Washington is home to a wide variety of butterflies, thanks to its diverse geography and climate. From the high mountains to the lush rainforests, there are butterflies to be found in every corner of the state.
Some of the most common butterflies in Washington include the Painted Lady, Red Admiral, Viceroy, Spring Azure, American Lady, Buckeye Butterfly, Spicebush Swallowtail, and Western Tiger Swallowtail. These butterflies can be found in a variety of habitats, including meadows, forests, gardens, and even urban areas.
Types of Butterflies in Washington
Washington state is home to a diverse range of butterfly species, including the iconic Monarch butterfly, the colorful American Lady butterfly, and the striking Painted Lady butterfly. Here are some of the most common butterfly species found in Washington:
Monarch Butterfly
The Monarch butterfly is one of the most recognizable butterfly species in North America. Its wings are bright orange with black veins and white spots. Monarchs are known for their long-distance migration, which takes them from their breeding grounds in the western United States to their wintering grounds in Mexico.
American Lady Butterfly
The American Lady butterfly is a beautiful butterfly with orange and black wings. It is commonly found in western Washington and can often be seen in gardens and meadows. The American Lady butterfly is known for its distinctive eyespots on the underside of its wings.
Painted Lady Butterfly
The Painted Lady butterfly is a colorful butterfly with orange, black, and white markings on its wings. It is a common sight in gardens and meadows in western Washington. The Painted Lady butterfly is known for its long-distance migration, which takes it from its breeding grounds in the western United States to its wintering grounds in Mexico.
Red Admiral Butterfly
The Red Admiral butterfly is a striking butterfly with black and red wings. It is commonly found in gardens and meadows in western Washington. The Red Admiral butterfly is known for its long-distance migration, which takes it from its breeding grounds in the western United States to its wintering grounds in Mexico.
Viceroy Butterfly
The Viceroy butterfly is a beautiful butterfly with orange and black wings. It is commonly found in wetlands and along streams in western Washington. The Viceroy butterfly is known for its mimicry of the Monarch butterfly, which helps protect it from predators.
Great Spangled Fritillary Butterfly
The Great Spangled Fritillary butterfly is a large butterfly with orange and black wings. It is commonly found in meadows and along forest edges in western Washington. The Great Spangled Fritillary butterfly is known for its distinctive silver spots on the underside of its wings.
Mourning Cloak Butterfly
The Mourning Cloak butterfly is a dark butterfly with blue and orange spots on its wings. It is commonly found in forests and along streams in western Washington. The Mourning Cloak butterfly is known for its long lifespan, which can be up to 11 months.
Clouded Sulphur Butterfly
The Clouded Sulphur butterfly is a small butterfly with yellow and green wings. It is commonly found in meadows and along roadsides in western Washington. The Clouded Sulphur butterfly is known for its rapid flight and ability to blend in with its surroundings.
Orange Sulphur Butterfly
The Orange Sulphur butterfly is a small butterfly with orange wings. It is commonly found in meadows and along roadsides in western Washington. The Orange Sulphur butterfly is known for its rapid flight and ability to blend in with its surroundings.
Gray Hairstreak Butterfly
The Gray Hairstreak butterfly is a small butterfly with gray wings. It is commonly found in meadows and along roadsides in western Washington. The Gray Hairstreak butterfly is known for its distinctive white spots on the underside of its wings.
Lorquin’s Admiral Butterfly
The Lorquin’s Admiral butterfly is a large butterfly with black and orange wings. It is commonly found in forests and along streams in western Washington. The Lorquin’s Admiral butterfly is known for its distinctive blue spots on the underside of its wings.
White Admiral Butterfly
The White Admiral butterfly is a large butterfly with black and white wings. It is commonly found in forests and along streams in western Washington. The White Admiral butterfly is known for its distinctive blue spots on the underside of its wings.
Speyeria Cybele Butterfly
The Speyeria Cybele butterfly is a large butterfly with orange and black wings. It is commonly found in meadows and along forest edges in western Washington. The Speyeria Cybele butterfly is known for its distinctive silver spots on the underside of its wings.
California Tortoiseshell Butterfly
The California Tortoiseshell butterfly is a colorful butterfly with orange and black wings. It is commonly found in meadows and along forest edges in western Washington. The California Tortoiseshell butterfly is known for its long lifespan, which can be up to 12 months.
Satyr Comma Butterfly
The Satyr Comma butterfly is a small butterfly with brown and orange wings. It is commonly found in meadows and along forest edges in western Washington. The Satyr Comma butterfly is known for its distinctive white spots on the underside of its wings.
