Have you ever wondered about the different types of butterflies in Maryland? With its diverse habitats ranging from coastal plains to mountainous regions, Maryland is home to various butterfly species.
Butterflies are not only beautiful to look at, but they also play an important role in the ecosystem as pollinators.
With over 150 types of butterflies in Maryland, it can be overwhelming to identify them all.
Our article will explore the different types of butterflies in Maryland, their physical characteristics, and where they can be commonly found.
Whether you are a nature enthusiast or simply curious about the butterflies in your area, our guide will provide valuable information on the diverse and colorful types of butterflies in Maryland.
1. Hackberry Emperor
This is the first on our list of types of butterflies in Maryland.
Maryland has diverse butterfly species, each with unique characteristics and behaviors.
Hackberry Emperor is one of the types of butterflies in Maryland commonly found in the state.
The Hackberry Emperor is a medium-sized butterfly with a wingspan of 2-3 inches.
Its wings are brown with white spots and a distinctive orange patch on the underside of its hindwings.
This butterfly is named after its preferred host plant, the hackberry tree, commonly found in Maryland.
The Hackberry Emperor can be found in open woodlands, streams, and suburban areas with hackberry trees.
This butterfly can be seen in Maryland from late May to early September, with peak sightings occurring in July and August.
The Hackberry Emperor is an important pollinator in Maryland’s ecosystem. It feeds on the nectar of various flowers and helps spread pollen from plant to plant.
Additionally, this butterfly serves as a food source for other animals, including birds and reptiles.
While the Hackberry Emperor is not considered endangered in Maryland, habitat loss and the use of pesticides threaten its population.
By preserving habitats that support hackberry trees and avoiding the use of harmful chemicals, we can ensure that the Hackberry Emperor continues to thrive in Maryland for years to come.
2. Pearl Crescent Butterfly
Maryland is home to various butterfly species, including the Pearl Crescent butterfly.
These small and colorful butterflies are common in Maryland and are known for their distinctive markings and behavior.
The Pearl Crescent butterfly is a small species typically measuring 1 and 1.5 inches in wingspan.
They are easily recognizable thanks to their bright orange coloration and black spots on their wings.
These butterflies are commonly found in open fields and meadows, where they feed on the nectar of various flowers.
They are also known for their unique behavior of basking in the sun with their wings open, which helps them regulate their body temperature.
The Pearl Crescent butterfly is a common sight in Maryland during the summer and early fall months.Â
Two types of Pearl Crescent butterflies are found in Maryland: the northern and southern Varieties.
The Northern Pearl Crescent is typically found in the state’s northern regions, while the Southern Pearl Crescent is in the southern regions.
The two species are very similar in appearance, with the main difference being the size and number of black spots on their wings.
Both species are important pollinators and play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of local ecosystems.
If you’re interested in observing these beautiful butterflies in the wild, head to a local park or nature reserve in Maryland and watch for these colorful types of butterflies in Maryland.
3. Common Buckeye
This is the next on our list of types of butterflies in Maryland.
The Common Buckeye is a well-known butterfly species in Maryland, known for its strikingly beautiful wings.
Their wings are predominantly brown with large eyespots, white bars, and orange accents.
These butterflies are usually found in open areas such as fields, meadows, and gardens and are known to be active during the day.
Common Buckeyes migrate to Maryland from the southern regions during the summer months. They lay their eggs on snapdragons, toadflax, and butterfly weed.
Once the eggs hatch, the caterpillars feed on the leaves of these plants before eventually pupating and emerging as adult types of butterflies in Maryland.
These butterflies are common in Maryland during the summer months, and their striking beauty makes them popular with nature enthusiasts and butterfly watchers.
4. Variegated Fritillary
The Variegated Fritillary is one of the most beautiful and striking types of butterflies in Maryland.
This butterfly is easily recognizable by its bright orange wings, marked with black spots and lines.
The underside of the wings is a muted brown color, which provides excellent camouflage and helps the butterfly blend in with its surroundings.
