15 Types of Butterflies in Wisconsin

Butterflies in Wisconsin
Photo by HeungSoon on Pixabay
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Have you ever wondered about the different butterflies in Wisconsin? These beautiful creatures are a delight to see and play an important role in the ecosystem.

Wisconsin is home to many butterfly species, from the widespread to the rare and elusive.

Butterflies are known for their vibrant colors and intricate patterns, making them a popular subject of study and admiration for nature enthusiasts.

This article is for you if you’re interested in learning more about the butterfly species that inhabit Wisconsin.

In our article, we will explore the different butterflies in Wisconsin, their characteristics, and where you can spot them in the wild.

So, let’s dive into the fascinating world of Wisconsin butterflies.

1. Edward’s Hairstreak

Edward's Hairstreak
by aecole2010 is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Edward’s Hairstreak is one of the many butterflies in Wisconsin.

This species is known for its distinctive coloring, with a dark brown upper wing and a bright orange lower wing with white spots. 

These butterflies are typically found in wooded areas, where they feed on the nectar of flowers such as milkweed and dogbane.

Edward’s Hairstreak is just one example of Wisconsin’s diverse and beautiful butterflies, making it a popular destination for butterfly enthusiasts and nature lovers.

2. Clouded Sulphur

Clouded Sulphur
by marknenadov is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Clouded Sulphur is also one of the different butterflies in Wisconsin.

These butterflies are known for their yellow and green wings, speckled with black dots.

They are commonly found in fields, meadows, and gardens and are often seen fluttering around flowers in search of nectar. 

Clouded Sulphur butterflies are an important part of the ecosystem in Wisconsin, as they help to pollinate plants and provide food for other animals.

If you are interested in butterfly watching in Wisconsin, watch for the beautiful Clouded Sulphur!

3. Silvery Blue

Silvery Blue
by Judy Gallagher is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Silvery Blue is a type of butterfly that can be found in Wisconsin.

These butterflies have striking silvery-blue wings with black markings and a wingspan of about 1-1.5 inches.

They are typically found in open fields and meadows, feeding on flower nectar. 

Silvery Blue butterflies are also known for their unique behavior of “hilltopping,” where they gather at the tops of hills to mate and socialize.

They are just one of the many beautiful butterflies in Wisconsin.

4. Summer Azure

Summer Azure
by Judy Gallagher is licensed under CC BY 2.0

The heading above seems to be a specific topic on butterflies in Wisconsin.

Summer Azure is a beautiful butterfly species found in Wisconsin during the summer months.

They have a light blue color on their wings with small black spots on the edges. 

These butterflies are active during the day and can often be spotted in open fields or meadows.

Learning about the different butterflies in Wisconsin can be a fun and educational activity for nature enthusiasts and families alike.

5. Spring Azure

Spring Azure
by treegrow is licensed under CC BY 2.0

The Spring Azure is one of the many butterflies in Wisconsin. These small, delicate insects are known for their vibrant blue coloring and can often be seen fluttering around meadows and fields during the spring and summer. 

In addition to the Spring Azure, Wisconsin is home to many butterfly species, including the Monarch, the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, and the Painted Lady.

Observing and identifying these beautiful creatures can be a fun and rewarding activity for nature enthusiasts in Wisconsin.

6. Dreamy Duskywing Butterfly

Dreamy Duskywing Butterfly
by Vicki’s Nature is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

The Dreamy Duskywing butterfly is also one of the different butterflies in Wisconsin.

This small butterfly, with a wingspan of about 1-1.5 inches, is often found in wooded areas or near streams. 

The Dreamy Duskywing is brown with small white spots and has a distinctive wing shape.

It can often be seen flying low to the ground and feeding on nectar from flowers. 

7. Aphrodite Fritillary

Aphrodite Fritillary
by Lydia Fravel is licensed under CC BY 2.0

The Aphrodite Fritillary is one of the many types of butterflies found in Wisconsin.

This beautiful butterfly species is known for its striking orange and black wings and is commonly found in wooded areas or meadows. 

The presence of butterflies, including the Aphrodite Fritillary, is a delight to observe and an important indicator of the ecosystem’s health.

Butterflies play a crucial role in pollinating plants, supporting the growth and survival of other species. 

Therefore, protecting and conserving butterfly habitats in Wisconsin and beyond is important.

