Vermont is a breathtakingly beautiful state with lush forests and stunning mountain vistas.
And to tell you the fact, Vermont is also home to a vast array of butterfly species!
These different types of butterflies in Vermont are full of colorful and fascinating appearances, making them a perfect addition to your nature-watching adventures.
This blog will explore the various types of butterflies in Vermont homes and the best places to find them.
Whether you’re a novice butterfly enthusiast or an experienced lepidopterist, you will find something of interest in our blog guide.
So, let’s get started to learn about these wonderful butterflies in Vermont!
1. Great Spangled Fritillary
The Great Spangled Fritillary (Speyeria Cybele) is one of the most iconic butterflies in Vermont.
These butterflies in Vermont are known for their distinctive orange and black wings with white spots and can often be seen in the summer months in Vermont.
They are known for their incredible migration journey, with some populations traveling up to 3,000 miles to reach their wintering grounds in Mexico.
Unfortunately, spangled fritillary populations have declined recently due to habitat loss and pesticide use.
But there are ways we can help protect these beautiful butterflies in Vermont, such as planting native milkweed, which is the sole host plant for larvae, and avoiding the use of pesticides in our gardens.
By taking small steps, we can all play a part in preserving these important butterflies in Vermont.
2. Atlantis Fritillary
The Atlantis Fritillary(Speyeria Atlantis), also known as the Appalachian Fritillary, is one of the medium-sized butterflies in Vermont found in meadows, forests, and along streams in Vermont.
The species is known for its bright orange wings, adorned with black spots and lines.
This butterfly is often found in the company of other fritillary species, and they are known to visit various flowers for nectar.
In the early summer months, the Atlantis Fritillary can be seen flying through meadows and forest clearings, making it a delightful addition to any Vermont butterfly-watching adventure.
3. Aphrodite Fritillary
The Aphrodite Fritillary ( Speyeria Aphrodite) is a beautiful butterfly in Vermont.
These butterflies have striking orange and black markings on their wings, with some variations displaying white spots. They prefer open areas such as meadows, prairies, and fields.
One interesting fact about the Aphrodite Fritillary is their special relationship with ants.
Female Aphrodite Fritillaries will lay their eggs near ant nests, and the emerging larvae will secrete a sweet substance that attracts the ants.
The ants then protect the larvae from predators and parasites in exchange for the sugary secretion. It’s amazing to see how different species can work together in the wild!
4. Meadow Fritillary
The Meadow Fritillary (Boloria Bellona) is also a type of butterfly in Vermont. It is typically seen in open meadows or grassy areas.
It has a distinctive orange-brown coloring with intricate patterns of black spots on its wings.
This species tends to be more active during the midday hours, especially in the early summer months.
Its larval host plant is typically the Common Blue Violet, and it has a fairly short lifespan of just a few weeks.
Although it may not be as well-known as the Monarch or Swallowtail, the Meadow Fritillary is a beautiful and important member of Vermont’s butterfly population.
5. Silver-bordered Fritillary
The Silver-bordered Fritillary (Boloria selene) is a beautiful butterfly that lives in Vermont’s grassy fields and meadows.
It is easily recognized by its bright orange wings, which are bordered in silver. The best part is that these butterflies in Vermont have a wingspan of around 2-3 inches and can be seen from June to August.
Another interesting fact about the Silver-bordered Fritillary is that it is often attracted to wet areas and mud puddles, where it drinks mineral-rich water.
This behavior, known as “puddling,” helps these butterflies in Vermont obtain essential nutrients and minerals not present in their nectar-based diet.
Watch for these striking butterflies next time you’re in a grassy field or near a mud puddle in Vermont!
6. Variegated Fritillary
The Variegated Fritillary( Euptoieta Claudia) is a unique butterfly species found in Vermont. Its intricate orange and black wings easily distinguish it from other species.
They are a common sight in fields and gardens during summer, feeding on nectar from various flowers.
These butterflies in Vermont are particularly known for their migratory habits. During the colder months, some individuals travel as far south as Mexico.
