family Papilionidae - Purdue Extension Entomology

Swallowtails (family Papilionidae)
Eastern Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes asterius)
Male (dorsal view)
PERC
Shull
Male (ventral view)
Identifying features: Wingspan 2.6-3.5 inches. Bluish-black above, more bluish on hindwings.
Band of large yellow spots through both fore and hindwings; more prominent in males.
These spots are more orange on the ventral surface, especially in females. The bright orange “eyespot” with a black center near the tip of the hindwing is distinctive.
Similar species: This is one of several mimics of the Pipevine Swallowtail, but can easily be
distinguished by the single eyespot on the hindwings.
Habitat: Gardens, meadow, open fields, etc. It seldom flies in the woods
Larval food plants: Primarily species of the Parsley family: carrot, parsley, caraway, celery, dill,
wild carrot, and others.
Season: Late April to mid-October. Two or more broods. The first-brood individuals are smaller, with larger yellow spots than those of the dry-season brood.
Swallowtails (family Papilionidae)
Eastern tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus)
black form of Female
Males and Most Females (dorsal view)
Males and Most Females (ventral view)
PERC
Shull
Identifying features: Wingspan 3.1-5.5 inches. Males are always distinctly yellow with
black markings. Many females are black or brownish in color.
Similar species: The yellow forms are distinct and should not be confused with any other
species. However, dark females may be confused with the Eastern Black Swallowtail, the Spicebush Swallowtail, or the Pipevine Swallowtail, which it mimics. The
dark form of the Tiger Swallowtail lacks the band of yellow or orange spots on the fore
and hindwing and the orange apical spot on the hind wing lacks a black dot in the
middle.
Habitat: Frequents woodlands, gardens, fields, etc. Males can often be seen flying
through wooded areas high in the trees. The females are dimorphic. Some are similar
in color to the males, but the majority are black and mimics the distasteful Pipevine
Swallowtail.
Larval food plants: A great variety of plants, mostly broadleaf trees and shrubs.
Season: Early April to mid-October. Two broods per year. Over-winters as a pupa.
Swallowtails (family Papilionidae)
Giant Swallowtail (Heraclides cresphontes)
dorsal view
PERC
Shull
ventral view
Identifying features: Wingspan 3.4-5.5 inches. Largest butterfly in the area. Males and
females similar in color. Wings black or dark brown above with wide yellow band on
both the fore and hindwing; underside yellow with dark markings.
Similar species: The coloration on the top of the wings may be confused with the Eastern Black Swallowtail, which also has a yellow band running through both wings. The
underside may be confused with the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail. However, the combination of a dark top surface and yellow underside is unique to the Giant Swallowtail.
Habitat: Clover, alfalfa fields, forest edges, and glades.
Larval food plants: Prickly Ash.
Season: May through August. Two broods per year.
Swallowtails (family Papilionidae)
Spicebush Swallowtail (Pterourus trilus)
dorsal view
PERC
Shull
ventral view
Identifying features: Wingspan 3.5-4.5 inches. Both sexes are brownish-black above
with creamy white or yellowish spots around the outer margin of the forewing and a
large orange spot on the costal margin of the hindwing. Large bluish (more greenish in
males) area on dorsal surface of hindwing. Two rows of bright, curved orange spots on
underside of hindwing.
Similar species: May be confused with the Pipevine Swallowtail which it mimics. May
also be confused with the Eastern Black Swallowtail or the dark form of the Eastern
Tiger Swallowtail. The former two species lack the large orange spot on the costal
margin of the hindwing and the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail has only one marginal row of
yellow or yellow-orange spots on the underside of the hindwing.
Habitat: Woodlands, fields, gardens, and wherever flowers grow.
Larval food plants: Spicebush, Sassafras, Magnolia, and Prickly Ash.
Season: Late April to mid October. It has two broods in Indiana.
Swallowtails (family Papilionidae)
Pipevine Swallowtail (Battus philenor)
Although this species was reported during the 2004 count, the identification was probably in error. It is uncommon in Tippecanoe County and has not been sighted at the
LWHA on any of the multiple visits since the initial butterfly count. It is not pictured
here.
Whites and Sulphurs (family Pieridae)
Cabbage White (Pieris rapae)
black tip
dorsal view
ventral view
PERC
Shull
Identifying features: Wingspan 1.25-2.0 inches. Wings of both species are white with
black tipped forewings. Females have two submarginal spots and males have one
submarginal spot on the forewing.
