20 Types of Butterflies in British Columbia | Nature Blog Network (2024)

British Columbia’s diverse landscapes are home to a stunning array of butterfly species. From expansive mountain meadows to lush river valleys, a rainbow of winged beauties can be found fluttering through the provinces’ many ecosystems. Get ready to explore the incredible diversity of BC’s butterflies. Within these pages you’ll discover twenty of the most spectacular and commonly encountered species. Learn to identify showstoppers like the Western Tiger Swallowtail along with tiny gems including the Spring Azure. Whether you’re a beginner or expert, this guide will help you recognize these living works of art when you’re out appreciating nature across this beautiful province.

1. Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui)

The Painted Lady is one of the most widespread butterflies in North America. It can be found in all of the lower 48 states, including California. These butterflies have orange, black, and white wings with eye spots on the forewings. Painted Ladies feed on thistles, mallows, and other wildflowers. They can have multiple broods throughout the year and often migrate north in the spring and summer. During some years, billions of these butterflies migrate through California and other western states in massive numbers.

Painted Ladies are a medium-sized butterfly with a wingspan reaching 2.5 inches. The upper sides of the wings are orange, black, and white. The forewings have black tips and white and orange spots, while the hindwings have row of black and white eye spots along the edges. The undersides of the wings are more drab with shades of brown and grey to provide camouflage.

These widespread butterflies thrive in open habitats including fields, meadows, deserts, and urban parks and gardens. They derive nectar from flowering plants and shrubs. The caterpillars feed on thistles, mallows, and other wildflowers before forming a chrysalis attached to stems and leaves. The Painted Lady breeds nearly continuously with multiple generations per year.

Some key facts about the Painted Lady:

– One of the most widespread butterfly species in North America. Found in all lower 48 states.

– Medium-sized with orange, black, and white patterned wings. Wingspan reaches 2.5 inches.

– Thrives in open habitats like fields, deserts, and urban parks.

– Feeds on nectar from flowers. Caterpillars eat thistles, mallows, and other wildflowers.

– Can produce multiple generations per year. Famous for mass migrations through California.

2. Western Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio rutulus)

The Western Tiger Swallowtail is a beautiful, large butterfly found throughout much of western North America including California. It is black with bold yellow stripes and blue and orange spots near its tail. Western Tiger Swallowtails prefer riparian forests and canyons near streams and rivers. The caterpillars eat leaves of cottonwood, willow, and other trees.

The Western Tiger Swallowtail has distinctive black wings with broad yellow stripes. The forewings have a single yellow bar while the hindwings have two yellow bars that give it a “tiger” appearance. The tails on the hindwings sport blue and orange eye spots. The wingspan reaches 3 to 5 inches. When at rest, the wings close to show their yellow and black striped undersides for camouflage.

These large butterflies thrive along streams, rivers, and creeks where their caterpillar host plants grow. The larvae eat leaves of several native trees and shrubs including cottonwood, willow, sycamore, and chokecherry. Adults sip nectar from flowers of apple, lilac, thistle, and wild cherry. The Western Tiger Swallowtail is fairly common and active from spring to fall.

Some key facts about the Western Tiger Swallowtail:

– Large butterfly with black wings, bold yellow stripes, blue and orange tail spots.

– Found along rivers and streams where cottonwoods, willows, and other host trees grow.

– Caterpillars eat leaves of several trees including cottonwood, willow, and sycamore.

– Adults get nectar from apple, lilac, thistle, wild cherry blossoms.

– Native to western North America including California. Active from spring through fall.

3. Pale Swallowtail (Papilio eurymedon)

The Pale Swallowtail is a mostly white butterfly with black wingtips and bands of orange spots. It is a common and widespread species found in many habitats throughout much of western North America including California. Pale Swallowtails thrive in urban areas, forests, and chaparral. The caterpillars feed on leaves of citrus, ash, and chokecherry trees.

This white butterfly has black wingtips and a row of orange spots along the edges of its forewings. The hindwings have a wider black band and more orange spots. Females also have a band of blue scaling. Their wingspans reach 3 to 4 inches. The pale coloration provides camouflage when they rest against vegetation.

