Butterfly wings are like beautiful paintings made up of thousands of tiny scales. These scales create unique colors and patterns. But did you know these patterns can change depending on whether the butterfly’s wings are open or closed? And males and females of the same species can look entirely different looks! Let’s go on an adventure to learn how to tell butterflies apart by their colors!
Steps to Identify Butterflies by Color
- Wings Open or Closed? Are the butterfly’s wings wide open like they’re showing off, or are they closed up tight? This is the first thing to check when you’re trying to identify a butterfly.
- What’s the Main Color? What color stands out the most on the butterfly’s wings? Is it a bright orange, a soft blue, or maybe a mysterious black? Pick the main color below to learn more about butterflies with that color.
ID Butterfly Open Wing Colors (Upper Side)
Black Butterflies: From the striking Pipevine Swallowtail to the elegant Eastern Black Swallowtail, these dark beauties are sure to captivate. Ready to meet these mysterious beauties?
Yellow Butterflies: Radiant like sunshine, the Clouded Sulphur and the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail brighten any landscape. Bask in the glow of these yellow wonders!
Blue Butterflies: Prepare to be mesmerized by the iridescent Eastern Tailed-Blue or the vibrant Spring Azure. These blue wonders are a sight to behold! Let’s explore these sapphire-winged beauties!
Orange Butterflies: Bursting with energy, the iconic Monarch and the fiery Viceroy demand attention wherever they flutter. Get ready to be dazzled by these orange beauties!
Brown Butterflies: Don’t underestimate the subtle beauty of brown butterflies. The intricate patterns of the Mourning Cloak or the Question Mark will leave you in awe. Uncover the hidden patterns of these brown beauties!
Copper Butterflies: Their wings flashing like burnished pennies, the American Copper and the Bronze Copper add a touch of magic to any butterfly encounter. Let’s take a closer look at these metallic marvels!
Grey Butterflies: Delicate and understated, the Gray Hairstreak and the Northern Pearly-Eye boast patterns as unique as their names. Discover the subtle elegance of grey butterflies.
Purple Butterflies: Regal and enchanting, the Red-Spotted Purple and the Great Spangled Fritillary are truly a sight to see. Experience the majesty of purple butterflies!
Red Butterflies: A flash of crimson against the green, the fiery Painted Lady and the graceful Red Admiral are impossible to miss. Let’s admire these ruby-winged beauties.
White Butterflies: Pure and delicate, the Cabbage White and the West Virginia White showcase the elegance of simplicity. Embrace the serenity of white butterflies.
ID Butterfly Closed Wing Colors (Side View)
Butterflies are full of surprises! When their wings are closed, they can reveal an entirely new set of colors and patterns. So, if you’re observing a butterfly at rest, choose its primary color below for further identification.
Share Your Butterfly Sightings: Spotted a beauty you can’t identify? Please share your photos with us on Facebook! We’re always excited to see what you discover.
Dive Deeper: Ready to take your butterfly identification skills to the next level? Explore our in-depth butterfly guides and learn about their fascinating life cycles, host plants, and more.
Remember: Identifying butterflies by color can be tricky, but don’t give up! With practice and patience, you’ll become a butterfly identification expert in no time. Happy exploring!