Similar species: May be confused with the white forms of both the Clouded Sulphur and
Orange Sulphur. Look for the black tips on the forewing of the Cabbage white and
black borders on both the fore and hindwing of the Clouded and Orange Sulphur.
Habitat: May be seen in almost any habitat. This is a European species that was accidentally introduced into North America. It is now the most common butterfly in Indiana.
It is the only species reported from all 92 counties.
Larval food plants: The larvae feed on all cruciferous crops in our area, making it a very
serious pest.
Season: Late March to early November. Generally three broods, but as many as five
have been reported. Over-winters as a pupa.
Whites and Sulphurs (family Pieridae)
Clouded Sulphur or Common Sulphur (Colias philodice)
dorsal view
ventral view
black border
black dot
PERC
Shull
orange dot
white form
Identifying features: Wingspan 1.4-2.0 inches. Both sexes have greenish-yellow wings in
spring and fall, and mostly yellow in midsummer; wings always with blackish borders.
Females with pale spots in border areas. Both sexes also have a black dot in the
forewing cell and an orange dot in the hindwing cell. Occasionally, females are white
rather than yellow.
Similar species: Very similar markings to the closely related Orange Sulphur, but the
latter is distictly orange. However, the two will occasionally interbreed, resulting in individuals halfway in color between the two. Both species also have white form females
which are very difficult to distinguish, especially when in flight. The white form may
also be confused with the Cabbage White, which has black on the tips of the forewing
only. It is also similar in general appearance to the Little Yellow, but the latter is much
smaller and lacks dots in the fore and hindwing cells.
Habitat: May be found most commonly in clover fields, pastures, prairies, and gardens.
Larval food plants: Clover, alfalfa, and related legumes.
Season: Late March to mid-November. Many broods per year. Over-winters as a pupa.
Whites and Sulphurs (family Pieridae)
Orange Sulphur or Alfalfa Butterfly (Colias eurytheme)
dorsal view
ventral view
black border
PERC
Shull
white form
Identifying features: Wingspan 1.6-2.4 inches. Both sexes typically have orange wings
with black borders. Females with pale spots in border areas. Both sexes with black
dot in forewing cell and reddish-orange spot in hindwing cell. There is a great deal of
variability in both size and coloration during the season. Some individuals are white
rather than orange.
Similar species: Very similar markings to the closely related Clouded Sulphur, but
the latter is distictly yellow. However, the two will occasionally interbreed, resulting
in individuals halfway in color between the two. Both species also have white form
females which are very difficult to distinguish, especially when in flight. The white
form may also be confused with the Cabbage White, which has black on the tips of
the forewings only.
Habitat: Prefers alfalfa fields, but can be found in gardens and other open places.
Larval food plants: Injurious to legumes, sometimes becoming a serious pest of alfalfa.
Season: May to November. Many broods per year. Over-winters as a pupa.
Whites and Sulphurs (family Pieridae)
Cloudless Giant Sulphur (Phoebis sennae ebula)
dorsal view
PERC
Shull
ventral view
Identifying features: Wingspan 2.5-2.75 inches. This is our largest sulphur species.
Males are yellow or lemon-yellow and unmarked above; may have a few scattered
pinkish dots on underside of wings. Females are similar in color, but wings are fringed
with marginal black dots and have a distinct spot in the forewing. White forms are also
known.
Similar species: The Cloudless Giant Sulphur is unique and should not be confused with
any other species in the area.
Habitat: Open areas. Adults take nectar from a variety of flowers, also frequent damp
mud and stream banks.
Larval food plants: Various legumes, especially Cassia.
Season: Mid-May to October. Migratory species which over-winters primarily in southeastern states. Only member of the genus which breeds in Indiana. Two broods per
year in Indiana.
Whites and Sulphurs (family Pieridae)
Little Yellow (Eurema lisa)
black border
dorsal view
ventral view
PERC
Shull
Identifying features: Wingspan 1-1.5 inches. Wings in both species are most commonly
bright yellow with black borders, however they may range from pale yellow to yellow-orange. The hindwing black border may be reduced or absent in some females.
Similar species: May be confused with the Clouded Sulphur, however, it is much smaller than the latter species and lacks wing-cell spots.
Habitat: Found along roadsides, in clover and alfalfa fields, and in open areas near trees.