The Pale Swallowtail inhabits varied environments including cities, suburbs, parks, forests, chaparral, and desert oases in the west. The larvae eat leaves from several tree species including citrus, ash, rue, and chokecherry. Adults sip nectar from flowers including lilacs, azaleas, and clovers. This species produces two to three broods per year.

Some key facts about the Pale Swallowtail:

– White butterfly with black wingtips and orange spots on forewings and hindwings.

– Inhabits diverse environments from urban areas to wild habitats in the west.

– Caterpillars eat citrus, ash, chokecherry leaves. Adults drink nectar.

– Two to three broods per year. Common and widespread species.

– Native to western North America including California.

4. Anise Swallowtail (Papilio zelicaon)

The Anise Swallowtail is a striking black butterfly with large yellow spots and prominent anise-scented caterpillars. As their name suggests, the larvae eat fennel and other anise-flavored plants. Anise Swallowtails are found throughout much of western North America and are common in California, inhabiting parks, gardens, and other open spaces.

The wings of the Anise Swallowtail are mostly black with large yellow spots. The forewings have two yellow bars while the hindwings have yellow spots arrayed in rows. Females have more extended blue patches. Their wingspans reach 3 to 4 inches. Caterpillars are black with white and orange bands, earning them the nickname “carrot caterpillar.”

These butterflies live anywhere host and nectar plants grow including suburb gardens, parks, fields, and roadsides. Caterpillars eat fennel, parsley, carrot, and rue. Adults drink nectar from lilac, apple blossoms, azaleas, and other flowers. They produce two generations per year with most adults spotted in summer.

Some key facts about the Anise Swallowtail:

– Black wings with large yellow spots and markings. Bluish females. Distinct “carrot caterpillar.”

– Found in open spaces like parks, gardens, fields where host plants grow.

– Caterpillars eat fennel, parsley, carrot leaves. Adults sip flower nectar.

– Two generations per year, most often seen in summer as adults.

– Common in the west including California. Attracted to suburbs and urban areas.

5. Monarch (Danaus plexippus)

The Monarch is one of the most easily recognizable and best known butterfly species in North America. Every fall, millions of Monarchs migrate through California to overwintering sites on the California coast. Though their population has declined, Monarchs can still be spotted flying in parks, gardens, and other open habitats during summer and fall.

Monarchs have bright orange wings with thick black borders and white spots. Their wingspans reach 3 to 4 inches. They are poisonous to predators because their caterpillars feed on toxic milkweed plants. Monarchs have a unique annual multi-generational migration in North America. Each fall, millions fly to California and central Mexico for the winter.

In California, Monarchs breed in summer and fall then migrate to over 200 wintering sites along the coast. The butterflies cluster together on trees by the thousands to stay warm. In spring, they disperse inland, lay eggs on milkweed and die. Summer generations migrate north and back over the course of several generations.

Some key facts about the Monarch:

– Distinctive orange wings with black veins and white spots. Poisonous to predators.

– Famous annual multi-generational migration in North America. Millions migrate through California.

– Caterpillars eat milkweed plants. Adults sip nectar from diverse flowers.

– Overwinters in clusters on California???s coast. Population has declined but still recognizable.

6. Lorquin’s Admiral (Limenitis lorquini)

Lorquin’s Admiral is a medium-sized butterfly found in chaparral, woodlands, and riparian areas of California and parts of the southwest. They have dark brown wings with broad white bands and bright orange wingtips. Larvae feed on willow, cottonwood, and other trees. Adults sip sap, rotting fruit, and occasionally flower nectar.

These butterflies have velvety brown-black wings with a wide white band crossing both wings. The undersides are brown with the white band still visible. Their wingspans reach about 2.5 inches. The forewing tips are brightly orange, giving a distinct colored border. Males have thinner white bands compared to females.

In California, Lorquin’s Admirals range along the foothills and west slope of the Sierra Nevada, south Coast Ranges, and other interior mountains. Larvae feed on willow, poplar, cottonwood leaves while adults take sap, fermenting fruit, and flower nectar. They have one brood per year with peak flight in spring and summer.

Some key facts about Lorquin’s Admiral:

– Medium-sized butterfly with brown wings, distinct white bands, orange wingtips.