You can’t believe their caterpillars feed on violets, making them an important part of the local ecosystem.
If you’re lucky enough to spot a Variegated Fritillary, take a moment to admire its beauty and the important role it plays in nature.
7. American Lady
The American Lady butterfly(Vanessa Virginiensis), also known as the painted lady, is a common species in Vermont.
It has striking orange and black wings with white spots, making it easy to spot in gardens and fields.
This butterfly feeds on thistles and other flowering plants and can be seen fluttering around during the summer months.
Interestingly, the American Lady is known for its long-distance migration, traveling up to 2,500 miles from southern Canada to northern Mexico.
This remarkable feat has earned it the nickname “the wanderer.”
So If you’re lucky enough to spot an American Lady butterfly during its migration, take a moment to appreciate the incredible journey it has undertaken.
8. Baltimore
The Baltimore butterfly(Euphydryas phaeton) is also one of the striking butterflies in Vermont. Its bright orange wings are accented by black stripes and dots.
It is named after it resembles Lord Baltimore’s coat of arms colors.
These butterflies can be found throughout Vermont, particularly in meadows and fields where their preferred host plant, the turtlehead plant, can be found.
The Baltimore butterfly has two broods each year, with the first appearing in early June and the second in late July.
You won’t believe they are known for their unique behavior of sunbathing with their wings open, which helps them regulate their body temperature.
Despite their striking appearance, Baltimore butterflies are threatened by habitat loss and degradation, so it is important to preserve their preferred habitat and host plants to ensure their continued survival.
9. California Tortoiseshell
The California Tortoiseshell butterfly (Nymphalis California) is a beautiful and unique species found in Vermont.
They are easily distinguishable from other species with bright orange and black wings. They are also known for their distinctive pattern of bright blue spots on their hind wings.
Like other butterflies in Vermont, the California Tortoiseshell is known for its migration patterns.
During the spring and summer months, they can be found in the mountains and high altitudes of Vermont.
However, as temperatures drop in the fall, they migrate to lower elevations and warmer climates, sometimes traveling up to 2,000 miles to reach their destination.
This makes them a truly fascinating and impressive species to observe in their natural habitats.
10. Compton Tortoiseshell
The Compton Tortoiseshell (is a beautiful butterfly species that can be found in Vermont.
This butterfly is easily identified by its striking black and orange wings, which are decorated with intricate patterns and patches of white.
They typically have a wingspan of about 2.5 inches and can be seen from mid-summer to early fall.
One interesting fact about the Compton Tortoiseshell is that it is not a native species to Vermont.
Instead, it was introduced in Europe in the early 1900s. Despite being an introduced species, the Compton Tortoiseshell has adapted well to its new environment and can now be found throughout much of the state.
If you are lucky enough to spot one of these beautiful butterflies in Vermont, take a moment to appreciate their unique beauty and the amazing natural world around us.
11. Eastern Comma
The Eastern Comma( Polygonia comma) is a small but distinct butterfly that can be found in Vermont.
This species has an orange and brown pattern on its wings, with a distinct comma-shaped mark on the underside of its hind wings.
These butterflies in Vermont are commonly found in forested areas and can be seen from spring to early fall.
And the beautiful part is that the Eastern Comma has a unique adaptation to help it survive the colder months. Adults can overwinter by hiding in small spaces like leaf litter or tree bark crevices.
In the spring, they emerge from hibernation to mate and lay eggs. If you’re lucky, you might spot one of these fascinating butterflies on a nature walk in Vermont!
12. Painted Lady
The Painted Lady butterfly(Vanessa cardio), also known as Vanessa cardui, is also one of the common butterflies in Vermont. It is usually found in summer.
They are one of the most widespread butterflies in the world, and they can be found on every continent except Antarctica.
The Painted Lady is known for its distinct orange, black, and white coloring, and its wings have beautiful eyespot markings.
These butterflies can often be seen migrating in large groups and travel up to 100 miles daily.
While they may not be as large or iconic as the Monarch butterfly, the Painted Lady is still a beautiful and important part of Vermont’s butterfly population.
13. Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
The Eastern Tiger Swallowtail( Papillo Galucus) is a stunning butterfly found throughout Vermont during the warmer months.
Its vibrant yellow and black stripes are easily recognizable, and it is one of the largest butterflies in the state.
Fortunately, their males and females have slightly different appearances, with the males having more pronounced black stripes and the females having more blue on their hind wings.
This species is commonly seen in wooded areas, gardens, and parks. It feeds on nectar from various plants, including wildflowers, thistles, and milkweeds.
They also use tree sap as a source of nutrition. The Eastern Tiger Swallowtail is a valuable pollinator, and its presence in Vermont signifies a healthy ecosystem.
Keep an eye out for this beauty while exploring the outdoors in Vermont.
14. Canadian Tiger Swallowtail
The Canadian Tiger Swallowtail(Papilio canadensis) is one of Vermont’s most beautiful butterflies. It is recognized for its vibrant yellow wings and black stripes, which resemble those of a tiger.
The female Canadian Tiger Swallowtail has a larger wingspan than the male, reaching up to 4.5 inches, while the males have a wingspan of up to 3.5 inches.
This butterfly species can be found near streams, rivers, and other water sources.
The best part is that they are commonly found in deciduous forests and can often be seen fluttering around gardens and fields during the warmer months.
Watch for these stunning creatures during your outdoor adventures in Vermont.
15. Black Swallowtail
During summer, the Black Swallowtail(Papilio polyxenes) is a common butterfly species throughout Vermont.
It is recognizable by its black wings with yellow spots and distinctive tails on its hind wings.
The females of this species have larger blue patches on their hind wings, making them easy to differentiate from males.
These butterflies in Vermont prefer to feed on plants in the carrot family, such as dill, fennel, and parsley.
They lay their eggs on the leaves of these plants, and the caterpillars hatch and feed on them.
The Black Swallowtail is an important pollinator and food source for birds and other predators in the ecosystem.
Spotting this beautiful butterfly in Vermont is a sign of summer’s arrival.
16. Crescent
The Tawny Crescent (Phyciodes Batesii) is a small butterfly commonly found in Vermont.
These butterflies in Vermont have a wingspan of about 1.5 inches and are easily recognizable by their bright orange coloration and black spots on their wings.
The Tawny Crescent is a member of the Nymphalidae family and is also known as the “Pearl Crescent” due to the pearl-like spot on its underside wings.
You can’t believe these butterflies are often seen fluttering around open fields and meadows in Vermont in the summer months.
They feed on various flowers such as goldenrod, aster, and clover.
The Tawny Crescent is also known for its ability to adapt to urban areas and can often be spotted in parks and gardens throughout the state.
Despite being a common species, the Tawny Crescent is an important pollinator and plays a crucial role in the ecosystem.
17. Admiral
The Red Admiral(Vanessa Atalanta) is a distinctive butterfly species in Vermont, known for its bold black, orange, and white markings.
These medium-sized butterflies, with a wingspan of approximately 2-3 inches, are commonly spotted in gardens and fields.
One interesting fact about the Red Admiral is that it is a migratory butterfly. While they can be seen in Vermont during summer, they breed further north in Canada.
In the fall, they migrate southward, sometimes in large numbers, and can be seen along the East Coast.
Watch for these beautiful butterflies during your summer hikes and outdoor adventures in Vermont!
18. Pipevine Swallowtail
The Pipevine Swallowtail(Battus philenor) is a striking butterfly with iridescent blue and black wings.
It can be found in parts of southern Vermont where its host plant, the pipevine plant, grows.
The larvae of this butterfly are black and spiny and feed exclusively on the pipevine plant, which contains toxins that make the caterpillars unpalatable to predators.
The Pipevine Swallowtail is not commonly seen in Vermont and is considered a rare species. Its populations have been declining due to habitat loss and the loss of its host plant.
Conservation efforts have been made to protect this butterfly and its habitat, including planting more pipevine plants and reducing the use of pesticides.