Tends to fly low. This species is highly migratory, occasionally being observed in large
swarms. It is a resident of tropical America and the southern U.S. It regularly extends
as far North as Canada during the summer.
Larval food plants: feeds on a wide variety of legumes, especially alfalfa.
Season: Late May through September; however some years it may be uncommon or
absent. There are several generations here during the summer.
Gossamer-wing Butterflies (family Lycaenidae)
Bronze Copper (Hyllolycaena hyllus)
Male (dorsal view)
Male (ventral view)
Female (dorsal view)
PERC
Shull
Female (ventral view)
Identifying features: Wingspan 1.25-1.4 inches. Largest of our “coppers.” Upper wing
surface of male dark coppery brown; female bright orange to yellow. On both sexes,
the underside of the forewing is bright orange with black spots and gray margins. Orange bands are distinctive on both upper and ventral side of hindwing.
Similar species: The Bronze Copper is distinctive and should not be confused with any
other species in the area.
Habitat: Primarily associated with the Blue Flag Iris. It perches on grasses, seldom flying
unless disturbed.
Larval food plants: Knotweed and Yellow Dock.
Season: Early June to late October. Two broods in Indiana. Overwinters as an egg.
Gossamer-wing Butterflies (family Lycaenidae)
Eastern Tailed-Blue (Everes comynatas)
dorsal view
tail
2 orange spots
ventral view
PERC
Shull
Identifying features: Wingspan 0.75-1.0 inches. Only member of this family found at the
LWHA that has “tails” on the hindwings. Early spring males are usually pale blue with
black markings. Summer brood males are darker with wide dark margins. Early spring
females are more extensively blue while summer females are dark brown to slate-gray
above. Both sexes are pale below with black speckles and two orange spots with a
black eye-spot on the posterior margin of the hindwing.
Similar species: Similar in size and coloration to the Spring and Summer Azures, however, these species do not have tails or orange eye-spots on the hindwings.
Habitat: Almost all habitats except closed forests. Prefers open areas.
Larval food plants: A variety of legumes including clover, vetches, and other related
plants. Larvae feed on the flower buds and flowers.
Season: April to October. It has multiple broods with three or more generations per year.
Over-winters as a mature larva.
Gossamer-wing Butterflies (family Lycaenidae)
Spring Azure (Celastrina ladon ladon) and
Summer Azure (C.ladon neglecta)
Male (dorsal view)
Male (ventral view)
Female (dorsal view)
PERC
Shull
Female (ventral view)
Identifying features: Wingspan 0.75-1.25 inches. Male pale blue to bluish-purple above;
usually with narrow black border on forewing. Females pale blue or whitish above with
broad, brownish-black borders, most prominent on forewings. Both sexes are pale
creamy-white below with darker speckles.
Similar species: They are part of a larger complex of Azures and there is some debate
over their correct taxonomic status. In the LWHA, the Spring form is found in the early
spring, and the Summer form is found from mid-June through the end of the season.
May be confused with the Eastern Tailed-Blue, but lacks tails and orange eye-spots
on the posterior margin of the hindwings.
Habitat: Open deciduous woods, fields, brushy areas, and along woodland trails.
Larval food plants: Flowering Dogwood, Black Snakeroot, Meadosweet, Sumac, and
other plants. The larvae are often tended by ants.
Season: One form or the other may be found from April to September. Over-winters as a
pupa.
Gossamer-wing Butterflies (family Lycaenidae)
Banded Hairstreak (Satyrium calanus falacer)
dorsal view
ventral view
PERC
Shull
Identifying features: Wingspan 1.0-1.25 inches. Wings of both sexes dark brown with
little or no markings above. Underside with narrow, pale banding running through both
fore and hindwings. Small, thin tails on posterior margin of hindwing.
Similar species: This is the only dark, tailed hairsteak in the LWHA.
Habitat: Wooded areas.
Larval food plants: Hickory, Oaks, and Buternut.
Season: June and July. Overwinters in egg stage. It has one brood per year.
Snout Butterflies (Family Libytheidae)
American Snout (Libytheanai carineta)
dorsal view
ventral view
PERC
Shull
Identifying features: Wingspan 1.6-2.0 inches. The beak-like snout, formed by the mouth
palpi, are distinctive. Upper and lower forewing of both sexes orange with wide, dark
borders containing white markings. Upper surface of hindwing also with extensive orange and dark markings. Ventral surface of hindwing lighter, mottled.
