Regarding butterflies, Alaska has some of the most diverse species in the United States.
From the bright blues of the Arctic Blue butterfly to the deep reds of the Western Red Admiral, Alaska’s unique butterfly population is a sight to behold.
We provide information about each species and its unique characteristics.
Whether you’re a seasoned butterfly enthusiast or just starting, our guide will give you an overview of the many species of butterflies found in Alaska.
We look at some of the different types of butterflies in Alaska and tips on identifying them.
With a little knowledge and an eye for detail, you can spot various butterfly species during your next visit to the Last Frontier.
1. Spring Azure
The Spring Azure is one of the butterflies in Alaska. This small butterfly typically has a wingspan of only one inch and can be identified by its light blue coloring with white fringes on its wings.
It can be seen fluttering around open meadows, woodland edges, and even residential gardens throughout the state during the spring and summer.
You can’t believe despite its size, the Spring Azure is a hardy butterfly that can survive in harsh Alaskan conditions.
It overwinters as a pupa and emerges in the spring to feed on nectar from flowers such as dandelions, violets, and blueberries.
Although not considered a rare species, the Spring Azure is still a delightful sight for Alaskans and visitors as it dances in the air.
2. Silvery Blue
Silvery Blue is also one of the common types of butterflies in Alaska. This small butterfly species has a wingspan of only 1.2 to 1.5 inches.
Its wings are a bright, silvery blue color with white edges, and the males of the species have black borders on their wings.
The Silvery Blue butterfly can typically be found in open meadows, fields, and even alpine tundra environments. They tend to feed on flowers and plants like lupine and clover.
Despite their small size, Silvery Blue butterflies play an important role in pollinating plants and supporting the ecosystem in Alaska.
3. Western-tailed Blue
The Western Tailed Blue is a type of butterfly commonly found in Alaska, with a wingspan of just one inch.
Despite its small size, this butterfly has a bright blue coloring with a distinctive orange spot near the base of its wings.
It is often seen in meadows, where it feeds on nectar from various flowers such as lupine and clover.
And the best part, they are most active during the summer months and one of the first to emerge from hibernation in the spring.
The Western Tailed Blue’s larvae feed on plants in the pea family, such as vetches and clovers.
While this butterfly is not a major pollinator in Alaska, it is still an important part of the state’s ecosystem and adds to the beauty of its natural surroundings.
4. Arctic White
As you are following us, the Arctic White is a beautiful butterfly found in the cold Arctic regions of Alaska. Its white wings have a few black markings, giving it a simple yet elegant appearance.
This butterfly prefers to inhabit tundra and rocky terrain, where it can feed on nectar from wildflowers.
You can’t believe due to its remote habitat and elusive nature, sightings of the Arctic white butterfly are rare and highly sought after by butterfly enthusiasts.
However, with the increasing threats of climate change and habitat loss, protecting these delicate creatures and their habitats for future generations is important.
5. Western White
The Western white butterfly is another species that can be found in Alaska.
These medium-sized butterflies have white wings with black tips on the edges. They can be seen flying around fields and meadows in the state during the summer months.
The Western white butterfly is commonly found in western North America but has a habitat in Alaska.
They are often found in areas with wildflowers and native plants, where they feed on nectar and pollen.
While they are not as colorful as other butterflies in Alaska, they are still a beautiful addition to the state’s wildlife.
6. Clouded Sulphur
The Clouded Sulphur is one of the most common butterflies in Alaska.
They have a distinctive yellow coloration and can often be seen fluttering around wildflowers in open meadows.
This butterfly species has a wide range and can be found throughout North America, but it is especially common in Alaska.
One interesting fact about Clouded Sulphur is their unique way of finding mates. Males will perch on tall plants and fly up to catch passing females, while females will search for a suitable mate.
If you’re lucky enough to spot one of these beautiful butterflies during your travels in Alaska, take a moment to observe their fascinating behavior.
7. Christina’s Sulphur
Christina’s sulfur, also known as the white orange-tip, is a beautiful butterfly in Alaska.
As its name suggests, it is characterized by its pale yellow or white wings with orange tips, which give it a striking appearance.
This species is most commonly found in alpine and subalpine regions. It feeds on various plants such as stonecrop and saxifrages during the summer.
Like other butterflies in Alaska, Christina’s sulfur is known to exhibit seasonal dimorphism.
