Butterflies

(Order: Lepidoptera)
January 2000 Fish and Wildlife Habitat Management Leaflet Number 15

General Information

Butterflies have been admired for centuries for their

physical beauty and behavioral display. These colorful
insects frequent open, sunny wildflower gardens,
grassy fields and orchards, feeding on nectar from
flowering plants. Butterflies belong to the order Lepi­
doptera, which means scale-winged. The order con­
tains over 19,000 species of butterflies and 100,000
species of moths worldwide. Over 700 butterfly spe­
cies occur in North America.

The life history of butterflies includes extremely short

adult life spans in some species, a four-staged lifecy­ Monarch
cle, and migration and hibernation activity in some
species. The complex butterfly life cycle includes existence as an egg, larva (caterpillar), and pupa before de­
veloping into an adult butterfly. The resiliency of some butterfly species is illustrated by their ability to travel
great distances. The Monarch, perhaps the most commonly known species in the United States, journeys more
than 2,000 miles to winter in warmer climates. The life span of adult butterflies ranges between one week and
eight months, and averages two to three weeks in length.

Land use changes and development have resulted in significant losses of native butterfly habitat across the
United States. As a result, the popularity of wildflower gardens and plantings to attract butterflies and other
valuable pollinating insects and birds has increased. Historically, butterfly enthusiasts collected butterflies with
nets and preserved them in display cases for viewing. Fortunately, during the past few decades appreciation for
butterflies has been evolving from these consumptive uses to conservation measures. An increased knowledge
and understanding of the importance of butterflies and the symbiotic balance that exists between them and the
plant species they pollinate and rely on for food has helped to foster this transition.

This leaflet is designed to highlight the ecological and aesthetic importance of butterfly species found within the
United States, serve as an introduction to butterfly habitat requirements, and assist land managers in butterfly
management planning. The success of management efforts depends on consideration of the needs of the desired
species and analyzing and managing the available habitat to ensure that all required habitat elements are present.
This leaflet provides a number of practical habitat management activities that can be conducted to attract butter­
flies and help support existing populations.

Distribution and Range

Distribution: Butterflies have nearly global distribution, present on every continent except Antarctica. The but­
terfly species found in North America that are covered in this leaflet belong to six families containing numerous
subfamilies.

Range: Within the United States, the ranges of individual butterfly species, as well as individual butterflies
within those species, vary with migration habits and geographic region. A species inhabiting a warmer region
may have a small range, whereas a species inhabiting a region with a winter season may migrate to warmer cli­
mates in colder months, thus possessing a much larger range. Monarch butterflies range from the northern
 Butterflies (Order Lepidoptera)

United States in summer to Central America in winter. While adult Monarchs migrate south in the fall, it is their
offspring that complete the return trip in the spring.

Butterflies of the United States

There are over 700 species of butterflies in the United States belonging to six different families. Butterflies oc­
cur in all 50 states.

Family Subfamilies/Member Species

Hesperiidae skippers, longtails, agunas, flashers,
(skippers) dashes, cloudywings, flats,
pellicias, bollas, sootywings,
Least Skipper
scallopwings, duskywings,
skipperlings
Lycaenidae coppers, hairstreaks, elfins, blues,
(gossamer-wings) azures
Nymphalidae snouts, fritillaries, buckeyes,
(brush-footed silverspots, queens, heliconians, Mariposa
butterflies) checkerspots, zebra, ladies, Julia Copper
crescents, commas, crackers,
tortoiseshells, peacocks, purples,
mimic, admirals, sisters, bluewings, Western
sailors, beauties, purplewings, Checkerspot
satyrs, browns, daggerwings,
leafwings, emperors, elf, monarch,
soldiers, pearlyeyes, wood nymphs,
alpines, arctics, question mark,
Baltimore Black
Papilionidae swallowtails, parnassians Swallowtail
(swallowtails)
Pieridae whites, sulphers, marbles,
(whites and sulphurs) orangetips, yellows, dogfaces
Riodinidae metalmarks Dogface
(metalmarks)