Similar species: This is the only member of this family in North America. It superficially
resembles several Fritillary species in the family Nymphalidae, but can be easily distinguished by the long snout.
Habitat: Primarily in wooded areas where hackberries grow, but also along roadsides, in
fields, and open country.
Larval food plants: Hackberry leaves.
Season: May through August. It has three or more broods in Indiana; the first is made up
mainly of migrants from the south. It may over-winter here as a pupa, but most do not
survive the winter.
Brush-footed Butterflies (family Nymphalidae)
Great Spangled Fritillary (Speyeria cybele)
dorsal view
PERC
Shull
ventral view
Identifying features: Wingspan 3.2-4.0 inches. This is the largest fritillary in our area.
The ground color of the wings is orange with complex black markings. The underside
of hindwing has many silver spots in the discal area.
Similar species: The large size and the silver spots on the ventral surface of hindwing
distinguish it from all other fritillaries in the area.
Habitat: Common in deciduous woods, especially where woods border wet meadows,
prairies, and open fields. It gets nectar from many flowers, but prefers Milkweeds.
Larval food plants: Various species of violets (Viola).
Season: June to October. Males appear several weeks before females. It has only one
brood per year. It goes through winter diapause as an early instar larva.
Brush-footed Butterflies (family Nymphalidae)
Meadow Fritillary (Bolaria bellona)
dorsal view
ventral view
PERC
Shull
Identifying features: Wingspan 1.25-1.9 inches. Upper surface of both fore and hindwings, as well as ventral surface of forewing dark orange to yellow-orange with black
markings. Underside of hindwing somewhat mottled.
Similar species: The markings easily distinguish it from all other species except the
Great Spangled Fritillary which is much larger and has silver spots on the underside
of the hindwing.
Habitat: Wet fields, pastures, edges of streams and ponds.
Larval food plants: Violets.
Season: May through September. Over-winters as a half-grown larva.
Brush-footed Butterflies (family Nymphalidae)
Gorgone Checkerspot (Charidryas gorgone carlota)
dorsal view
ventral view
PERC
Shull
Identifying features: Wingspan 1.1-1.4 inches. Upper surface of wings with bands of orange and black markings and a row of black dots near the margin of the hindwing. Hindwing usually also with pale chevrons within the black border. Underside of hindwing with
an alternating pattern of light brown and white zig-zags and white “arrowheads.”
Similar species: Very similar in appearance to the Silvery Checkerspot which lacks the
pale chevrons on the upper surface of the hindwing and has a much less complicated
ventral pattern on the hindwing. May also be confused with the smaller Pearl Crescent.
However, the ventral surface of the latter species is distinctly paler yellow-orange with few
darker markings.
Habitat: Takes nectar, primarily from Goldenrod flowers. May be found in meadows, grassy
areas, and open forests.
Larval food plants: Sunflowers, Ragweed, and other composites.
Season: May through July. It has one brood per year.
Brush-footed Butterflies (family Nymphalidae)
Silvery Checkerspot (Chlosyne nyceteis)
dorsal view
ventral view
PERC
Shull
Identifying features: Wingspan 1.4-1.75 inches. Upper surface of wings orange with dark
checkered markings and wide, blackish colored margins. Ventral surface of forewing
lighter yellow-orange, darker markings diffuse. Underside of hindwing light creamy-yellow with a silvery sheen and with darker borders and veins.
Similar species: Very similar to both the Gorgone Checkerspot and the Pearl Crescent
but the hindwing lacks the complex “zig-zag” pattern of the Gorgone Checkerspot and
is lighter in color and more complex than the Pearl Cresent.
Habitat: Open woods, roadsides, meadows, and borders of waterways. Adults take nectar from a variety of flowers.
Larval food plants: Sunflowers, coneflowers and asters.
Season: Mid-May to Mid-October. Two broods. Over-winters as a partially grown larva.
Brush-footed Butterflies (family Nymphalidae)
Pearl Crescent or Pearly Crescentspot (Phyciodes tharos)
dorsal view
ventral view
PERC
Shull
Identifying features: Wingspan 1.0-1.5 inches. Above, orange with black markings; underside of forewing similarlay marked. Underside of hindwing almost entirely yellow or
cream with few darker markings except along posterior margin.