– Found in chaparral, woodlands, riparian areas of California interior.

– Larvae eat leaves of willow, poplar, cottonwood. Adults take sap and fruit.

– One generation per year, peaking in spring and summer months.

7. West Coast Lady (Vanessa annabella)

The West Coast Lady is an orange and brown butterfly found commonly in California and the southwest. It has intricate wing patterns with eyespots and colorful markings that help it blend into its surroundings. The caterpillars feed on ornamental plants like snapdragons as well as wild mallows and nettles.

This small butterfly has orange wings outlined in brown with muted white and brown spots and patterns. The undersides are striped for camouflage. They have a hairy, brown appearance overall. Their wingspans reach about 2 inches. They hold their wings closed when resting to conceal markings and blend into vegetation.

West Coast Ladies commonly inhabit gardens, parks, brush lands throughout coastal and interior valleys of California. Caterpillars feed on ornamental plants like snapdragon and hollyhock as well as wild mallows, nettles, and passionflower. Adults nectar on flowers like cosmos, sunflowers, and milkweed. They have two to three broods.

Some key facts about the West Coast Lady:

– Small orange and brown butterfly with intricate patterns for camouflage.

– Found commonly in parks, gardens, brush lands of California.

– Caterpillars eat ornamentals, mallows, nettles, passionflower.

– Adults get nectar from diverse blooms like cosmos and milkweed.

– Has two to three broods per year.

8. California Sister (Adelpha bredowii)

The California Sister is a small orange and brown butterfly found in oak woodlands, chaparral, and riparian canyons of coastal and interior California. They have angular patterns creating camouflage when at rest. Caterpillars feed on a variety of native shrubs and trees including oaks, willows, and buckwheat.

This species has brownish-orange wings with patches outlined in white and dark brown. The undersides are a duller brown with stripes and markings for camouflage. Wingspans reach about 1.5 inches. When at rest, their muted patterns let them blend into foliage and bark. Males perch along hilltops and canyon slopes.

California Sisters thrive in oak forests, chaparral-covered slopes, riparian canyons, and other wooded areas of coastal and interior foothills. Larvae eat leaves of shrubs like California lilac, buckwheat, and trees including oaks, cottonwoods, and willows. Adults nectar on chaparral blooms like sages, monkeyflower, and yerba santa.

Some key facts about the California Sister:

– Small orange and brown butterfly with angular camouflage patterns.

– Found in oak woodlands, chaparral, riparian canyons of California.

– Caterpillars eat leaves of oaks, lilacs, buckwheat, willows.

– Adults sip nectar from woody chaparral plants like sages and yerba santa.

9. Acmon Blue (Plebejus acmon)

The Acmon Blue is a small, iridescent blue butterfly endemic to California. Males have brilliant sky blue upper wings while females have brown wings with blue at the bases. They inhabit many ecological zones from chaparral to mountain meadows. Larvae feed on legumes like lupines as well as snapdragon, buckwheat, and stonecrop.

Males of this species have glittering sapphire blue wings while females are mostly drab brown with some blue at the wing bases. Undersides are pale beige with small black spots on the hindwings. Wingspans reach about 1 inch. These small butterflies flutter low to the ground as they nectar on flowers or perch on low vegetation.

In California, Acmon Blues occupy varied habitats from coastal scrub to mountain forests and high elevation meadows. Caterpillars feed on native legumes, especially lupines as well as other plants like snapdragon and stonecrop. Adults gather nectar from a variety of blooms including asters, phacelias, and sagebrush.

Some key facts about the Acmon Blue:

– Small blue butterfly native to California. Brilliant blue males and brown females.

– Found in diverse habitats like coastal scrub, mountain meadows, chaparral.

– Caterpillars eat legumes like lupines. Adults nectar on asters, phacelias.

– Flutters low to ground among flowers and low vegetation.

10. Purplish Copper (Lycaena helloides)

The Purplish Copper is a small orange and brown butterfly with violet reflections found in riparian areas, chaparral, and oak woodlands of California. As their name suggests, males have a bright violet sheen when viewed at certain angles. Larvae feed on shrubs like mountain mahogany and California lilac. Adults visit flowers for nectar.

