15 Types of Butterflies in Wisconsin

Butterflies in Wisconsin
Photo by HeungSoon on Pixabay
Spread the love for animals! 🐾

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.

Oct 7, 2025

6 Dangerous Centipedes in North Carolina You Need to Identify

You’re walking through your North Carolina home late at night when something fast and multi-legged scurries across your…

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

1. 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

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.

Aug 14, 2025

20 Invasive Insects in California You Need to Identify Now (2025 Guide)

California agricultural losses to exotic pests exceed $3 billion annually, making invasive insect identification crucial for every property…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Related topic:

What Types of Plants Do Ladybugs Lay Eggs on?
What types of plants do ladybugs lay eggs on? If you have ladybugs in your garden, you will…

9. 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

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

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.

You might like:

10 Different Types of Ants Found in South Carolina
South Carolina’s diverse landscapes harbor a fascinating array of ant species, from tiny household pests to large wood-dwelling…

12. 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

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.

May 6, 2025

Top 10 Petting Zoos in Wisconsin for Family Fun

Imagine the delight on your child’s face as they pet a soft, fuzzy lamb or feed a curious…

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

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.

Oct 7, 2025

6 Dangerous Centipedes in North Carolina You Need to Identify

You’re walking through your North Carolina home late at night when something fast and multi-legged scurries across your…

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

15. 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.

Dive deeper into similar content

Sep 23, 2024

14 Types of Butterflies in Utah

Welcome to Utah’s amazing world of butterflies! From the vibrantly painted ladies to the majestic monarchs, these delicate…
Oct 30, 2025

20 Caterpillars in South Dakota You Can Actually Find (With Photos)

South Dakota’s diverse landscapes, from the Black Hills to the prairie grasslands, provide habitat for an impressive variety…
Feb 21, 2025

10 Types of Dragonflies in Wisconsin and Their Unique Traits

Wisconsin’s diverse wetlands, lakes, and marshes provide the perfect backdrop for some of nature’s most fascinating aerial acrobats.…
May 4, 2025

10 Different Wasp Species You’ll Find in Texas

Texas is home to a fascinating variety of wasps, each with unique characteristics and behaviors. From the common…
Sep 16, 2024

16 Different Types of Bees in Maryland

Maryland is a beautiful state, home to some of the unique wildlife in the United States. Among the…
Sep 24, 2024

25 Animals That Eat Ants and Their Pictures

When it comes to animals that eat ants, the list is surprisingly long! Many animals, from small mammals…
Spread the love for animals! 🐾
Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related Posts