Similar species: Closely resembles the Gorgone Checkerspot and the Silvery Checkerspot. Can be most easily separated from them by the pale yellow ventral surface of
the hindwing. May require capture for positive identification.
Habitat: Almost anywhere; open areas, roadsides, gardens, and open forests. When
alighting on flowers or the bare ground, it holds it wings out to the sides. They are aggressive, often darting out at other passing butterflies.
Larval food plants: Asters and related composites.
Season: April to October. Usually four or five broods per year. Over-winters in the larval
stage.
Brush-footed Butterflies (family Nymphalidae)
Question Mark (Polygonia interrogationis)
black dash
dorsal view
comma and spot
PERC
Shull
ventral view
Identifying features: Wingspan 2.4-2.6 inches. A fairly large butterfly with scalloped wing
margins and short tails on the posterior edge of the hindwing. Both sexes are primarily orange with black markings on the top of the wings with a black dash near the tip of
the forewing. Underside of hindwing either uniformly purplish-brown or with tan strips,
giving the appearance of a dried leaf when at rest; always with centered silvery comma
and adjacent dot.
Similar species: Similar in appearance to the Eastern Comma, but slightly larger and
with longer tails on the hindwing. The most distinctive features are the black dash on
the forewing and the the silvery comma and dot. The Eastern Comma lacks both the
black dash and the silver dot.
Habitat: A forest species that also occurs along roadsides, and other open areas containing its larval host plants. Adults rarely feed at flowers; instead they take nourishment
from sap, ripe fruit, carrion, and animal feces.
Larval food plants: Nettles, Hops, Hackberries, Elms, Basswood, and False Nettle.
Season: Normally June to November but may be active on warmer days any time of the
year. It has two broods. Over-winters as an adult. Some individuals may fly south to
over-winter.
Brush-footed Butterflies (family Nymphalidae)
Eastern Comma (Polygonia comma)
dorsal view
comma
ventral view
PERC
Shull
Identifying features: Wingspan 1.75-2.0 inches. Wing margins deeply scalloped with
short tails on the hind wing. Dorsal surface of wings orange with black markings.
Underside varies from tan to medium brown with darker longitudinal stripes; silvery
comma in center of hindwing.
Similar species: Very similar to the closely related Question Mark, but is slightly smaller
in size, lacks a black dash near the tip of the forewing, and has a silver comma only on
the ventral surface of the hindwing.
Habitat: Forests, in clearings, along the edges of paths, roadsides, and gardens. Like the
Question Mark, it feeds on sap, ripe fruit, carrion, and animal feces.
Larval food plants: Hops, Hackberries, Elms, Basswood, and False Nettle.
Season: Normally June to late November but may be present on warmer days any time
of the year. It has two broods. Over-winters as an adult.
Brush-footed Butterflies (family Nymphalidae)
Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui)
dorsal view
4 eyespots
ventral view
PERC
Shull
Identifying features: Wingspan 2.0-2.25 inches. Top of wings Redish-orange with strong
black “checkered” pattern; large white spots in the black tip area of the forewing. Underside of hindwing brown with white vein markings and white spots; four small eyespots near the posterior margin, the outer two slightly larger than the middle two.
Similar species: Similar to the American Lady, which occurs in the county, but has not
been reported from the LWHA and is not treated here. The American Lady has two
large eyespots on the ventral surface of the hindwings.
Habitat: Highly migratory. May be found almost anywhere.
Larval food plants: Thistle, Asteraceae, and Malvacease.
Season: Mid-April to late October. Two broods in Indiana. Overwinters in either the adult or
pupal stage.
Brush-footed Butterflies (family Nymphalidae)
Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta)
dorsal view
ventral view
PERC
Shull
Identifying features: Wingspan 1.75-2.25 inches. Dark brown to black above. Forewing
with white spots near the tip and a large red or reddish-orange diagonal strip near the
middle. Top of hindwing edged with orange; underside with complex, mottled pattern.
Similar species: The red diagonal band through the forewing is distinctive.
Habitat: May be found almost everywhere, in fields, gardens, forest margins, hilly areas, trails, roadsides, and open woods. It is one of the few species that fly at twilight.
Adults feed primarily on nectar but will also visit overripe fruit, sap flows, carrion, and
animal feces.
Larval food plants: The leaves of Nettle, Hops, False Nettle, and Pellitories.
Season: March through September. It has two or more broods and can over-winter as
pupa or adult, depending on severity of weather.