These small butterflies have orangish-brown wings outlined in dark brown. The forewing has an orange patch and the hindwings have short stubby tails. In bright light, the males gleam with a dazzling violet sheen. Females lack this coloring. Wingspans reach about 1 inch. They have a slow, bouncing flight.

Purplish Coppers range throughout the coastal mountains and foothills of California. Larvae feed on mountain mahogany, California lilac, and other shrubs while adults sip nectar from flowers including sages, yerba santa, and coyote mint. They are active from spring through mid-summer with one generation per year.

Some key facts about the Purplish Copper:

– Small orange-brown butterfly with brilliant violet sheen on males.

– Found in California chaparral, oak woodlands, riparian areas.

– Caterpillars eat mountain mahogany, California lilac, other shrubs.

– Adults nectar on sage, yerba santa, coyote mint flowers.

– Active spring through mid-summer with one generation per year.

11. Marine Blue (Leptotes marina)

The Marine Blue is the smallest butterfly in North America with a wingspan of just 0.75 inch. True to their name, they are found commonly along the California coastline where the larvae feed on legumes and the adults sip flower nectar. Despite their tiny size, they are strong fliers.

These very small butterflies have bright blue uppersides on the wings with thin dark edges. The undersides are grayish with black dots circled in white. As their common name suggests, their habitat is along the Pacific Coast from Baja to British Columbia. The flight period is February to November in mild coastal areas.

Marine Blues inhabit barrens, grasslands, chaparral, and scrub along the coast. Larvae feed on legumes including deerweed, broom, lupines, trefoils, and acacias. Adults nectar on coyote brush, seaside daisies, and other coastal flora. They produce two to three broods per year.

Some key facts about the Marine Blue:

– The smallest butterfly in North America with 0.75 inch wingspan.

– Found commonly along the Pacific Coast from Baja to British Columbia.

– Caterpillars eat coastal legumes like deerweed, lupines, and acacias.

– Adults sip nectar from seaside daisies, coyote brush, and other coastal flowers.

– Strong fliers despite tiny size. Two to three broods per year.

12. California Dogface (Zerene eurydice)

The California Dogface is the official state butterfly of California. Males are bright yellow with black borders and a dog or poodle like profile on each forewing. Females have deeper golden coloring with fewer dark markings. They inhabit open grasslands and fields where larvae feed on false indigo.

The dogface pattern on the forewings of males gives this butterfly its common name. This distinct marking along with the golden yellow coloration make the California Dogface easy to identify. They have a wingspan reaching 2 to 2.5 inches. Females are a deeper golden orange hue with smaller black borders.

These butterflies range throughout the state in grasslands, fields, and other open habitats where their host plant false indigo grows. Larvae feed solely on false indigo leaves. Adults sip nectar from tufted evening primrose, mints, and other flowers. They produce two broods per year.

Some key facts about the California Dogface:

State butterfly of California with distinct dogface mark on forewings.
Inhabits open grasslands, fields, and meadows.
Caterpillars feed exclusively on false indigo. Adults drink flower nectar.
Two broods per year. Males bright yellow, females deeper orange.

13. Field Crescent (Phyciodes pulchellus)

The Field Crescent is a small orange and brown butterfly with muted bands and crescent shapes. They are found in fields, grasslands, and scrub habitats throughout much of California. Larvae feed on a variety of plants like asters, legumes, and mallows. Adults nectar on flowering herbs and shrubs.

This species has orangish wings outlined and speckled in brown with bands of crescent shapes and ovals. Undersides are a dull tan color with additional crescent markings as camouflage. Wingspans reach about 1.5 inches. Males perch on low vegetation watching for females and chasing off intruders.

Field Crescents occur throughout California grasslands, chaparral slopes, desert scrub, agricultural fields, and backyards where host plants grow. Caterpillars feed on asters, legumes, mallows, hollyhock, and other herbs and flowers. Adults visit yarrows, aster, rabbitbrush, and wild buckwheat blossoms for nectar.

Some key facts about the Field Crescent:

Small orange butterfly with brown bands and muted crescent markings.
Found in open habitats like fields, grassland, scrub throughout California.
Caterpillars eat varied plants including asters, mallows, legumes.
Adults nectar on flowering herbs like yarrows, asters, and buckwheat.

