of the sexes.
Firstly, the dorsal wings present as principally black, with numerous small, white spots. Meanwhile, reddish-orange coloring runs through much of the interior of these. But the underside of the wings displays a lighter blend of black, gray, orange, and white.
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Lepidoptera
- Family: Riodinidae
- Genus: Apodemia
- Species: A. mormo
- Subspecies: A. m. langei
Lange’s Metalmark Butterfly Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology
Quite sadly, the astonishing Lange’s Metalmark Butterfly inhabits one of the smallest ranges of any known Lepidoptera. To be more precise, this creature only appears in a perilously small portion of the Antioch Dunes National Wildlife Refuge.
This sits about 40 mi (64 km) from the city of San Francisco, in the United States. More precisely, this tiny refuge in North America only comprises an area of 67 acres (27 hectares). But, even there the little beauty inhabits an especially specific and restrictive habitat.
The invertebrate only appears to live along the southern banks of one small stretch of the Sacramento River. Its former range once included a more extensive stretch of the same river. Surprisingly though, no evidence of a formerly greater range exists.
Originally, this area consisted of a somewhat surprising type of environment. That was largely formed of numerous and comparatively extensive sand dunes. However, this landscape changed dramatically and rapidly when human expansion into the region began.
That was due to the fact that humans subsequently removed most of the sand for construction purposes. This removal led to the alteration of the available dune habitat to its current condition of primarily scrubland, with many small hills.
The gorgeous Lange’s Metalmark Butterfly has a lifespan averaging about one year. However,only a small portion of that period of time consists of adulthood. The species remains completely dependent on the presence of a shrub known as the Naked Buckwheat.
For reasons that still mystify researchers, the females will only lay eggs on the leaves of this plant, and nowhere else. If the plant isn’t present, no eggs are laid. Larvae fed only on this plant, but adults will also feed on nectar from a few other local plants.
Monarch Butterfly
Monarch Butterfly Facts
- Appearing in the third spot in this listing of 5 Beautiful North American Butterflies, the fabulous Monarch Butterfly does so only due to random selection.
- This breathtaking creation of Nature and evolution most frequently goes by the well deserved name for good reasons. It has other less often used titles, though. These include such terms as common tiger, wanderer, and black-veined brown.
- Inside of scientific communities, however, it’s better known by its official moniker. Fortunately for the layperson, that’s a comparatively simple title, as such things go. That’s because this marvelous Lepidoptera bears the official name of Danaus plexippus.
- The invertebrate received that name due to the efforts of the esteemed Swedish zoologist, Carl Linnaeus. He recorded the first recognition of the creature as a separate and distinct species. The researcher accomplished this feat in the year 1758.
- A total of three species actually bear the same general appellation. The specific one referred to in this article, though, is the best known and most commonly referred to. A total of six acknowledged subspecies of the insect also exist across the globe.
- The gorgeous Monarch Butterfly inhabits a moderately large range. It also engages in impressive seasonal migrations. Sadly, the amazing beauty now finds itself in danger. Accordingly, the IUCN thus lists it as Endangered on its Red List of Threatened Species.
- It now faces many threats to its existence. That’s true in both short and long term. Most of these, though, stem from human activities. Human herbicide use has killed much of its food source. It also now faces the same threat of climate change as we all do.
Monarch Butterfly Physical Description
The captivating Monarch Butterfly fully merits appreciation by those who encounter it. Unlike some of its many relatives, though, it does so for several reasons. Its sheer beauty certainly qualifies as one factor. Yet it also boasts some impressive statistics in terms of size.
It does follow one pattern that’s common among its kind, as well. That’s due to the fact that the insect displays a degree of sexual dimorphism. In its case, this physiological trait manifests itself in terms of both size and appearance. As the name implies, its regal.
Physically, males of the species attain a slightly greater wingspan than their female counterparts. But they also display a small difference in terms of appearance. It’s a very minor one, though. On one vein on each hindwing of the males, a tiny black spot displays.
Otherwise, the two genders of the Arthropod present a very similar structure. The wings of both sexes reach an average width of approximately 3.5 – 4 in (8.9 – 10.2 cm). The body, meanwhile, develops as elongated, mostly black, except for a few white spots on the head.
It’s the wings of the aptly-named Monarch Butterfly that garner the most attention, however. The uppersides typically present a tawny orange hue. The many veins of the wings also show black, along with their margins. Two series of small white spots also line those edges.
The forewings additionally show small orange spots near the tips. The undersides displays similar, but not identical patterns. Their hindwings are yellowish brown, with larger white spots. Its forewings also manifest the same yellowish-brown color on their tips.