Arizona Metalmark
Habitat Requirements

General

Throughout the United States, butterflies can be found in and around a multitude of habitats ranging from sunny,
dry open meadows to shaded, damp woods. Among the many habitats in which butterflies live are backyards,
wildflower gardens and meadows, open brushy areas, old fields, open grassy woodlands, wooded stream-sides,
hardwood and coniferous forests, willow swales, birch-aspen forests, citrus groves, marshes, wet meadows,
woodland edges, disturbed areas, roadsides, cut-over and second-growth forests, mountainous regions, lowlands,
still canyons, deserts, flats, sand dunes, and shore areas. In order to complete its life cycle, an individual butter­
fly may require multiple vegetation types to satisfy its food and cover needs. Host plants (plants fed upon by
caterpillars) often differ completely from the vegetation required by adult butterflies, which are commonly nec­
tar sources. Caterpillars feed on a variety of trees, shrubs, herbs, legumes, forbs, grasses, and sedges; whereas
adult butterflies feed from a variety of flowering plants and wildflowers. Because Lepidopterans are so widely

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 Butterflies (Order Lepidoptera)

distributed and diverse in the types of foods they eat, butterflies forage in nearly all habitat types in the regions
they inhabit. The cover provided by crevices in tree bark, log piles, cracks in buildings, and butterfly boxes pro­
vide hibernacula for overwintering butterflies.

The removal and alteration of flowering trees, shrubs, vines, natural wildflower meadows, native prairies,
woodlands, wetlands, brushy areas, hedgerows, and other natural vegetation and the general intensification of
rural land uses has reduced habitat quality and availability for many butterfly species. By preserving wood­
lands, open grassy areas, and wildflower meadows, and providing additional food and cover sources through
tree, shrub, grass, and wildflower plantings, landowners can assist in the survival of butterflies and other species
that rely on similar habitat.

Food

With the exception of a few species whose caterpillars feed on aphids and ants, butterflies rely nearly entirely on
plants for food. Hundreds of different plant foods are eaten by butterflies in the United States. Plant foods pre­
ferred by the caterpillar of a butterfly species often differ from those preferred by the adult. Caterpillars feed on
the leaves of trees and shrubs, garden perennials, vegetables, wild legumes, wildflowers, grasses and weeds.
Adult butterflies rely almost solely on nectar for food. Adults of some species also obtain nutrients and minerals
from rotting fruit, tree sap, animal dung and urine, and carrion. Although some butterfly species prefer one food
plant over another, many species are generalists, opportunistically feeding on whatever plants are available. On
the other hand, some species specialize on particular plants, and only occur where these host plants exist. Lists
of common caterpillar food plants and adult nectar sources are provided in the appendices on pages 9-11.

Cover - Plants

Cover needs of butterfly caterpillars are typically met by host food plants. Feeding caterpillars often blend in
with host plants or are hidden by their foliage. Leaves of trees and shrubs provide adult perching sites for feed­
ing, sunning and loafing and provide overhead cover from wind and rain. Leaves and branches of trees, shrubs,
wildflowers and other plant types serve as substrates for butterfly eggs as well. Grasses and soil harbor eggs of
butterflies that broadcast them over an area rather than laying them directly on vegetation. Grasses and soil also
provide perching and roosting sites for adults. Adults may hibernate in tree bark crevices or under exfoliating
bark. Tangled thickets, hedgerows, and vines also conceal butterflies from predators and provide protective
cover from wind and rain.

Cover - Other

Rock piles, log piles, and open buildings are a few structures that provide protective cover and hibernacula for
butterflies. Their adaptive nature enables butterflies to occupy virtually any dry structure or area that provides
protection from wind and predators and a warm or sunny environment.

Cover - Winter

Most North American butterflies spend the winter in larval stages in various types of leaf litter and plant mate­
rial. Those species that over-winter as adults generally require cover in the cold season similar to that required
in other months. Thick vegetation located in valleys, lowlands, or on southeast facing slopes provides necessary
protection from cold winds. Most North American butterflies spend winter in the larval stages in various types
of leaf litter and plant materials.