14. Western Pygmy Blue (Brephidium exilis)

The Western Pygmy Blue is a tiny butterfly with a wingspan of just 0.5 to 0.75 inch. Males are silvery blue above while females are grayish brown. They are common in the Mojave and Colorado deserts of southeast California. Caterpillars feed on desert shrubs and adults nectar on tiny desert flowers.

Western Pygmy Blues are the smallest butterflies found within the United States. Their tiny size, dull coloring, and quick fluttering flight make them difficult to spot. Males have powdery blue upper wings while females are grayish brown above with some bluish scaling at the base of the hindwings. Undersides are gray with small black spots.

They occur in sandy desert scrub, alkali flats, washes throughout the Mojave and Colorado deserts. Larvae feed on the desert shrubs like dalea, desert holly, cassia. The tiny adults nectar on small-flowered plants including daisy, cryptantha, and indigo bush. The flight period is February through May.

Some key facts about the Western Pygmy Blue:

The smallest butterfly in the United States with 0.5 to 0.75 inch wingspan.
Found in the Mojave and Colorado deserts of southeastern California.
Caterpillars feed on desert shrubs. Adults nectar on tiny desert flowers.
Males powdery blue above, females grayish brown. Quick fluttering flight.

15. Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus)

The Gray Hairstreak is a small, gray butterfly with an orange spot near the tail. They are widespread throughout North America including California. Hairstreaks inhabit open areas like fields, marshes, and canyons where they nectar on flowers. Caterpillars feed on many plants in the pea family.

These dainty hairstreaks have gray wings outlined in black with an orange spot near the short tail. Undersides are also gray with a pattern of black lines. Wingspans reach 1 to 1.5 inches. They hold their wings together over their back when at rest, showing their cryptic underside.

Gray Hairstreaks occupy a variety of open habitats across California. Larvae feed on plants in the pea family including clovers, alfalfa, vetch, and wisteria. Adults take nectar from flowers of buckwheat, composites, and dogbane. They have two to three broods per year.

Some key facts about the Gray Hairstreak:

Small gray butterfly with black-lined pattern and orange spot near tail.
Found in fields, canyons, and other open habitats in California.
Caterpillars eat plants in pea family like clovers and vetch.
Adults nectar on buckwheat, dogbane, and composite flowers.
Two to three broods per year. Common and widespread.

16. Western Tailed Blue (Cupido amyntula)

The Western Tailed Blue is a small bluish butterfly with short knobbed antennae and tiny tails on the hindwings. Males are bright purplish blue above while females are brown. They occur in a variety of arid, open environments in the west. Caterpillars feed on legumes, snapdragon, and mallows.

Males of this species have brilliant violet-blue wings that flash iridescently in flight. Females are dark brown above with bluish at the wing bases. Undersides are plain grayish brown. Wingspans are under 1 inch. When at rest, the wings are folded upright showing the drab undersides.

Western Tailed Blues inhabit fields, meadows, chaparral, and desert areas where host plants grow. Larvae feed on vetches, lupines, alfalfa, and other legumes as well as mallows and snapdragon. The adults gather nectar from asters, fleabanes, sagebrush, and other small flowers. They have multiple broods.

Some key facts about the Western Tailed Blue:

Small blue butterfly with short knobbed antennae and hindwing tails.
Males bright purplish-blue above, females brown, both gray below.
Found in arid open areas of the west including California.
Caterpillars eat legumes, mallows, snapdragon. Adults nectar on asters and sage.
Multiple broods per year. Tiny size under 1 inch wingspan.

17. Mormon Metalmark (Apodemia mormo)

The Mormon Metalmark is an endangered reddish-orange butterfly known only from the Mojave Desert of California and Nevada. Adults feed on flower nectar while larvae eat the naked-stemmed buckwheat, their sole host plant. These butterflies inhabit areas where this rare plant grows.

This vibrant reddish-orange butterfly has velvety dark brown borders and markings on the wings. The forewings also have small white dots. Wingspans reach about 1.5 inches. Males patrol canyons and hilltops searching for females. The Mormon Metalmark flies slowly and close to the ground.