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Arhropoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Lepidoptera
- Family: Nymphalidae
- Genus: Danaua
- Species: D. plexippus
Monarch Butterfly Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology
The stunning Monarch Butterly evolved as native to a relatively broad swathe of the world. The sheer scope of that range might surprise some people, though. That’s true since this insect marvel appears in parts of both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
Part of that extends from southern Canada, in North America, to southern South America. It’s also found in Hawaii, Bermuda, the Cook Islands, and other islands in the Caribbean. From there, it also appears from Australia to the Philippines, and as far as Morocco.
This wonder of evolution developed as primarily present in several specific habitat types. Yet it does display some versatility and adaptability. Most individuals, however, make their home in regions consisting of either meadows, grasslands, praries, and along roadsides.
Most further display a strong preference for the presence of other determining factors. These include such things as proximity to smaller streams, and areas of sufficient sunlight. The awesome creature additionally prefers the presence of sufficient roosting plant life.
The magnificent Monarch Butterfly is also famous for its massive migrations. A majority of the population migrates to a singly location in Mexico for the winter. Following this, the female lays her eggs during the return trip. These she places on the underside of leaves.
Those eggs most commonly appear on the foliage of milkweed. Despite their toxicity to most species, the larvae consume them vorcaciously. Adults typically live 2 -5 weeks. During that time, they too consume vast quantities of nectar from a wide variety of flora.
Leona’s Little Blue
Leona’s Little Blue Facts
- Next up in this compendium of 5 Beautiful North American Butterflies comes the rare, delicate little marvel known as Leona’s Little Blue.
- Delightfully, the lighthearted term given herein serves as the generally accepted common name for a stunning variety of Lepidoptera. However, this truly marvelous, and rarely photographed, little invertebrate also bears another name.
- That’s due to the fact that it also has the somewhat difficult to pronounce scientific name of the Philotiella leona. This nonetheless tongue-twisting term is rarely used, except by professional entomologists and scientific researchers.
- Regardless of what term one uses to refer to it, one fact remains consistent. That’s the fact that this marvel of Nature amazes those who learn of it. This holds true due to the simple fact that the species remained unknown until 1995.
- At that time, though, Leona and Harold Rice made the surprising discovery of the delicately beautiful species. But, the official confirmation that this fabulous invertebrate constituted a previously unknown species did not occur until 1999.
- Additionally, based on its known population base, the Leona’s Little Blue qualifies as the 7th rarest species of butterfly known to man. In point of fact, estimates currently place its population at somewhere between 1,000 – 2,000 individuals.
- However, for currently unknown reasons, the IUCN presently has no listing for the incredible arthropod. Such a listing would appear on the organization’s Red List of Threatened Species. That could change, however, as its situation does.
- But, the country in which this marvelous insect appears understandably lists it under its own Endangered Species Act. Finally, as a result of its limited numbers, it remains at severe risk from both habitat loss and climate change.
Leona’s Little Blue Physical Description
The name of the extremely delicate-seeming Lepidoptera named the Leona’s Little Blue provides a good indicator of its physical stature. That fact remains, regardless of its other impressive statistics. However, this particular arthropod ranks as a small one.
Although it does display a degree of the trait of sexual dimorphism, in its case, this has nothing to do with size. That statement rings true given the fact that physically mature individuals of both genders attain an average wingspan equaling 0.75 – 1.0 in (1.9 – 2.5 cm).
The truly magnificent little species does display gender-based differences, to be clear. Nonetheless, these manifest themselves in a manner other than size-related. This occurs because the physical distinction between the sexes presents in appearance.
Firstly, the males of the truly amazing Leona’s Little Blue typically develop a most striking color pattern. This consists of a moderately dark, sometimes dusky, blue on the dorsal wing. In addition, this same feature also displays thin, black sub-margins.
Meanwhile, the dorsal wing of the females has a different pattern of color. This part of her body most commonly appears a light brown. However, both genders usually display a primarily off-white background, with black spots on the ventral wing.
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Mandibulata
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Lepidoptera
- Family: Lycaenidae
- Genus: Philotiella
- Species: P. leona
Leona’s Little Blue Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology
Quite sadly, the stunning Leona’s Little Blue apparently evolved as native solely to an extremely tiny portion of the world. More precisely, that highly restricted region consists of a portion of North America known for both its geological beauty and its native wildlife.
That’s due to the fact that this delicate marvel of nature evolved as endemic to an extremely tiny area. That’s a very small portion of the state of Oregon, in the United States. Even there, quite sadly, this small butterfly only appears within a very tiny range.
That holds true given the fact that its only known populations live in an area known locally as the Antelope Desert. More exactly, the invertebrate inhabits a section of this region that comprises a total of a mere 6 sq mi (15.5 sq km) of Klamath County.