The presence of these beautiful butterflies in Wisconsin adds to the biodiversity and natural beauty of the state.

8. Viceroy

Viceroy
by AcrylicArtist is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Viceroy is a butterfly species that can be found in Wisconsin.

These butterflies are known for their striking orange and black wings, which resemble those of the Monarch butterfly. 

However, unlike Monarchs, Viceroy butterflies are not poisonous and use mimicry as a defense mechanism.

They can often be found near wetlands and other bodies of water, where they feed on nectar from flowers.

Observing these beautiful butterflies in Wisconsin in their natural habitat is a popular pastime for many nature enthusiasts in Wisconsin.

9. Hackberry Emperor

Hackberry Emperor
by Judy Gallagher is licensed under CC BY 2.0

The Hackberry Emperor is one of the many butterflies in Wisconsin.

This species is known for its brown wings with white spots and a distinctive orange stripe along the outer edge. 

They are typically found in wooded areas and can often be seen feeding on the sap of trees.

While they may not be as well-known as some of the more colorful butterfly species, the Hackberry Emperor is an important part of Wisconsin’s ecosystem and adds to the state’s diverse range of wildlife.

10. Coral Hairstreak

Coral Hairstreak
by Judy Gallagher is licensed under CC BY 2.0

The Coral Hairstreak is one of Wisconsin‘s many types of butterflies.

These small, delicate butterflies have only about a one-inch wingspan and are easily recognized by their bright orange and black coloring.

They are commonly found in wooded areas and fields and are known to feed on the nectar of various flowers. 

The coral hairstreak is just one of the many beautiful butterfly species called Wisconsin home, making the state a popular destination for butterfly enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

11. Red-Spotted Purple

Red-Spotted Purple
by Thomas Shahan 3 is licensed under CC BY 2.0

The Red-spotted Purple is one of the many types of butterflies found in Wisconsin.

These beautiful creatures are known for their striking colors and patterns. The upper side of their wings has a deep blue-black hue, and the underside has bright red spots. 

They are commonly found in wooded areas and are often spotted feeding on tree sap or rotting fruit.

Other butterflies in Wisconsin include the Monarch, Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, and the Painted Lady.

These butterflies add to Wisconsin’s natural beauty and play an important role in pollination and the ecosystem’s overall health.

12. Eastern Tiger Swallowtail

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
by Kumweni is licensed under CC BY 2.0

The Eastern Tiger Swallowtail is one of Wisconsin’s many types of butterflies.

These beautiful insects are easily recognizable with their bright yellow wings and black stripes. 

They are commonly seen fluttering around gardens and parks during the summer months.

The Eastern Tiger Swallowtail is just one example of the diverse butterflies in Wisconsin, making it a great destination for butterfly enthusiasts and nature lovers.

13. Monarch Butterfly

Monarch Butterfly
by docentjoyce is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Monarch butterflies are one of the most common types of butterflies found in Wisconsin.

These beautiful creatures are known for their orange and black wings, adorned with white spots and veins. 

Monarchs are migratory, so they travel long distances yearly to find suitable breeding and feeding grounds.

They are also important pollinators, helping to spread pollen from one plant to another.

If you’re interested in learning more about butterflies in Wisconsin, keep an eye out for the majestic monarch.

14. Mourning Cloak

Mourning Cloak
by Aah-Yeah is licensed under CC BY 2.0

The Mourning Cloak is a common butterfly species found in Wisconsin. With its distinct dark wings and yellow borders, it is easily recognizable.

This butterfly is typically found in wooded areas and can often be seen flying in the early spring. 

It is one of the first butterfly species to emerge from hibernation, making it a welcome sight for butterfly enthusiasts.

The Mourning Cloak is an important pollinator, helping to spread pollen from plant to plant, and is vital in maintaining the ecosystem.

Its presence in Wisconsin is a testament to its diverse and rich natural environment.

15. Cabbage White

Cabbage White
by born1945 is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Cabbage White is a common type of butterfly found in Wisconsin.

These Wisconsin butterflies have white wings with black spots and can be seen fluttering around gardens and meadows during summer. 

They are attracted to flowers such as milkweed, thistle, and clover, and their larvae feed on plants in the mustard family.

Cabbage White butterflies play an important role in pollination and are a beautiful sight to behold in the Wisconsin countryside.

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