The Variegated Fritillary is a common sight in Maryland during the summer months. It can be found in a wide range of habitats, including meadows, fields, and gardens.
This butterfly feeds on various plants, including milkweed, thistle, and clover, and it is an important pollinator for many of the state’s wildflowers.
Overall, the Variegated Fritillary is a beloved and important part of Maryland’s natural ecosystem, and it is a joy to see one fluttering by on a warm summer day.
5. Great Spangled Fritillary
This is the next on our list of types of butterflies in Maryland.
Butterflies are integral to Maryland’s ecosystem, adding beauty and diversity to the state’s natural landscapes.
One of Maryland‘s most stunning butterflies is the Great Spangled Fritillary. Let’s examine this magnificent butterfly and learn more about its characteristics.
The Great Spangled Fritillary is a medium to large-sized butterfly with a wingspan of 2.5 to 3.5 inches.
It’s easily recognizable by its bright orange wings with black spots and markings. The undersides of the wings are a lighter orange with silver spots.
The butterfly’s body is black with yellow spots, and its antennae are long and thin with a club-shaped tip.
The Great Spangled Fritillary can be found in meadows, fields, and open woodlands throughout Maryland from late June to early August.
This species is an important pollinator, feeding on nectar from various flowers, including milkweed, thistle, and goldenrod.
Another type of butterfly found in Maryland is the Baltimore Checkerspot.
This medium-sized butterfly has a 2 to 2.5-inch wingspan and is easily recognizable by its striking black and orange wings with white spots.
The undersides of the wings are a lighter orange with black spots.
The butterfly’s body is black with yellow spots, and its antennae are long and thin with a club-shaped tip.
From late May to early July, the Baltimore Checkerspot can be found in wet meadows and along the edges of streams and ponds in Maryland.
This species is also an important pollinator, feeding on nectar from various flowers, including milkweed, thistle, and goldenrod.
6. Aphrodite Fritillary
The Aphrodite Fritillary is one of the many beautiful butterfly species that Maryland calls home.
These types of Maryland butterflies are known for their striking appearance. Their wings feature a combination of bright orange, black, and white patterns.
They are typically found in open fields and meadows, feeding on nectar from flowers like milkweeds, thistles, and asters.
The Aphrodite Fritillary is not the only fritillary species found in Maryland.
The state has several other fritillary species, including the Great Spangled Fritillary and the Meadow Fritillary.
These butterflies play an important role in the ecosystem, as they help to pollinate plants and provide food for birds and other animals.
While habitat loss and pesticide use have impacted their populations, efforts are being made to conserve and protect these beautiful butterflies in Maryland for future generations.
7. Eastern Comma Butterfly
Eastern Comma butterflies are common in Maryland, particularly during their peak season between April and October.
These butterflies in Maryland are part of the Nymphalidae family.
They are characterized by their unique wing pattern, which features a comma-shaped marking on the underside of their hindwings.
Eastern Comma butterflies are typically found in forested areas or near water sources. They feed on nectar from flowers and sap from trees.
They also lay their eggs on host plants, such as nettles or elms.
Despite their abundance, Eastern Comma butterflies are still an important part of Maryland’s ecosystem and play a vital role in pollination and the food chain.
8. Meadow Fritillary
Meadow Fritillary is one of the many types of butterflies in Maryland.
These beautiful creatures are typically brown, with black markings on their wings.
They can be found in meadows and fields during the summer months and are known for their distinctive flight pattern, which involves fluttering and gliding through the air.
Meadow Fritillary butterflies are an important part of Maryland’s ecosystem, as they play a crucial role in pollination.
They feed on flower nectar and transfer pollen from one plant to another.Â
This helps to ensure that plants can reproduce and thrive, contributing to the overall health of Maryland’s natural environment.
So, the next time you spot a Meadow Fritillary butterfly, take a moment to appreciate its beauty and its important role in the world around us.
9. Silver-Bordered Fritillary
The Silver-Bordered Fritillary is a type of butterfly found in Maryland.
This butterfly is known for its striking orange and black wings, which have a silver border, giving it its name.