This means their appearance can differ between the first and second broods, with the second generation typically being smaller and lighter in color.
If you happen to come across Christina’s sulfur in Alaska, take a moment to admire its unique beauty and delicate wings.
8. Pelidne SulPhur
Pelidne sulphur, also known as the sulphur butterfly. It is a common species found in Alaska during the summer months.
These beautiful butterflies have yellow-orange wings with black markings and a wingspan of approximately 1-1.5 inches.
They are typically found in grassy fields, meadows, and forests’ edges. They feed on nectar from flowers such as asters and dandelions.
Pelidne sulphur is a delight and can be easily identified by its bright colors. Keep an eye out for them on your next Alaskan adventure!
9. Canadian Tiger Swallowtail
The Canadian Tiger Swallowtail is a large, showy butterfly commonly found in Alaska.
It is easily recognizable by its bright yellow wings with black stripes and blue markings near the edges.
To be real with you, The female Canadian Tiger Swallowtail has more muted colors, with pale yellow wings and less prominent stripes and markings.
These butterflies in Alaska can often be seen flying near rivers and streams, as they require water to breed.
They lay their eggs on plants such as willow and alder, and the caterpillars feed on the leaves.
The Canadian Tiger Swallowtail is an important pollinator, as they are attracted to flowers such as lupines and daisies.
Seeing one of these beautiful butterflies in Alaska in flight is a special treat for any nature enthusiast.
10. Old-world Swallowtail
The Old World Swallowtail, known as Papilio machaon, is a stunning butterfly in Alaska.
This butterfly is quite large, with wings spanning up to 4 inches. It is also striking, with a bright yellow and black striped pattern on its wings.
Do you know? Interestingly, the Old World Swallowtail has a distinctive defense mechanism. If it feels threatened, it will release a strong, unpleasant odor to deter predators.
Despite this defense mechanism, these butterflies are a beloved sight for many nature enthusiasts in Alaska, and they continue to be an important part of the state’s ecosystem.
11. Phoebus Parnassian
The Phoebus Parnassian is a stunning butterfly in Alaska’s subalpine and alpine regions. With its striking black-and-white pattern, it’s hard to miss this butterfly.
It has a wingspan of up to 2.5 inches and has a unique habit of holding its wings closed when resting, unlike most other butterflies in Alaska.
This butterfly’s preferred habitat is mountain meadows, where they feed on nectar from flowers such as phlox and daisies.
Interestingly, the Phoebus Parnassian is a short-lived species with a lifespan of only two weeks.
However, it’s common to spot these beautiful types of butterflies in Alaska fluttering around in late July and early August, so keep your eyes peeled if you’re exploring the Alaskan wilderness during that time!
12. Persius Duskywing
The Perius Duskywing butterfly is a small and inconspicuous species found in Alaska. It is usually found in the understory of coniferous forests and can be seen flying around from May to July.
The Perius Duskywing has a wingspan of about 1.5 inches and is known for its dark brown wings that are slightly lighter at the base.
You can’t believe despite its plain appearance; the Perius Duskywing butterfly plays an important role in the ecosystem as a pollinator.
Its larvae feed on the leaves of various shrubs and trees, which helps control their growth and maintain a healthy forest environment.
This species may not be the most flashy or colorful butterfly in Alaska, but it is worth watching for during your outdoor adventures.
13. Grizzled Skipper
The Grizzled Skipper is a small and delicate butterfly found in various regions of North America, including Alaska.
They have a unique gray and brown color pattern on their wings, making them stand out among other types of butterflies in Alaska.
These butterflies can typically be found in grasslands and meadows, and they prefer habitats with lots of sun exposure.
The Grizzled Skipper is an important pollinator for many plant species and a vital part of the local ecosystem.
If you’re lucky enough to spot a Grizzled Skipper during your visit to Alaska, take a moment to appreciate its beauty and importance in the natural world.
14. Arctic Skipper
The Arctic Skipper is a common sight in Alaska during the summer months.
These small, fast-flying butterflies in Alaska have dark brown wings with white spots and a distinctive orange-and-white pattern on the undersides of their hindwings.
They are often found in open grassy areas and can be spotted darting between blades of grass or flowers.
Although the Arctic Skipper is widespread in Alaska, it can be tricky to spot because of its size and speed.
One way to increase your chances of seeing one is to look for them in areas with abundant wildflowers, such as meadows, open fields, and gardens.