It is restricted to the Mojave Desert where stands of the endangered naked-stemmed buckwheat grow. Caterpillars feed solely on this plant. Adults nectar on a variety of desert wildflowers including desert thyme, phacelia, and desert globemallow. They have two flight periods per year typically in spring and late summer.

Some key facts about the Mormon Metalmark:

Reddish-orange butterfly limited to the Mojave Desert in California and Nevada.
Inhabits areas where its only host, the naked-stemmed buckwheat, grows.
Caterpillar feeds solely on this endangered plant. Adults visit wildflowers.
Two flight periods per year, in spring and late summer. Rare and endangered.

18. Southwest Fritillary (Speyeria zerene hippolyta)

The Southwest Fritillary is a medium-sized orange and brown butterfly found in parts of California, Arizona, and New Mexico. Adults visit thistles, lupines, and other flowers for nectar. Caterpillars feed on violets. They inhabit meadows, fields, and canyon streamsides.

This brightly colored butterfly has tawny orange wings decorated in black checkered patterns and white splotches. Some females are darker golden brown. Wingspans reach 2 to 3 inches across. The undersides have additional silver and brown markings that provide camouflage when at rest.

Southwest Fritillaries occur in wet meadows, fields, and along streams in valleys and foothills where their violet host plants grow. Caterpillars eat leaves of a variety of violet species. Adults gather nectar from thistles, lupines, milkweed and other flowers. Their flight period is February through September.

Some key facts about the Southwest Fritillary:

Medium-sized orange and brown butterfly with checkered patterns.
Found in parts of CA, AZ, and NM in meadows, fields, and along streams.
Caterpillars feed on leaves of various violet plants. Adults visit thistle flowers.
Active February through September. Camouflaged pattern when at rest.

19. Leanira Checkerspot (Thessalia leanira)

The Leanira Checkerspot is a small brushfoot butterfly found in chaparral, oak and pine woodlands of southern California. They have black wings accentuated with creamy white bands and spots. Caterpillars feed exclusively on California buckwheat. Adults gather flower nectar from chaparral vegetation.

This checker-spotted butterfly has jet black wings crossed by bands of dull white spots and dashes. The basal areas of the wings also have white markings. Wingspans reach about 1.5 to 2 inches. The dark coloration provides camouflage when at rest on charred chaparral vegetation.

In California, Leanira Checkerspots range throughout the southern Coast Ranges and Peninsular Ranges where stands of California buckwheat grow. Caterpillars feed solely on buckwheat. Adults nectar on sages, California lilac, and other chaparral plants that bloom after fires.

Some key facts about the Leanira Checkerspot:

Small butterfly with black wings marked by white bands, spots and dashes.
Found in chaparral, oak and pine woodlands of southern California.
Caterpillars feed exclusively on California buckwheat plants.
Adults gather nectar from sage, lilac, and other chaparral flowers.

20. Bernardino Dotted Blue (Euphilotes bernardino)

The Bernardino Dotted Blue is a small, endangered butterfly native to chaparral and sage scrub habitats of southern California and Baja California. Males are silvery blue above while females are brownish gray. Caterpillars feed only on the herb Eriogonum ovalifolium and its subspecies.

This tiny butterfly has a wingspan of just 0.75 inch. Males are bright silvery blue above while females are plain grayish brown with some faint blue scales at the bases of wings. Beneath, both sexes are gray with prominent black dots circled in white. When resting, the wings are held upright to show this cryptic underside pattern.

Bernardino Dotted Blues are endemic to California chaparral and sage scrub where their sole host plant, Eriogonum ovalifolium, grows. Caterpillars feed exclusively on this wild buckwheat and its subspecies. Adults gather nectar from flowers of California buckwheat, spurges, and sages. They have one flight from mid-May to early June.

Some key facts about the Bernardino Dotted Blue:

Tiny endangered butterfly native to southern California chaparral habitat.
Males silvery blue above, females plain grayish brown. Cryptic dotted pattern below.
Caterpillars feed solely on Eriogonum ovalifolium. Adults nectar on sages.
One flight per year from mid-May to early June. Wingspan only 0.75 inch.