Brush-footed Butterflies (family Nymphalidae)
Common Buckeye (Junonia coenia)
PERC
Shull
dorsal view
ventral view
Identifying features: Wingspan 2.0-2.5 inches. There is considerable variation in the
depth of color. The two red bars at the anterior margin of the forewings; along with the
large eye-spots surrounded by creamy-white and the two eyespots on the top of the
hindwings make this species distinct. The Underside of the hindwings are nondescriptly tan or reddish.
Similar species: The large dorsal eyespots and red bars on the forewing make the Buckeye distinct and should not be confused with any other species.
Habitat: Frequents flowers and mud puddles and often occurs near streams and in fields,
meadows, swamps, and along woodland trails. It usually flies close to the ground, often landing on bare places. It is a rapid and nervous flier, often difficult to capture.
Larval food plants: Many, including Plantain, Gerardia, Toadflax, Snapdragon, False
Loostrife, and Stonecrop.
Season: It is migratory and rarely survives the winter in Indiana. Adults appear from April
to mid-October. There are one or more summer broods.
Brush-footed Butterflies (family Nymphalidae)
Red-spotted Purple (Basilarchia arthemis astyanax)
dorsal view
PERC
Shull
ventral view
Identifying features: Wingspan 2.25-2.75 inches. Wings mostly blackish with blue iridescence. Underside of hindwing with row of orange or red-orange spots near outer margin and three near base.
Similar species: Probably mimics the Pipevine Swallowtail, which is distasteful to birds.
However, the Pipevine has the typical “swallowtails” on the hindwings and lacks the
basal orange spots on the ventral surface of the hindwings.
Habitat: Deciduous forests bordering meadows or open fields. Rarely visit flowers. Attracted to ripe fruit, sap flows, carrion, and animal feces.
Larval food plants: Willows, Poplars, Hawthorns, Cherries, Apples, and Hornbeams.
Season: Mid-May to mid-October. It has three broods and over-winters as a partly grown
larva.
Brush-footed Butterflies (family Nymphalidae)
Hackberry Emperor (Asterocampa celtis)
black spot
dorsal view
PERC
Shull
ventral view
Identifying features: Wingspan 2.0-2.5 inches. Generally grayish-brown in our area.
Large black area on forewing tips with white spots; one large black spots near margin.
Top of hindwing with 6 black spots near margin and zig-zag pattern at margin.
Similar species: Similar in appearance to the Tawny Emperor. The latter species is more
reddish-orange and lacks the large black spot near the forewing margin and the zig-zag
pattern on the hindwings.
Habitat: Adults seldom fly far from hackberry trees, where they perch on the trunks and
branches or nearby shrubbery. They do not visit flowers but feed on rotting fruit, fermenting tree sap, animal feces, and carcasses.
Larval food plants: The only larval food plant is hackberry.
Season: May to late August; most abundant in August. It has two or three broods and
over-winters as a half-grown larva.
Brush-footed Butterflies (family Nymphalidae)
Tawny Emperor (Asterocampa clyton)
dorsal view
PERC
Shull
ventral view
Identifying features: Wingspan 2.0-2.6 inches. Forewing reddish-orange with dark tip and
large pale spots. Hindwing darker above with 6-7 black dots surrounded by orange
near the wing margin.
Similar species: Similar to the Hackberry Emperor, but is more orange in color and lacks
the large black dot near the forewing margin and the zig-zag pattern near the hindwing
margin that are so characteristic of the Hackberry.
Habitat: Less common than the Hackberry Emperor. Prefers deciduous woods where
Hackerry trees are abundant. Usually rests higher in trees but may also be seen along
shady woodland trails. Adults rarely visit flowers but feed on sap flows, overripe fruit,
carrion, and animal feces.
Larval food plants: Like the Hackberry Emperor, larvae only feed on Hackberry leaves.
Season: May to late August. It has one brood per year and over-winters as a half-grown
larva.
Satyrs (family Satyridae)
Little Wood Satyr (Megisto cymela)
dorsal view
ventral view
PERC
Shull
Identifying features: Wingspan 1.75-2.0 inches. Dorsally, the ground color is dull brown.
There are two dark spots on the forewing and one or two spots on the hindwing (visible both dorsally and ventrally). Underside of wings usually somewhat lighter in color
crossed with darker brown lines.
Similar species: The markings are unique and should not be confused with any other species in our area.