The male and female Silver-Bordered Fritillary butterflies look similar, with the only noticeable difference being the female’s slightly larger size.
In Maryland, the Silver-Bordered Fritillary can be found in grassy fields, meadows, and open woodlands.
This butterfly species is most commonly seen from June to August in the summer.
The Silver-Bordered Fritillary is an important pollinator, helping to maintain the delicate balance of Maryland’s ecosystem.
Despite being a common sight in the state, the Silver-Bordered Fritillary is just one of many butterfly species that call Maryland home.
10. Common Wood-Nymph
The Common Wood-Nymph (Cercyonis pegala) is a type of butterfly found in Maryland.
This species is known for its brown wings with orange and yellow spots and its distinctive eye-like markings on its wings.
The Common Wood-Nymph is typically found in wooded areas and meadows and is most commonly seen during summer.
In Maryland, the Common Wood-Nymph is one of the more common types of butterflies.
It is an important pollinator and vital to maintaining the ecosystem.
However, like many other butterfly species, the Common wood nymph faces habitat loss and climate change threats. Conservation efforts are underway to protect this species and ensure it continues thriving in Maryland’s natural habitats.
11. Black Swallowtail
Maryland is home to many butterfly species, including the stunning Black Swallowtail.
These beautiful and fascinating types of butterflies can be found throughout Maryland and are favorites among butterfly enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
The Black Swallowtail is a medium-sized butterfly with a wingspan of around 3-4 inches.
Its wings are predominantly black, with striking blue and yellow markings that make it easy to identify.
These butterflies are commonly found in fields, meadows, and gardens, feeding on nectar from various flowers.
They also lay their eggs on plants in the parsley family, such as dill and fennel, which serve as food sources for their caterpillars.
One interesting fact about the Black Swallowtail is that it exhibits sexual dimorphism, meaning that males and females have different physical characteristics.
The male has more prominent blue markings on its wings, while the female has more prominent yellow markings. This makes it easy to tell the two apart, even from a distance.
Overall, the Black Swallowtail is a beautiful and fascinating butterfly that adds to the rich diversity of Maryland’s natural landscape.
12. Cabbage White Butterfly
Cabbage White butterflies are one of the most common butterflies in Maryland.
These small, white butterflies can be seen fluttering around gardens and open fields during the spring and summer.
Cabbage White butterflies have a wingspan of about two inches and are easily identifiable by their white wings with black markings.
They are known for their fast and erratic flight patterns, making it challenging for them to catch with a net.Â
These butterflies lay their eggs on plants in the mustard family, such as cabbage and broccoli, from where they get their name.
While they may not be the most colorful or exotic butterflies, their prevalence and unique flight patterns make them a beloved sight for many in Maryland.
13. Clouded Sulphur
This is the next on our list of types of butterflies in Maryland. Butterflies are one of the most beautiful and fascinating creatures in the world.
They come in different shapes, sizes, and colors; each species has unique characteristics.
One of Maryland‘s most common types of butterflies is the Clouded Sulphur.
The Clouded Sulphur is a small and delicate butterfly that can be found in Maryland from April to October.
The males are bright yellow, while the females are paler with a greenish tint.
They have a wingspan of about 1.5 to 2.5 inches and are commonly found in open fields, meadows, and gardens.
They are also known to migrate southward during the fall season.
Clouded Sulphur is an important pollinator, feeding on nectar from various flowers, such as clovers, thistles, and asters.
They also lay their eggs on plants such as clovers and alfalfa, which feed their larvae.Â
These types of butterflies in Maryland are essential to the ecosystem as they help maintain the balance in the food chain.
So, the next time you spot a Clouded Sulphur in Maryland, take a moment to appreciate its beauty and importance in nature.
14. Orange Sulphur
Butterflies are a beautiful and important part of Maryland’s ecosystem. One type of butterfly commonly found in the state is the Orange Sulphur.
These butterflies are known for their bright orange coloration and can be spotted throughout Maryland during summer.