Water

Water requirements of caterpillars are partially met by consumption of green vegetation, whereas nectar pro­
vides adult butterflies with adequate water. However, adult butterflies will "puddle," or gather to drink, at small
mud puddles, birdbaths, and damp sandy areas. Butterflies will also puddle around campfire rings, urine spots,

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 Butterflies (Order Lepidoptera)

salt licks, or other areas where valuable nutrients can be gathered. Puddling may be more a function of nutrient
uptake than water requirements.

Interspersion of Habitat Components

In order to ensure successful butterfly reproduction and survival, all required habitat components must be avail­
able in close proximity. Vegetation diversity is most important in areas that support overwintering butterflies, as
the area must provide all vegetation types necessary to support all four life cycle stages. Ideal interspersion of
butterfly habitat components consists of a closely-spaced complex of diverse vegetation consisting of caterpillar
food and nectar-producing plants (trees, shrubs, wildflowers, legumes, and grasses), open water and puddling
areas, rock and log piles, and other structures that provide cover.

Minimum Habitat Area

Although butterflies may forage in areas as large as several square miles, no reasonable estimate of minimum
habitat size exists for butterflies as a group. A species can potentially be found anywhere within its range wher­
ever adequate caterpillar and adult food and cover plants exist. These ranges vary greatly by species. Also,
large colonies of butterflies may require proportionally greater foraging areas than individuals. Because most
adult butterflies share similar ecological requirements as adults, many different species may inhabit the same
habitat type. Territoriality exists among adult male butterflies, and is most commonly seen around puddling
sites. Males establish territories to improve chances of mating, and compete for space both inter- and intraspeci­
fically. Territories are not large in size (sometimes as small as one or two square yards); thus, many territories
may exist within a single group of butterflies in an area. Minimum habitat size is not usually a limiting factor
for most generalist species.

Butterfly Habitat Requirements Summary Table

Habitat Component Habitat Requirements
Food – Caterpillar • Leaves and foliage of native plants including quaking aspen , elm, ash , hawthorn , poplar ,
cottonwood , hackberry, willow , winter cress, false nettle, viburnum , mallows , cinque­
foil , asters, rock cress, carrots, clovers, vetch, nettle, grasses, and others. Non-native
plants consumed include fruit trees, alfalfa , cabbage, lilacs, parsley, dill, sweet pea, and
others.
Food – Adult • Nectar-producing flowers of butterfly bush, butterfly weed, purple coneflower, asters,
Joe-Pye weed, coreopsis, black-eyed Susan, liatris, pentas, and many others.
Cover – Plants • Leaves and branches of trees, shrubs, wildflowers and other plants.
• Grasses.
• Tree bark, tangled thickets, hedgerows, vines.
Cover – Other • Rock piles, log piles, cracks in buildings, virtually any dry structure or area that provides
protection from wind and predators and a warm or sunny environment.
Cover – Winter • Similar to other cover requirements.
• Diversity of plant types as thick vegetation located in valleys, lowland, or on southeast
facing slopes.
Water/Nutrients • Water requirements are met primarily through nectar and other foods consumed.
• Small mud puddles, birdbaths, and damp sandy spots are used as puddling areas.
Interspersion • Prefer a closely-spaced complex of diverse vegetation (caterpillar food plants and nectar-
producing plants such as trees, shrubs, wildflowers, legumes and grasses), open water
and puddling areas, rock and log piles, and other plants and structures that provide food
and cover.
Minimum Habitat • No reasonable estimate of minimum habitat size exists for butterflies. Territoriality var­
Size ies by species.