Purplish Copper Butterfly
The Purplish Copper butterfly is a small butterfly with purple and orange wings. It is commonly found in meadows and along forest edges in western Washington. The Purplish
Butterfly Habitats in Washington
Washington state is home to a diverse range of butterfly species, and each species has its own unique habitat requirements. The following sub-sections will highlight some of the most common butterfly habitats in Washington.
Deciduous Forests
Deciduous forests are a common habitat for several butterfly species in Washington. These forests are characterized by trees that lose their leaves seasonally, such as maple, oak, and birch. Some of the butterfly species that can be found in deciduous forests include the Lorquin’s admiral, the mourning cloak, and the western tiger swallowtail.
Pacific Northwest Region
The Pacific Northwest region of Washington is known for its mild, wet climate and dense forests. This region is home to several butterfly species, including the red admiral, the common wood-nymph, and the western white. These butterflies can be found in the forests, meadows, and along the coast of the region.
Columbia River Area
The Columbia River area of Washington is a diverse habitat that includes forests, grasslands, and wetlands. This area is home to several butterfly species, including the western tailed-blue, the common ringlet, and the anise swallowtail. These butterflies can be found in the grasslands and meadows along the river.
Washington Lakes
Washington’s lakes provide a unique habitat for several butterfly species. Some of the species that can be found near lakes include the common sulphur, the northern pearly-eye, and the great spangled fritillary. These butterflies can be found near the water’s edge, in meadows, and in the surrounding forests.
Butterfly Migration Patterns
Washington State is home to about 150 species of butterflies, with some species migrating to warmer climates during the winter months. The monarch butterfly, for example, is known for its long-distance migration from the United States to Mexico.
Monarch butterflies are the only known butterfly species that make a two-way migration, similar to birds. They cannot survive the cold winters of northern climates, so they use environmental cues to know when it’s time to travel south for the winter. In Washington, monarch butterflies can be spotted during their migration in late summer and fall, traveling from the Pacific Northwest to California, a journey averaging nearly 500 miles.
Other butterfly species in Washington may also migrate, but their patterns are not as well-documented as the monarch. The state’s diverse geography, including the Cascade Mountain region, lowlands and basins near Columbia River, lakes, national forests, and coastal beaches, provides habitats for various butterfly species throughout the year.
It’s worth noting that butterfly migration patterns can be affected by environmental factors, such as climate change and habitat loss. Conservation efforts are crucial to protecting butterfly populations and their habitats, ensuring their survival for future generations.
Butterfly Identification
Coloring
Butterflies in Washington come in a variety of colors, ranging from pinkish-orange to charcoal. Some common colors include dark brown, black, white, and yellow. The coloring of the butterfly can help with identification, as certain species have distinct patterns or shades.
Wingspan
The wingspan of butterflies in Washington can range from 1.75 to 4 inches. The size of the butterfly can also vary depending on the species. It’s important to note that wingspan alone cannot be used to identify a butterfly, as some species may have similar wingspans.
Eyespots
Eyespots are a common feature on the wings of many butterfly species in Washington. These spots can vary in size and shape, and are often used as a defense mechanism to deter predators. Some species may have multiple eyespots, while others may have none at all.
Butterfly Life Cycle
Larvae
The butterfly life cycle begins with the female butterfly laying her eggs on a host plant. When the eggs hatch, they become larvae, also known as caterpillars. The larvae feed on the host plant and grow rapidly, molting their skin several times as they grow.
Caterpillars
Caterpillars are the second stage of a butterfly’s life cycle. They are voracious eaters and can consume up to 200 times their body weight in food. As they feed, they grow and molt their skin several times. They also spin silk to create a cocoon or chrysalis, where they will undergo metamorphosis.
Hibernate
During the winter months, many butterfly species in Washington hibernate. They find shelter in protected areas such as under bark, in leaf litter, or in crevices. Some species, like the monarch butterfly, migrate to warmer climates in Mexico and California.
Butterfly Predators
Butterflies in Washington have many predators, including birds, reptiles, and mammals. However, one of the most common predators of butterflies in Washington is spiders.
Spiders
Spiders are natural predators of butterflies. They are known to spin webs to trap their prey, including butterflies. Spiders are found in many habitats in Washington, including forests, fields, and gardens. Some common spider species that prey on butterflies in Washington include:
- Orb weaver spiders
- Crab spiders
- Jumping spiders
Orb weaver spiders are known for their large, circular webs that they spin to catch their prey. They are commonly found in gardens and meadows. Crab spiders, on the other hand, do not spin webs. Instead, they camouflage themselves on flowers and wait for their prey to come to them. Jumping spiders are known for their ability to jump long distances to catch their prey.