Orange Sulphurs are small to medium-sized butterflies with a wingspan of about 1.5 to 2.5 inches.
They are typically bright orange with black borders around their wings.
Some Orange Sulphurs may also have a yellowish or greenish tint to their wings.
These types of butterflies can be found in various habitats in Maryland, including fields, meadows, and gardens.
They are also known to migrate south during the fall months. In Maryland, Orange Sulphurs are important pollinators for many plants, including milkweeds and clovers.
They also serve as a food source for many predators, including birds and spiders.
While Orange Sulphurs are not considered endangered, habitat loss and pesticide use can negatively impact their populations.
By preserving natural habitats and reducing the use of harmful chemicals, we can help ensure that these beautiful butterflies continue to thrive in Maryland.
15. Spicebush Swallowtail
Maryland is home to various butterfly species with unique characteristics and beauty.
One such species is the Spicebush Swallowtail, a stunning butterfly in various parts of the state.
The Spicebush Swallowtail is a medium-sized butterfly easily recognizable by its striking blue-green coloration and elongated tails.
They are typically found in wooded areas, where their primary host plant, the spicebush, grows abundantly.
The male and female of the species differ in appearance, with the male having more blue on its wings and the female having more green.
In Maryland, the Spicebush Swallowtail can be found from late spring to early fall. It is known for its slow, graceful flight pattern.
They are also important pollinators, helping to spread pollen from plant to plant as they feed on nectar.
Overall, the Spicebush Swallowtail is a beautiful and important species of butterfly in Maryland and a sight to behold for anyone lucky enough to spot one in the wild.
16. Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
The Eastern Tiger Swallowtail is a common butterfly species found in Maryland.
Known for its striking black and yellow striped wings, this butterfly is a favorite among nature enthusiasts and watchers.
The Eastern Tiger Swallowtail is a large butterfly with a wingspan of up to 4.5 inches.
The males have bright yellow wings with black stripes, while the females have more muted yellow wings with black stripes and blue markings.
This species can be found in various habitats, including forests, fields, and suburban gardens.
They are most commonly seen in the summer months, from May to August, when they emerge from their chrysalis and begin their adult life cycle.
Eastern Tiger Swallowtails are important pollinators, feeding on nectar from various flowers, including milkweed, thistles, and phlox.
In Maryland, the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail is one of several species of butterfly found throughout the state.
Other common species include the Monarch, the Black Swallowtail, and the Painted Lady.
These butterflies play an important role in the ecosystem, serving as pollinators and indicators of environmental health.
If you’re interested in butterfly watching in Maryland, there are several parks and nature reserves where you can spot these beautiful types of butterflies in Maryland in their natural habitat.
With their bright colors and graceful flight, the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail and other butterfly species are a true delight to observe in the wild.
17. American Copper Butterfly
American Copper butterflies, known as Lycaena phlaeas, are common in Maryland during summer.
These small, bright orange, and black butterflies can often be found fluttering around meadows, fields, and gardens in Maryland, feeding on nectar from flowers such as milkweed and thistle.
The American Copper butterfly is a member of the Lycaenidae family, which includes many other small, colorful butterfly species.
Their wingspan typically ranges from 1-1.5 inches, and males can be distinguished from females by their brighter orange coloring.
Despite their small size, American Copper butterflies play an important role in pollinating plants and contributing to the overall health of their ecosystems.
18. Banded Hairstreak Butterfly
The Banded Hairstreak butterfly is common in Maryland during the summer months.
This small butterfly is easily identifiable by its dark brown wings, marked with a band of blue and orange spots.
The Banded Hairstreak is known for its distinctive behavior of perching upside-down on the tips of leaves and branches, which makes them easy to spot in the wild.
The Banded Hairstreak is a member of the Lycaenidae family, which includes a variety of small, colorful butterflies.
This family is known for its unique relationship with ants. Many species of Lycaenidae larvae secrete a sugary liquid that attracts ants.Â
In return, the ants protect the larvae from predators and parasites.
The Banded Hairstreak is no exception and can often be found in areas with ants.