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 Butterflies (Order Lepidoptera)

Butterfly Habitat Management

Wildflower plantings – Planting wildflower gardens or meadows that contain an assortment of native trees,
shrubs, and grasses is one of the easiest means of attracting butterflies to an area. Because adult butterflies rely
heavily on nectar as their primary food source, wildflower gardens are most beneficial when planted with a vari­
ety of native wildflower species that bloom in different months throughout the growing season. Small back­
yards, porches, and office courtyards may be made attractive to butterflies simply by providing a few flower
boxes or small plantings. Larger areas can be planted to expansive wildflower, tree, and shrub gardens or mead­
ows. Plants selected should be native to the area
and seed sources should be from plants adapted to
the local climate. Extreme care should be taken to
avoid use of invasive species when establishing
horticultural plantings for butterflies and other
wildlife (see Marinelli and Hanson 1996, in Refer­
ences section). Both broadcast seeding (spreading
seed over an area by hand or hand-held spreader) or
mechanical seeding using a no-till drill can be em­
ployed to plant wildflowers, depending on the
planting area’s size and topography. Application
rates may differ among species planted. Preparing
the seedbed is crucial. Where broadcast seeding is
used, the soil surface should be disturbed by raking
or shallow disking to promote good seed to soil
contact. Raking the soil following broadcast seed­
Wildflowers can be planted in herbaceous riparian ing (when practical) will aid with this as well. No-
areas and other buffer practices to enhance butterfly till drills can be used to sow seeds directly into ex­
habitat quality. isting vegetation that is either dead-standing or
growing at a height of eight inches or less. Seed
can be sown directly into stubble when wildflower meadows are planted in harvested crop fields. Areas covered
by dense grassy vegetation can be prepared for no-till seeding by applying a biodegradable, broad-spectrum her­
bicide (e.g., Glyphosate) in the spring, and again two to three weeks prior to planting if vegetation persists.
Consult federal or state conservation professionals before
planning a wildflower meadow project. These profession­
als can help with preparation activities (especially herbicide
application) and may be helpful in obtaining plant seed and
seeding equipment.

Garden design - Wildflower gardens that include taller

trees and shrubs behind shorter species (as shown in the
picture on the right) can be aesthetically pleasing. Wild­
flower meadows generally cover a larger area and can be
planted with any mixture of native wildflowers. Adding a
small amount of native prairie grass seed into the wild­
flower mixture can be beneficial. Garden and meadow
edges should be irregular to give the plantings a natural
look. Irregular edges also create more usable edge for
wildlife.

Create "puddles" - Provide a source of water in the form

of shallow, lined depressions or puddles, small fish ponds,
birdbaths, or simply a sand-filled bowl buried in the ground
that will collect water to help attract butterflies to wild­
Wildflower gardens can be enhanced
flower plantings. by including taller trees and shrubs.

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 Butterflies (Order Lepidoptera)

Maintenance - Wildflowers may grow little in the year Butterfly Boxes -- Butterfly boxes are easy
they are sown, as plants expend most of their energy on to assemble and can provide cover for over­
establishing root systems. Wildflowers should not be wintering butterflies in areas of high visibility or
mown the first year; however, hand-pulling weeds from that lack hibernation habitat. Butterfly boxes can
beds may be necessary if practical. Mowing wildflower be constructed of practically any type of wood
and can be placed vertically on trees, within
meadows once annually in the early spring (March-April
wildflower gardens, or on buildings. Exterior
according to region) to a height of eight to ten inches will surfaces of boxes should be painted, caulked and
help reduce competition from weeds. Mowing on this sealed to provide a dry, draft-free interior.
schedule will also leave good residual cover at year's end Dimensions: Standard butterfly box dimensions
for caterpillars and other wildlife that may use the wild­ are three feet tall by six inches wide by six inches
flowers for winter cover. Pesticide use should be kept to a deep. However, box dimensions (height, width
minimum to support the full range of native insects, in­ and depth) can be adjusted to accommodate
cluding butterflies. placement of the box. Two 3/4-inch wide slits
should be cut vertically into the front of the box,
extending at least 2/3 of the box height, to enable
Species to Plant - Planting native vegetation that grows at
butterflies to enter and exit. A hinge can be
varying rates, blooms at different times of the year, and placed on the lid to monitor box use.
contains a multitude of colors will create the most attrac­
tive garden or meadow possible. Experimenting with a
wide variety of plantings is recommended to attract a diversity of butterfly species. Whenever possible, a com­
bination of the plant foods listed on page three should be planted. Appendices 1 and 2 provide a more exhaus­
tive list of plants that support various butterfly species. Native grasses comprise an important component of
butterfly habitat and should be included in large wildflower plantings. Common native grass species include:
big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), little bluestem (A. scoparius), broom sedge (A. virginicus), side-oats grama
(Bouteloua curtipendula), switch grass (Panicum virgatum), purple love grass (Eragrostis spectabilis), Indian
grass (Sorghastrum nutans), and buffalo grass (Buchloe dactyloides).