In addition, the gorgeous little Lepidoptera apparently only lives in a very highly specific type of habitat. Quite unfortunately, it remains unknown if it ever existed elsewhere, or in any other habitat types. Research into this continues to be undertaken, however.
For now, its only population exists within an area of small clearings, located within a small forest. Plus, the main component of the forests that the insect lives in is composed of pine trees. This appears to be a crucial component for the Leona’s Little Blue.
The soil has a high concentration of volcanic ash and pumice. Further, the buckwheat that evolved to thrive there plays a pivotal role for the species. That’s because this plant serves as both a host plant for its larvae, and a source of nectar for adults.
Mormon Metalmark
Mormon Metalmark Facts
- Closing out this article about these 5 Beautiful North American Butterflies is the miracle of Nature best known as the Mormon Metalmark.
- The unique term it’s known best by serves as the common name for a stunning small Lepidoptera. Its scientific name, however, remains harder to pronounce. That’s because scientists known the species by the term of Apodemia mormo.
- Regardless of which term one uses, though, one statistic stands out. That’s the simple fact that it’s the widest ranging of any member of its Family in its region. All members of that group are referred to as metalmarks, due to a distinctive feature.
- The first scientific recognition of the creature as a separate and distinct species occurred in 1859. Uniquely, though, this took place as a result of the combined work of a father and son team. The two men were Baron Cajetan von Felder, and his son Rudolf.
- For the moment, the IUCN has no listing of the Mormon Metalmark on its Red List of Threatened Species. The insect nevertheless faces numerous potential threats to its existence. These include such factors as isolated distribution and low genetic diversity.
- Its greatest threat, however, comes from the same danger facing a vast number of species today. That peril, not surprisingly, consists of the effects of climate change. The other dangers it faces only serve to augment its susceptibility to the former.
Mormon Metalmark Physical Description
The magnificent Mormon Metalmark ably proves the point that Beauty in Nature comes in all sizes, as well as shapes. That’s true since this particular Lepidoptera evolved as relatively tiny in size. This is a trait shared by many members of its Family, in point of fact.
The amazing arthropod also shares yet another trait with many of its kin throughout the world. It displays a small degree of the physiological characteristic of sexual dimorphism. In its case, this actually manifests itself in two completely different manners.
The first of these gender differences appears in terms of size. More precisely, females tend to attain a slightly greater wingspan than males. Overall, however, the species remains quite diminutive. That’s because this averages between 1.0 -1.35 in (25 – 35 mm).
Next, however, comes the other sexually based physical variations. It’s also a highly distinctive one. The females actually have more functional legs than males! They have three functioning pairs of legs. Males, meanwhile, make do with only two working pairs.
In appearance, though, the Mormon Metalmark varies across its range. That’s because of variations developed among widely scattered population concentrations. Some display combinations of gray and brown, with white spots. Others present red and orange shades.
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Lepidoptera
- Family: Riodinidae
- Genus: Apodemia
- Species: A. mormo
Mormon Metalmark Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology
The gorgeous Mormon Metalmark inhabits a comparatively broad section of the world. Though relatively extensive, that range nonetheless consists of only a limited section of one specific continent. More precisely, the wonderful insect inhabits part of North America.
Within that continent, it inhabits all three countries. It does so, however, in disjointed concentrations. In Mexico, the beautiful creature lives in only a tiny portion of the extreme northern edge of the country. In Canada, it only lives in the deep southwest of the country.
By far the greatest portion of its range and population lies within the United States, however. There, its presence extends from the west to mid-west parts of the country. This mainly consists of the states of California, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and Washington.
Wherever it appears, though, the wondrous Mormon Metalmark displays strong preferences in its choice of habitat. The vast majority of both population groupings and individuals live in one specific type of ecosystem. That type of region consists of dry, arid habitats.
It further prefers the presence of a high concentration of various forms of one specific plant. That strongly preferred host consists of what’s known as the buckwheat plant. This holds true due to the fact that its larva evolved a highly specific dependence on the flora species.
Given that plants presence, though, it remains an other wise highly adaptable creature. As a result, it lives in regions of grasslands, dune regions, and even gravelly deserts. Along with the predators common to butterflies, it also falls prey to a parasitic wasp.
5 Beautiful North American Butterflies
We hope that each of you enjoyed reading, and hopefully learning from, this article we’ve written about these 5 Beautiful North American Butterflies. It’s also our hope that doing so has left you with either a new or renewed appreciation for such wonders of Nature.
Unfortunately, however, many of their kindred around the world now find themselves facing strong threats to their continued existence as a species. Many of those dangers, in fact, stem from the actions of mankind. We must do all we can to protect and preserve them all.
Check out our other articles on 7 Captivating Mammals of Canada, 4 Remarkably Evolved Reptiles, 3 Awesome Trees of Australia, 7 Stunning Pacific Ocean Species