Keep your eyes peeled and your camera ready to snap a photo of these charming butterflies in Alaska in action!
15. Common Branded Skipper
The Common Branded Skipper is also known as the Common Checkered Skipper.
It is a butterfly commonly found in the northern parts of Alaska. It has a distinctive pattern of white and black checks on its wings.
Making it easy to identify. The butterfly typically feeds on flowers, particularly those in the Asteraceae family, and can often be seen fluttering around these plants during the summer months.
Let me tell you the facts! The Common Branded Skipper has a relatively short lifespan, with adults only living for a few weeks.
Despite its short lifespan, the butterfly is an important part of the ecosystem in Alaska, serving as a food source for birds and other insects.
Additionally, the butterfly plays a role in pollinating plants, making it a valuable species for maintaining the balance of nature in the region.
16. Skimmer Dragonfly
While technically not a butterfly, the Skimmer Dragonfly is often confused as one due to its beautiful wings.
Found throughout Alaska, this species is a favorite among nature enthusiasts for its quick movements and iridescent colors.
The Skimmer Dragonfly’s wingspan can range from 2 to 5 inches and come in shades of blue, green, and brown. They are often seen darting over ponds and lakes, hunting for their prey.
In addition to their striking appearance, Skimmer Dragonflies play an important role in their ecosystem.
You can’t believe they are predators. They feed on insects such as mosquitoes, flies, and bees. This helps to control the insect population and maintain a healthy balance in the ecosystem.
So, next time you spot a Skimmer Dragonfly in Alaska, take a moment to appreciate its beauty and importance in the natural world.
17. Mourning Cloak
The Mourning Cloak butterfly is one of the most well-known butterflies in Alaska.
It is easily recognizable by its deep maroon wings with yellowish edges. These butterflies can often be found in woodland areas during the spring and summer.
Interestingly, the Mourning Cloak butterfly can survive Alaska’s harsh winters by entering a suspended animation called diapause.
This allows the butterfly to withstand the freezing temperatures and emerge again in the springtime.
If you are lucky enough to spot a Mourning Cloak butterfly in Alaska, take a moment to appreciate its resilience and beauty.
18. Green Comma
The Green Comma is a butterfly species that is commonly found in Alaska.
It is known for its distinctive markings and colors, with bright green and white stripes on the upper side of its wings and a dull brown color on the underside.
This butterfly is a member of the Nymphalidae family and is typically found in woodland areas where it feeds on sap, rotting fruit, and tree sap.
One interesting fact about the Green Comma is that it can overwinter, meaning it can survive the harsh Alaskan winters by hibernating.
During winter, the butterfly hides in a sheltered location, such as under tree bark or inside a hollow tree.
In the spring, it emerges from its hiding place. And begins to feed and mate once again.
The Green Comma is a unique and fascinating butterfly species found throughout Alaska’s woodlands.
19. Painted Lady
The Painted Lady butterfly, also known as Vanessa cardui, is a migratory species found in Alaska during summer.
This butterfly has a wingspan of around 2 inches and features bright orange and black markings.
The undersides of their wings are more muted in color and can blend in with their surroundings.
Painted Lady butterflies are commonly found in meadows and fields, where they feed on nectar from various flowers such as asters and thistles.
They are also known to migrate in large numbers and can travel up to 2,500 miles in their lifetime.
Despite their migratory habits, Painted Lady butterflies can be found worldwide and are a beloved species by many butterfly enthusiasts.
20. Arctic Fritillary
The Arctic Fritillary is a type of butterfly found in Alaska. They are typically small, with wingspans ranging from 1-2 inches.
The wings of the Arctic Fritillary are a bright orange color with black markings and white spots.
These butterflies in Alaska can be found in open meadows and along stream banks in the Arctic and subarctic regions.
They typically feed on nectar from flowers such as asters and fireweeds. And the best part,
Despite their delicate appearance, the Arctic Fritillary is a hardy butterfly that can survive in the harsh conditions of the Alaskan wilderness.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a unique way to explore the natural beauty of Alaska, then consider taking a closer look at the region’s colorful butterflies.
With different types of butterflies in Alaska’s landscape, there’s plenty to discover and appreciate.
We have taken a closer look at some of the most interesting types of butterflies in Alaska.
From vibrant Swallowtails to stunning Skippers, you have learned all about the butterfly species that make this region so special.