If you are lucky enough to spot a Pipevine Swallowtail in Vermont, take a moment to appreciate its unique beauty and the efforts being made to protect it.
19. Pearl Crescent
The Pearl Crescent (Phyciodes Tharis) is a common butterfly species throughout Vermont.
It has a wingspan of around 1-1.5 inches and is easily identified by its orange wings with black spots and crescent-shaped white markings on the undersides.
These butterflies are commonly seen in open fields and meadows but can also be found in urban areas where they feed on the nectar of various flowers.
You can’t believe that during the breeding season, the Pearl Crescent lays eggs on the leaves of plants in the aster family.
The larvae feed on these plants before forming chrysalises and emerging as adult butterflies.
This species is known to be quite hardy and can often be seen flying even on cooler days in the early spring or late fall.
Watch for these striking little butterflies in Vermont during your next outdoor adventure.
20. Spicebush Swallowtail
The Spicebush Swallowtail (Papilio Troilus) is a beautiful butterfly native to the eastern United States, including Vermont.
This butterfly is known for its large size, with a wingspan reaching up to 4 inches.
The upper surface of its wings is a dark blackish-blue color, with a row of orange spots along the edges of its hindwings.
The underside of its wings is a bright greenish-blue color with black markings.
One of the interesting things about the Spicebush Swallowtail is that it has two forms of adult males.
One form is the regular form with black and blue wings, and the other form is the “green form,” which has more green on its wings.
This species is found in wooded areas, along streams and rivers, and near wetlands where its larval host plant, the spicebush, grows.
If you are lucky enough to spot this butterfly, take the time to admire its unique beauty and impressive size.
21. Columbine Duskywing
The Columbine Duskywing (Erynnis Lucilius) is a butterfly that is found in Vermont from May to July.
This butterfly is named after its primary host plant, the columbine flower. Its wings are brown with small white spots and a wingspan of about 1.25 inches.
This butterfly prefers forested areas and can often be found near the edge of clearings or on rocky slopes.
The larvae feed on the leaves of the columbine plant, while the adults feed on nectar from various flowers.
Despite its relatively common occurrence in Vermont, the Columbine Duskywing is still a treat to spot in the wild.
22. Common Sootywing
The Common Sootywing(Pholisora Catullus) is a small and elusive butterfly found throughout Vermont.
It has dark brown or black wings with a faint white band near the edges. Its undersides are lighter in color and have white spots.
These butterflies prefer open fields and meadows with tall grasses and wildflowers. They fly low to the ground and often flit from flower to flower, feeding on nectar.
Despite their common name, Common Sootywings are not attracted to soot or ash.
If you’re lucky enough to spot one of these little butterflies in Vermont, take a moment to appreciate their delicate beauty.
23. Dreamy Duskywing
The Dreamy Duskywing(Erynnis Icelus) is a small butterfly with a wingspan of about one inch. Its wings are dark brown with white and light yellow markings on the underside.
This butterfly can be found in wooded areas and along stream banks in Vermont, typically from mid-April to late May.
The Dreamy Duskywing feeds on tree sap, nectar, and, occasionally, rotting fruit. The best part is that it is one of the few butterflies that does not rely on flower nectar as a food source.
It obtains most of its nutrients from tree sap and is also known for its unique flight pattern.
It flies in short bursts rather than continuously, making it easy to spot as it moves from tree to tree. Watch for the Dreamy Duskywing on your next nature hike in Vermont!
24. Hoary Edge
The Hoary Edge(Achalarus Iyciade) is a butterfly commonly found in Vermont. Its distinctive white wing tips and grayish coloration make it easy to identify in the wild.
These butterflies fluttered around meadows, fields, and open woodland areas during summer.
Hoary Edge caterpillars feed on various plants, including violets, wild strawberries, and clover.
Also, adult butterflies feed on nectar from flowers such as milkweeds, thistles, and goldenrods.
If you spot a Hoary Edge while out on a hike or nature, walk, take a moment to admire its beauty, and learn more about the fascinating world of butterflies.