Limiting Factors

For planning purposes, use the table below to subjectively rate the availability and quality of butterfly habitat
within a planning area, based on descriptions of the above habitat requirements. Habitat communities and com­
ponents that are absent or rated low are likely limiting butterfly habitat quality. Land uses on adjacent proper­
ties may need to be considered to accurately rate the quality of the planning area as butterfly habitat, and man­
agement goals should focus on addressing habitat components that are absent, in short supply, and not found
nearby.

Availability/Quality
Habitat Component High Medium Low Absent
Food - Caterpillar
Food - Adult
Cover - Plants
Cover - Other
Water
Interspersion of habitat components

Management Prescriptions

Management treatments should address the habitat components that are determined to be limiting butterfly
habitat potential. For planning purposes, select among the possible action items listed below to raise the quality
or availability of each habitat component determined to be limiting. Applicable NRCS conservation practices
and various programs that may provide financial or technical assistance to carry out specific management ac­
tions are listed.

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 Butterflies (Order Lepidoptera)

Habitat Management Options for Increasing Assistance

Component Habitat Quality or Availability Programs
Food • Plant or encourage trees such as quaking aspen, elm, ash, hawthorn, 327, 380, 386, 390, 391,
poplar, fruit trees, cottonwood, hackberry, and willow; plant native 422, 645, 647, 650
forbs.
• Plant wildflower meadows and gardens to include nectar-producing
plants such as butterfly bush, butterfly weed, purple coneflower, asters,
Joe-Pye weed, coreopsis, black-eyed Susan, liatris, pentas and others.

• Encourage native legumes (clovers, partridge pea, lespedeza), dock, WHIP, EQIP, PFW, CRP
milk weed, nettle, and native grasses.
• Reduce pesticide and herbicide use in agricultural areas when possible;
limit herbicide and insecticide use on grassland, forb and orchard com­
munities to small areas or use mechanical means of pest control to
minimize loss of nectar-producing trees, shrubs, flowers, and forbs.
• Maintain natural and planted grassland/forb communities by conducting 338, 645, 647
prescribed rotational burning and rotational mowing when and where
appropriate. WHIP, EQIP, PFW, CRP
Cover • Restore hydrology and vegetation in herbaceous and forested wetlands. 657
WRP, PFW
• Preserve existing trees, shrubs, vines, hedgerows, and wildflowers; pre­ 327, 386, 650
serve vegetational diversity in open meadows, woodlots, hedgerows,
field borders and other natural vegetative communities. CRP, EQIP
• In regions where trees are part of natural landscapes, plant or encourage 380, 391
quaking aspen, elm, ash, hawthorn, poplar, fruit trees, cottonwood,
hackberry, and willow trees within wildflower meadows and gardens. WHIP, EQIP, CRP
• Preserve or create rock piles, log piles, and thickets.
Water • Create small ponds or puddles, birdbaths, and damp sandy areas within
wildflower gardens and backyards.
• Restore hydrology and vegetation in herbaceous and forested wetlands. 657
WRP, PFW
Interspersion • Combine above prescriptions to increase interspersion of habitat com­
ponents or amount of suitable butterfly habitat.