19. Coral Hairstreak Butterfly
Coral hairstreak butterflies are the next species on our list of butterflies found in Maryland.
These small butterflies have a wingspan of only 1-2 inches and are easily recognizable by their bright orange spots on a dark brown background.
They are often found in wooded areas and can be seen fluttering around oak trees in search of nectar.
One interesting fact about Coral Hairstreak butterflies is their unique relationship with ants.
The butterflies lay their eggs on oak trees, and when the eggs hatch, the caterpillars secrete a sugary substance that attracts ants.
The ants then protect the caterpillars from predators in exchange for the sweet substance.
This symbiotic relationship is known as myrmecophily and is fascinating to observe in the wild.
If you’re interested in butterfly watching, look for these beautiful Coral Hairstreak butterflies on your next nature hike in Maryland.
20. Gray Hairstreak
Butterflies are fascinating creatures in all shapes, sizes, and colors.
Many different types of butterflies can be found in Maryland, including the Gray Hairstreak.
These beautiful butterflies in Maryland are small but a joy to watch as they flit from flower to flower.
The Gray Hairstreak is a common butterfly found in Maryland. It is known for its distinctive gray wings with a white stripe running down the center.
The undersides of the wings are a beautiful iridescent blue, which is especially stunning in the sunlight.
These butterflies are typically found in open fields, meadows, and gardens, feeding on nectar from clover, thistle, and milkweed.
They are also known to lay their eggs on the leaves of plants such as legumes and mallow.
Despite their small size, Gray Hair Streaks play an important role in the ecosystem as pollinators.
They are also a favorite among butterfly enthusiasts, who enjoy observing their delicate beauty up close.
If you’re in Maryland and want to see these lovely butterflies, head to a local park or garden and watch their distinctive gray and blue wings fluttering in the breeze.
21. Eastern Tailed-Blue
The Eastern Tailed-Blue is one of Maryland’s most common types of butterflies.
Its blue wings and signature tails easily identify this small butterfly on the hindwings.
The males of this species are a brighter blue color than the females, who have a more muted gray-blue hue.
Eastern Tailed-Blues can be found in various habitats, including meadows, fields, and gardens.
They are most active during the summer and can often be seen flitting from flower to flower, feeding on nectar.
These butterflies also play an important role in pollination, as they transfer pollen from one plant to another as they feed.
Despite their small size, Eastern Tailed-Blues are a beloved species among butterfly enthusiasts in Maryland.
22. Azure Butterfly
This is the next on our list of types of butterflies in Maryland.
Butterflies are a diverse and fascinating species, and Maryland is home to several different types of these beautiful insects.
Azure butterflies throughout the Maryland landscape have unique adaptations that set them apart from other types of butterflies in the Maryland region.
Azure butterflies belong to the genus Celastrina, which consists of over fifty species native to the eastern United States and Canada.
The Azure butterfly is one of their most distinctive members. It is identified by its deep blue color and black margins along each wing.
These butterflies typically fly low during flights, hovering close to the ground or remaining just a few feet above it.
Azure butterflies feed mostly on flower nectar, but they will also sip on tree sap and animal dung from time to time if natural sources of food become too scarce in an area.
This food-seeking behavior may explain why these creatures congregate in wooded areas with their favorite trees or shrubs.
Maryland provides a wide range of Azure habitats, from lush meadows and streamside marshlands to suburban gardens and fields of wildflowers.
These creatures’ incredible migration patterns also offer insight into their special abilities; they can travel up to 500 miles without stopping!
It’s thought they use wind currents at higher altitudes during migration periods to take advantage of long-distance rides high above land masses rather than burning energy by flying through turbulent air below.
Whether you’re seeking rarer species like Azures or more common types such as Monarch Butterflies, Maryland surely won’t disappoint any nature enthusiast looking for a great butterfly spotting experience
23. American Snout
Butterflies are one of the most enchanting creatures in the animal kingdom, and Maryland is home to a diverse array of butterfly species.
One of the fascinating types of butterflies in Maryland is the American Snout.