Habitat: Prefers open deciduous forests and meadows bordered by woods containing
considerable shrubbery. Adults feed at sap flows and on overripe fruit.
Larval food plants: Various forest grasses.
Season: May through July. It has one brood per year and over-winters as a mature larva.
Satyrs (family Satyridae)
Northern Pearly Eye (Enodia anthedon)
dorsal view
ventral view
PERC
Shull
Identifying features: Wingspan 1.6-2.0 inches. Dark brown in color with 4 black spots on
forewing and 5-6 spots on the hindwing. Underside of forewing lighter at tip; darker
zig-zag lines cross through both fore and hindwings.
Similar species: Could be confused with the Little Wood Satyr, but the larger number of
dark spots on both the fore and hindwings are distinctive.
Habitat: Edges of forests and along woodland trails.
Larval food plants: Forest grasses.
Season: Early June to Late August. It hibernates as a partly grown larva.
Monarchs (family Danaidae)
Monarch (Danaus plexippus)
dorsal view
PERC
Shull
ventral view
Identifying features: Wingspan 3.5-4.0 inches. Large, orange butterfly with black wing
borders and black wing veins. Generally, white spots are visible in the black wing borders.
Similar species: The only species with which it could be confused is the Viceroy, which at
this time has not been reported from the LWHA and is not treated here.
Habitat: Adults prefer the flowers of Milkweeds and Dogbane; however, they also visit
many other flowers and damp places. Adults are distasteful due to the larval food
plants.
Larval food plants: Primarily Milkweeds, rarely Dogbane.
Season: April through September. Most fall broods from the Midwest migrate to the Sierra
Madre of middle Mexico to over-winter. Although the majority migrate through our area,
a few may over-winter here as adults or pupae. It has three or four summer broods.
Skippers (family Hesperiidae)
Silver-spotted Skipper (Epargyreus clarus)
dorsal view
ventral view
PERC
Shull
silver spot
Identifying features: Wingspan 1.75-2.5 inches. This is our largest skipper. Chocolate
brown on the upper wing surface with a distinctive golden-orange diagonal band at the
anterior margin of the forewing. The underside of the hindwing has a large, irregular
silver band across the middle area.
Similar species: From a distance, may be mistaken for one of the Brush-footed Butterflies
(Nymphalidae) as it feeds on flowers and rests with its wing held together above the
body; however, the large silver spot on the underside of the hindwing easily separates
it from all other butterflies in Indiana.
Habitat: Open fields and gardens where it feeds on nectar.
Larval food plants: Locust, Honey Locust, as well as many other similar trees and shrubs.
Season: May to September. Usually has one brood in Indiana. It over-winters as a pupa.
Skippers (family Hesperiidae)
Common Sootywing (Pholisora catullus)
dorsal view
ventral view
PERC
Shull
Identifying features: Wingspan 0.9-1.25 inches. Brownish-black in color; forewing
crossed with crescent-shaped row of small, white dots, which may occasionally be
absent.
Similar species: There are several related dark-wing skippers that are difficult to separate. However, the only species so far found at the LWHA with which it may be
confused is Horace’s Duskywing. This later species is somewhat larger than the
Common Sootywing, is generally lighter brown in color, and has more extensive
pale marking on both the dorsal and ventral surfaces of the wings.
Habitat: Cultivated areas, open fields, and gardens. When disturbed, it usually flies
away rapidly and erratically, keeping close to the ground.
Larval food plants: Primarily Pigweed and related plants, but also Tumbleweeds and
their relatives.
Season: May to September. Over-winters as a mature larva.
Skippers (family Hesperiidae)
Horace’s Duskywing (Erynnis horatius)
dorsal view
ventral view
PERC
Shull
Identifying features: Wingspan 1.25-1.75 inches. Dark to medium brown in color with distinct white spots and other paler markings on both surfaces of the wings.
Similar species: Similar to the Common Sootywing, but larger, paler in color, and with
more distinct pale markings.
Habitat: Woodland trails, open spots in clearings, especially where fields join woods.
Larval food plants: Various species of oak.
Season: Mid-April through August. It probably has two broods in Indiana.
Skippers (family Hesperiidae)
Common Checkered Skipper (Pyrgus communis)
dorsal view
ventral view
PERC
Shull
Identifying features: Wingspan 0.9-1.25 inches. Upper surface of wings Blackish-brown
with white “checkered” pattern. The white spots may be greatly reduced in females. Underside of wings lighter golden-brown with extensive white markings.