NRCS Conservation Practices that may be useful in undertaking the above management actions.
Code Conservation Practice Code Conservation Practice
327 Conservation Cover 422 Hedgerow Planting
338 Prescribed Burning 645 Upland Wildlife Management
380 Windbreak/Shelterbelt Establishment 647 Early Successional Habitat Development
386 Field Border 650 Windbreak/Shelterbelt Renovation
390 Riparian Herbaceous Cover 657 Wetland Restoration
391 Riparian Forest Buffer

Tiger Swallowtail Pacific Checkerspot

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 Butterflies (Order Lepidoptera)

Programs that provide technical and financial assistance to develop fish and wildlife habitat on
private lands.
Program Land Eligibility Type of Assistance Contact
Conservation Reserve Highly erodible land, 50% cost-share for establishing permanent cover and NRCS or FSA State or
Program (CRP) wetland, and certain conservation practices, and annual rental payments County Office
other lands with for land enrolled in 10 to 15-year contracts. Addi­
cropping history. tional financial incentives are available for some
Stream-side areas in practices.
pasture land.
Environmental Quality Cropland, range, Up to 75% cost-share for conservation practices in NRCS State or County
Incentives Program grazing land & other accordance with 5 to 10-year contracts. Incentive Office
(EQIP) agricultural land in payments for certain management practices.
need of treatment.
Partners for Fish and Most degraded fish Up to 100% financial and technical assistance to Local office of the U.S.
Wildlife Program and/or wildlife habi­ restore wildlife habitat under minimum 10-year co­ Fish and Wildlife Serv­
(PFW) tat. operative agreements. ice
Waterways for Wildlife Private land Technical and program development assistance to Wildlife Habitat Council
coalesce habitat efforts of corporations and private (301-588-8994)
landowners to meet common watershed level goals.
Wetlands Reserve Pro­ Previously degraded 75% cost share for wetland restoration under 10-year NRCS State or County
gram (WRP) wetland and adjacent contracts, and 30-year easements, and 100% cost- Office
upland buffer, with share on restoration under permanent easements.
limited amount of Payments for purchase of 30-year or permanent con­
natural wetland, and servation easements.
existing or restorable
riparian areas.
Wildlife at Work � Corporate land. Technical assistance on developing habitat projects Wildlife Habitat Council
into a program that will allow companies to involve (301-588-8994)
employees and the community
Wildlife Habitat Incen­ High-priority fish and Up to 75% cost-share for conservation practices un­ NRCS State or County
tives Program (WHIP) wildlife habitat in der 5 to 10-year contracts. Office
your state.
State fish and wildlife agencies, private groups such as the Xerces Society and the North American But­ State or local contacts
terfly Association (NABA) may also have assistance programs, available literature, or other useful tools
in your state.

References

Gunnarson, L. and F. Haselsteiner. 1990. Butterfly gardening. The Xerces Society/Smithsonian Institution. Sierra Club
Books, San Francisco. The National Wildlife Federation, Washington, DC. 191 pp.

Henry, P. 1994. Gardening to attract birds and butterflies. Avon Books, New York. 80 pp.

Marinelli, J., and B. Hansen, eds. 1996. Invasive plants: weeds of the global garden. Brooklyn Botanical Garden
Handbook No. 149. Brooklyn Botanical Garden, Inc., Brooklyn, NY. 111 pp.

Opler, Paul A., H. Pavulaan, and R. E. Stanford. 1995. Butterflies of North America. Jamestown, ND: Northern Prairie
Wildlife Research Center
Schneck, M. 1990. Butterflies - How to identify and attract them to your garden. Rodale Press, Emmaus, PA. 160 pp.

Stokes, D., L. Stokes, and E. Williams. 1991. Butterfly book: the complete guide to butterfly gardening, identification, and
behavior. Little, Brown and Company Limited, Toronto, Canada. 96 pp.

Tufts, C. and P. Loewer. 1995. Gardening for wildlife. The National Wildlife Federation. Round Stone Press, Inc.
Rodale Press, Inc. Emmaus, PA. 192 pp.