The American Snout butterfly, known as Libytheana carinenta, is common in Maryland during summer.
This butterfly species is known for its unique elongated snout, used to probe flowers for nectar.Â
The American Snout butterfly has brownish-orange wings with black spots and a wingspan of 1.5 to 2.5 inches.
They are often found in open fields, meadows, and forests’ edges.
The American Snout butterfly is an important pollinator and plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem.
Another type of butterfly similar to the American Snout in Maryland is the Hackberry Emperor butterfly.
The Hackberry Emperor, also known as Asterocampa Celtis, has a similar elongated snout and can be found in habitats like the American Snout.
However, the Hackberry Emperor is darker brown with white spots on its wings.
These butterflies can often be found feeding on the sap of hackberry trees, where they get their name.
The Hackberry Emperor butterfly is also a crucial pollinator in maintaining the ecological balance of Maryland’s forests and fields.
24. Little Wood Satyr
Maryland is home to many butterfly species, including the Little Wood Satyr.
These small, delicate creatures are common in the state’s woodlands and forests and are a favorite among butterfly enthusiasts and nature lovers.
The Little Wood Satyr is a type of butterfly found throughout Maryland, particularly in wooded areas with plenty of shade and vegetation.
These butterflies have wingspans of 1.5 to 2 inches and dark brown wings marked with small, eye-like spots.
They are typically active from May to September and can often be seen flitting about in the dappled sunlight of the forest floor.
While the Little Wood Satyr is not considered an endangered species, deforestation and other human activities are increasingly threatening its habitat.Â
It is important to support conservation efforts and raise awareness about preserving our natural environment to help protect these beautiful types of butterflies in Maryland and ensure their continued survival.
We can all do our part to help protect our state’s Little Wood Satyr and other butterfly species with a little effort and dedication.
25. Mourning Cloak Butterfly
This is the next on our list of types of butterflies in Maryland.
The Mourning Cloak is one of Maryland’s most common butterfly species. It is known for its dark wings, which are edged with a bright yellow band.
The Mourning Cloak is also one of the largest butterfly species in the state, with a wingspan of up to 4 inches.Â
These butterflies are typically found in wooded areas and can be seen flying from early spring to late fall.
They are also known for their ability to hibernate during winter, making them one of the few butterflies that can survive the harsh Maryland winters.
Mourning Cloaks feed on tree sap, rotting fruit, and other sources of sugar and are a beloved sight for state nature enthusiasts.
26. Red-Spotted Purple
Butterflies are fascinating creatures that come in a variety of colors and patterns.
One type of butterfly found in Maryland is the Red-Spotted Purple.
The Red-Spotted Purple butterfly is a medium-sized butterfly found in wooded areas throughout Maryland.
It has a wingspan of 2.5 to 3 inches and is known for its deep blue-black wings with bright red spots on the underside.
The male and female of this species look very similar, with the main difference being that the male has a more prominent red spot than the female.
These butterflies typically fly from May to July and can be found in deciduous forests, especially near streams or other water sources.
They feed on tree sap, rotting fruit, and flowers and are often seen perched on leaves or branches.
The Red-Spotted Purple is a beautiful addition to the diverse array of butterflies that call Maryland home.
27. Viceroy Butterfly
Maryland is home to various butterfly species, including the Viceroy butterfly.
The Viceroy is a well-known butterfly in the state. Due to its similar appearance, it is often mistaken for the Monarch butterfly.
Viceroy butterflies are smaller than Monarchs and have a distinctive black line across their hindwings.
They are typically found in wetlands and near water sources, where their host plant, the willow tree, grows.
Viceroy butterflies are known for their ability to mimic Monarch butterflies’ appearance, which protects them from predators.
This mimicry is known as Batesian mimicry, where a harmless species imitates the warning signals of a harmful species to deter predators from attacking it.
In conclusion, Viceroy butterflies are a fascinating species of butterfly found in Maryland.
Their ability to mimic the appearance of Monarchs is a survival mechanism that has helped them thrive in their environment.