While spiders are natural predators of butterflies, they also play an important role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. They help control the population of insects, including pests that can damage plants and crops.
Conservation Status of Butterflies
Washington state is home to about 150 species of butterflies, with some of them being rare and threatened. The conservation status of these butterflies is of great concern to the state’s Department of Fish and Wildlife. Here is a brief overview of the conservation status of some of the butterfly species found in Washington:
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Taylor’s Checkerspot: This butterfly species is classified as endangered both at the state and federal levels. Its habitat, the Westside prairie and marine shorelines, has been destroyed by human activities like agriculture and urbanization. Climate change is also a significant threat to the survival of this species.
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Monarch Butterfly: The monarch butterfly is not currently listed as endangered or threatened in Washington. However, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has found that adding the species to the list of federally threatened and endangered species is warranted.
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Johnson’s Hairstreak: This butterfly species is recognized as a state “Species of Greatest Conservation Need” due to its rare and restricted host plants and habitat types, small number of isolated populations, highly limited range and distribution, and threats to its habitat.
Efforts are being made to conserve and protect these butterfly species and their habitats. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is working with other organizations and agencies to monitor butterfly populations, restore their habitats, and raise public awareness about their conservation needs. The department also provides guidelines and regulations to protect the butterflies and their habitats from human activities.
List of Butterflies in Washington
Washington state is home to a diverse range of butterfly species that can be found in different habitats across the state. Here is a list of some of the most common butterflies you can find in Washington:
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Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus) – One of the largest butterflies in Washington, the monarch butterfly is easily recognized by its bright orange and black wings. They can be found in a variety of habitats, including gardens, meadows, and forests.
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Pale Swallowtail (Papilio eurymedon) – This striking butterfly species is found throughout the Pacific Northwest, including Washington state. Their name comes from their pale-yellow wings, which are edged with black and blue markings. The Pale Swallowtail has a wingspan of up to 4 inches.
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Callippe Fritillary (Speyeria callippe) – This butterfly species is found in the eastern part of Washington state. They have bright orange wings with black markings and are commonly found in meadows and open fields.
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Great Basin Fritillary (Speyeria egleis) – This butterfly species is found in the eastern part of Washington state. They have dark brown wings with orange markings and are commonly found in sagebrush habitats.
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Mourning Cloak (Nymphalis antiopa) – This butterfly species is found throughout Washington state and is easily recognized by its dark brown wings with blue and yellow markings. They are commonly found in forests and wooded areas.
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Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta) – This butterfly species is found throughout Washington state and is easily recognized by its black wings with red and white markings. They are commonly found in gardens and meadows.
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Western Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio rutulus) – This butterfly species is found throughout Washington state and is easily recognized by its bright yellow wings with black stripes. They are commonly found in forests and wooded areas.
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Woodland Skipper (Ochlodes sylvanoides) – This butterfly species is found in the western part of Washington state. They have brown wings with orange markings and are commonly found in wooded areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of butterflies live in Washington state?
Washington state is home to a diverse range of butterfly species. Among the numerous butterfly species, about 20 are found in the Cascade Mountain region, while others are spotted in the lowlands and basins near Columbia River, lakes, national forests, and coastal beaches.
What is the most common butterfly in Washington state?
One of the most recognizable insects in Washington state is the monarch butterfly. Despite their diminishing numbers due to wildfires and commercial pesticides, the monarch is still one of the largest butterflies that you can find all over Washington.
What kind of butterflies are in the Pacific Northwest?
The Pacific Northwest is home to a wide variety of butterfly species. Some of the most common butterflies found in this region include the Western Tiger Swallowtail, Lorquin’s Admiral, and the Painted Lady.
What are the different types of butterflies found in Washington?
Washington state is home to a diverse range of butterfly species. Some of the most common types of butterflies found in Washington include the Monarch, Western Tiger Swallowtail, Lorquin’s Admiral, and the Painted Lady.
Which butterfly species are native to Washington state?
Many butterfly species are native to Washington state, including the Western Tiger Swallowtail, Lorquin’s Admiral, and the Painted Lady. However, this state has not yet designated any species as a state butterfly.
What are some of the most beautiful butterflies found in Washington state?
Washington state is home to a variety of beautiful butterfly species. Some of the most beautiful butterflies found in this state include the Western Tiger Swallowtail, Lorquin’s Admiral, and the Monarch. However, beauty is subjective, and different people may find different butterflies to be the most beautiful.
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