25. Juvenal’s Duskywing
Juvenal’s Duskywing(Erynnis juvenalis) is a small, dark butterfly that can be found in Vermont from May to June. It is easily recognized by its small size and the dark brown coloring on its wings.
The males have a faint, thin band of white on the tips of their forewings, while the females have more pronounced white markings.
You won’t believe these types of butterflies in Vermont can be found in open woodlands and fields where its larvae feed on oak and hickory trees.
They prefer to fly low to the ground, making them easy to miss without looking carefully.
Despite their small size, Juvenal’s Duskywing is a common butterfly species in Vermont and can often be seen fluttering through fields and gardens.
26. Long-tailed Skipper
The Long-tailed Skipper (Urbanus Proteus) is a butterfly in Vermont and commonly found in the southern regions of the United States.
It is known for its long tails and distinct blue and brown markings.
These butterflies typically prefer open areas such as meadows, fields, and gardens where they can feed on nectar from various plants such as butterfly weeds, clovers, and milkweeds.
While Long-tailed Skippers may be seen in Vermont, they are not native to the state.
Instead, they are considered stray species that occasionally migrate from their southern habitats into the area.
The best part is that their unique appearance and behavior make them a sight to behold for butterfly enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
27. Northern Cloudywing
The Northern Cloudywing (Thorybes Pylades) is a common butterfly in Vermont.
Its name comes from the cloudy, smoky appearance of its wings.
These types of Vermont butterflies have a brownish-black upper wing with a row of white spots on the edge, while their lower wings are pale grayish-brown with small white spots.
Northern Cloudywings are usually found in wooded areas and are particularly active during summer. They prefer to feed on nectar from flowers such as goldenrods, thistles, and asters.
They also serve as a food source for birds and other predators. The Northern Cloudywing is a beautiful and important species in Vermont’s butterfly population.
28. Silver-spotted Skipper
The Silver-spotted Skipper (Epargyreus Claurus) is a common butterfly species in Vermont.
Their brown wings can identify them with distinct white spots and silver streaks on their undersides.
Their wingspan ranges from 1.5 to 2.5 inches, and they prefer sunny, open areas such as fields, meadows, and gardens.
The Silver-spotted Skipper feeds on the nectar of flowers such as milkweeds, thistles, and goldenrods.
Their larvae feed on various plants, including black locusts and wild beans.
This butterfly species is known for its fast, erratic flight pattern and can often be seen darting around flowers and grassy areas.
Watch for the Silver-spotted Skipper on your next outdoor adventure in Vermont.
29. Wild Indigo Duskywing
The Wild Indigo Duskywing (Erynnis Baptisiae) is also one of the small and fast-flying butterflies in Vermont that can be found from May to August.
They have dark brown wings with distinctive white spots and a wingspan of 1-1.5 inches.
As their name suggests, their host plant is the wild indigo, a type of legume found in meadows and open woodlands.
Although the Wild Indigo Duskywing may not be as flashy as some other butterfly species in Vermont, they play an important role in pollinating plants and contributing to the ecosystem.
They are also a favorite among butterfly enthusiasts and nature lovers who appreciate their unique appearance and behavior.
If you’re lucky enough to spot a Wild Indigo Duskywing in Vermont, take a moment to admire its beauty and observe its delicate movements.
30. Silvery Checkerspot
The Silvery Checkerspot (Chlosyne Nycteis) is a small butterfly with a wingspan of only 1.5 to 2 inches. It is commonly found in open fields, meadows, and along forest edges in Vermont.
The upper side of the wings is orange-brown with black spots, while the undersides have a unique silver and black checkered pattern.
This pattern makes the Silvery Checkerspot easy to identify, even when flying.
The Silvery Checkerspot is often seen flying low to the ground, tending to fly quickly and erratically. It feeds on the nectar of various flowers, such as aster, goldenrod, and milkweed.
The Silvery Checkerspot caterpillars feed on the leaves of sunflowers, asters, and other plants. In Vermont’s natural habitats, it is a beautiful and fascinating butterfly.