If you’re ever out exploring the wetlands of Maryland, keep an eye out for these beautiful types of butterflies in Maryland and appreciate their unique adaptations.
28. American Lady
Butterflies are common in Maryland, with over 130 species calling the state home.
One of Maryland’s most eye-catching types of butterflies is the American Lady, known for its striking colors and unique patterns.
The American Lady is a medium-sized butterfly with a wingspan of around 2 inches.
It has bright orange and black upper wings with white spots and a distinctive black and white pattern on the lower wings.
This butterfly is commonly found in open fields, meadows, and gardens and is known for its quick and erratic flight patterns.
The American Lady also has the unique behavior of basking in the sun with its wings open, absorbing heat and increasing energy levels.
In Maryland, the American Lady can be seen from late spring to early fall, with peak sightings in June and July.
It is a migratory butterfly, with populations moving north in the spring and south in the fall.
The American Lady is one of Maryland’s most common butterfly species.
Its striking appearance and behavior make it a favorite among butterfly enthusiasts and casual observers.
29. Monarch Butterfly
This is the next on our list of types of butterflies in Maryland. Maryland is a beautiful state, home to diverse wildlife and ecosystems.
One of the most beloved creatures found in Maryland is the butterfly, with the Monarch butterfly being one of the most well-known and admired species.
Monarch butterflies are common in Maryland during annual migrations from Canada to Mexico.
These vibrant orange and black butterflies can be found in parks, gardens, and other outdoor spaces throughout the state.
The Monarch butterfly is known for its unique life cycle, which includes four distinct stages – egg, larva, pupa, and adult.
Monarch butterflies can travel up to 3,000 miles during their migration, making them one of the most impressive species in the animal kingdom.
In Maryland, monarch butterflies are an important part of the ecosystem, as they help pollinate plants and provide food for other animals.Â
Maryland is home to various other butterfly species, including the Monarch, Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, Black Swallowtail, and Spicebush Swallowtail.
Each species has unique characteristics and can be found in different parts of the state.
Consequently, Maryland is a great place for butterfly enthusiasts to explore and discover the beauty of these delicate and fascinating creatures.
Whether you are a seasoned butterfly watcher or just starting, Maryland is the perfect place to experience the wonder of these incredible types of butterflies in Maryland.
30. Painted Lady Butterfly
Maryland is home to various butterfly species, including the Painted Lady butterfly.
This butterfly species is known for its striking appearance and can be found in various habitats throughout the state.
The Painted Lady butterfly, also known as Vanessa cardui, is a migratory species found in Maryland during the spring and fall.
They have a wingspan of 2-2.5 inches and are easily recognizable by their bright orange and black wings with white spots.
They also have a distinctive eye spot on their forewings, which helps to deter predators.
Painted Lady butterflies can often feed on nectar from flowers, including thistles and asters.
Despite being a migratory species, Painted Lady butterflies can still be found in Maryland throughout the year.
They typically lay their eggs on host plants, such as thistles and mallows, and their caterpillars can be seen feeding on these plants.
Once they reach adulthood, they will continue to migrate to other areas in search of food and suitable breeding grounds.
The Painted Lady butterfly is just one example of the many beautiful and fascinating butterfly species in Maryland’s diverse ecosystem.
31. Red Admiral
Maryland is home to various butterfly species, including the Red Admiral.
This butterfly is known for its striking appearance and can be found throughout the state.
The Red Admiral is a medium-sized butterfly with a wingspan of 2-3 inches.
Its wings are black with red-orange stripes and white spots. The underside of its wings is a mottled brown color with a row of red spots.
This butterfly is known for its erratic flight pattern and can often be seen flying rapidly from flower to flower.
Red Admirals can be found in various habitats, including gardens, parks, and wooded areas.
They are most commonly seen in Maryland during the summer months, from May to September.
The Red Admiral is a migratory butterfly, and populations can fluctuate yearly depending on weather conditions.
Despite this, they remain a beloved species among butterfly enthusiasts in Maryland and beyond.
This comes last on our list of types of butterflies in Maryland.