Similar species: This skipper is distinct and should not be confused with any other species.
Habitat: Almost anyplace, especially in open areas.
Larval food plans: Hollyhocks, Indian Mallow, and Wild Tea.
Season: August to November, some years may be absent. Over-winters as a pupa or fullgrown larva. The number of broods is not known.
Skippers (family Hesperiidae)
Least Skipper (Ancyloxypha numitor)
dorsal view
ventral view
PERC
Shull
Identifying features: Wingspan 0.75-1.0 inches. This is our smallest skipper. Forewing
medium to dark brown with orange anterior border. Hindwing generally orange with
broad brown border, however this coloration varies considerably, sometimes almost
solid brown. Ventral surface of hindwing uniform yellow-orange.
Similar species: The Tawny-edged Skipper is similar in appearance on the forewings.
Least Skippers with dark hindwings my be confused with it when viewed from above,
however, the underside of the hindwing of the Tawny-edged skipper is the same uniform brown color as the forewing.
Habitat: Usually close to ground in tall grasses.
Larval food plants: Various grasses.
Season: May to mid-October. At least two broods per year.
Skippers (family Hesperiidae)
Tawny-edged Skipper (Polites themistocles)
dorsal view
ventral view
PERC
Shull
Identifying features: Wingspan 0.75-1.0 inches. Dull brown with bright orange in the Forewing and on the costal area. Males usually have a black S-shaped stigma on the forewing. The underside of the hindwing in both sexes is uniform light to medium brown.
Similar species: From above, females may appear similar to darker Least Skippers, but
the latter is bright orange on the underside of the hindwing.
Habitat: Open meadows and grasslands.
Larval food plants: Grasses, particularly Panifcum.
Season: May to October. Over-winters in the pupal stage.
Skippers (family Hesperiidae)
Peck’s Skipper (Polites coras)
dorsal view
ventral view
PERC
Shull
Identifying features: Wingspan 0.75-1.0 inches. The male forewing is dark brown with
a tawny orange patch along the leading edge, usually extending through much of the
wing. Hindwing with cloudy orange central area. Ventral surface of both wings with
large, irregular, yellow-gold patches.
Similar species: This species distinct markings should not be confused with any other
Skipper.
Habitat: Grassy fields, open places.
Larval food plants: Various grasses.
Season: May through September. Over-winters as a late instar larva or pupa.
Skippers (family Hesperiidae)
Delaware Skipper (Atrytone logan)
dorsal view
ventral view
PERC
Shull
Identifying features: Wingspan 1.0-1.4 inches. Wings bright orange above with narrow
black borders. Underside of wings uniform orange or yellow-orange, except for dark
posterior margin of forewing.
Similar species: Should not be confused with any other species.
Habitat: Woodland paths, pond margins, and grassy lowlands.
Larval food plants: Bluestem, Switch Grass, Woolly Beard Grass, and other grasses.
Season: June to September. One brood per year. Life history not completely known.
Skippers (family Hesperiidae)
Hobomok Skipper (Poanes hobomok)
dorsal view
ventral view
PERC
Shull
Identifying features: Wingspan 1.0-1.4 inches. Both surfaces of the wings bright yelloworange above with broad, dark brown borders.
Similar species: From above, similar in general appearance to the Zabulon Skipper, but
the ventral surface of the hindwing of the latter species is lighter yellow with darker
brown spots and speckles.
Habitat: Most commonly seen in woods and along woodland trails. It also occurs in moist
gullies, fencerows, and meadows.
Larval food plants: Various grasses.
Season: May to late August. Little is known about its life cycle.
Skippers (family Hesperiidae)
Zabulon Skipper (Poanes zabulon)
dorsal view
ventral view
PERC
Shull
Identifying features: Wingspan 1.0-1.4 inches. Upper surface of wings bright orange with
dark brown borders. Underside of hindwing lighter yellow with brown dots and speckles.
Similar species: From above, similar in appearance to the Hobomok Skipper, but the
light yellow ground color and brown spots on ventral surface of the hindwing of the
Zabulon Skipper will easily separate it.
Habitat: Hillsides, along roadsides, banks of streams, pastures, and open places in
woods.
Larval food plants: Various grasses.
Season: May to September. Probably has two broods per year.