Common Butterflies and Skippers of Ohio Field Guide

The popularity of butterflies (order Lepidop-
tera) is booming. This is not at all surprising.

Not only are butterflies among the most beau-
tiful animals in the world, but their behavior and
habitats are fascinating. The advent of close-fo-
cusing binoculars has vastly improved our ability
to make field identifications and observations.
Today, people interested in butterflies have a
much easier time pursuing this hobby due to
a big increase in recent years in the number of
butterfly-related publications.
There are 137 species of butterflies and
skippers recorded from Ohio. This publication
covers fifty-nine of the species you are most
likely to encounter in the state. We hope that
this booklet will help you better appreciate a
fascinating part of Ohios rich natural history.
HOW TO USE THIS BOOKLET INTRODUCTION
Common Butterflies and Skippers
of Ohio Second Edition
Text by: Dave Parshall, Jim Davidson,
& Jim McCormac
TABLE OF CONTENTS
4 Attracti ng Butter fl i es
5 Butter fl y Li fe Hi stor y
6 Why Ar e They I mpor tant?
7 Habi tats and Host Pl ants
74 Gl ossar y
75 Organi zati on Contacts
76 Butter fl y Hotspots
80 Butter fl y Checkl i st
8 Butter fl y Conser vati on
9 Mi grati on and Moni tor i ng
10 Basi c Butter fl y Anatomy
12 Butter fl i es
73 Ti ps and Acknowl edgments
COMMON NAME
FAMI LY
PAGE
AVERAGE SI ZE SI LHOUETTE
COUNTI ES WHERE
SPECI ES HAS BEEN
DOCUMENTED
PHOTOGRAPHY CREDI TS
SCI ENTI FI C NAME
VENTRAL (UNDERNEATH) VI EW
SCI ENTI FI C NAME
PRONUNCI ATI ON
DORSAL (TOP) VI EW
EGG, PUPA, OR
CATERPI LLAR STAGE
(I F USED)
SPECIES INDEX
SWALLOWTAI L FAMI LY
12 Pi pevi ne Swal l owtai l
13 Zebra Swal l owtai l
14 Bl ack Swal l owtai l
15 Gi ant Swal l owtai l
16 Easter n Ti ger Swal l owtai l
17 Spi cebush Swal l owtai l
SULPHUR & WHI TE FAMI LY
18 Cabbage Whi te
19 Fal cate Orangeti p
20 Cl ouded & Or ange S ul phur
GOSSAMER- WI NG FAMI LY
21 Har vester
22 Amer i can Copper
23 Bronze Copper
24 Coral Hai r str eak
25 Edwar ds Hai r str eak
26 Banded Hai r str eak
27 Henr ys El fi n
28 Gray Hai r str eak
29 Easter n Tai l ed- Bl ue
30 Spr i ng & Summer Azur e
31 Nor ther n Metal mar k
BRUSHFOOT FAMI LY
32 Amer i can Snout
33 Gr eat Spangl ed Fr i ti l l ar y
34 Aphrodi te Fr i ti l l ar y
35 Meadow Fr i ti l l ar y
36 Si l ver y Checker spot
37 Pear l Cr escent
38 Bal ti mor e Checker spot
39 Questi on Mar k
40 Easter n Comma
41 Mour ni ng Cl oak
42 Red Admi ral
43 Amer i can Lady
44 Common Buckeye
45 Red- spotted Pur pl e
46 Vi ceroy
47 Hackber r y Emperor
48 Tawny Emperor
49 Monarch
50 Nor ther n Pear l y- eye
51 Li ttl e Wood- Satyr
52 Common Wood- Nymph
53 Appal achi an Brown
SKI PPER FAMI LY
54 Si l ver- spotted Ski pper
55 Hoar y Edge
56 Souther n Cl oudywi ng
57 Dr eamy Duskywi ng
58 Wi l d I ndi go Duskywi ng
59 Common Sootywi ng
60 Least Ski pper
61 European Ski pper
62 Leonar ds Ski pper
63 Pecks Ski pper
64 Nor ther n Broken- Dash
65 Del awar e Ski pper
66 Hobomok Ski pper
67 Zabul on Ski pper
68 Dun Ski pper
RARE BUTTERFLI ES I N OHI O
69 Kar ner Bl ue
70 Frosted El fi n
71 Pur pl i sh Copper
72 Dusted Ski pper
ON THE COVER:
ZEBRA SWALLOWTAIL PHOTO BY BILL HULL
W W W. M A N G O V E R D E . C O M
ON THE BACK:
CHECKLI ST OF OHI O BUTTERFLIES AND SKIPPERS
ON THE WEB:
W W W. W I L D O H I O . C O M
ODNR DIVISION OF WILDLIFE I b u t t e r f l i e s & s k i p p e r s o f o h i o 4
ATTRACTING
BUTTERFLIES
An astonishing array of butterflies can be lured
to gardens and landscapes that contain appro-
priate plants. This is especially true if you are
fortunate enough to live near large, natural
butterfly habitats like woodlands, old fields, or
wetlands. A good rule of thumb is to use native
plants. Not only can the butterfly gardener plant
suitable host plants, but attractive nectar plants
should also be installed. Many of the plants that
are most effective in luring butterflies are also
very aesthetically pleasing. Most nurseries sell
good butterfly plants.
Another technique for attracting butterflies
may seem strange, but can be very effective.
Placing old, rotting fruit like apples and bananas
around the garden will often lure in many but-
terflies, and allow observers to closely admire
them.
Monarch
chrysalis. By
planting ap-
propriate host
plants, some
butterflies, like
the monarch,
can be enticed
to lay eggs and
reproduce in
your yard.
Funding for this publication was provided by donations
to the state income tax checkoff program and
sales of the wildlife conservation license plate.
To make donations, mailed to:
Wildlife Diversity Fund
2045 Morse Road Bldg G.
Columbus, OH 43229-6693
PUBLICATION
FUNDING
For more information about Ohios
native wildlife, please contact
the Division of Wildlife at:
1-800-WILDLIFE
(1-800-750-0750 Ohio Relay TTY only)
www. wi l d o h i o . c o m
To purchase a license plate:
visit your local registrars office
or call BMV 1-888-PLATES3
The beautiful butterflies we admire are in the
final adult phase of their interesting life history.
Adults often live for only a few weeks; the lon-
gest-lived Ohio butterfly is the monarch, which
might survive for ten months. The principle ac-
tivity of adult butterflies is to reproduce. The
butterfly life cycle is known as complete meta-
morphosis and has four stages. It begins when a
female butterfly lays her eggs on a suitable host
plant. After several days, the eggs hatch into
caterpillars, which go through several distinct
periods of growth stages known as instars. Each
successive instar is larger than the previous one
and requires the caterpillar to shed its skin. In
many species of gossamer-winged butterflies
(Lycaenidae), larvae are tended by ants.
When the fully mature caterpillar is ready to
transform into a butterfly, it enters the chrysalis
or pupal stage. A chrysalis is a protective, of-
ten camouflaged bag in which the caterpillar
undergoes a physiological transformation into
a butterfly. This stage can last anywhere from a
week to several weeks and in some cases, the
butterfly overwinters in this form. The adult
that emerges is the final stage of the butterflys
life cycle. One might think of caterpillars as vo-
racious eating machines, butterflies as breeding
machines, and eggs and chrysalises are the tools
of transformation.
BUTTERFLY LIFE HISTORY
The eggs of the question mark, like most other
butterflies, are tiny and easily missed. These eggs
are on the foliage of an elm.
Many gossamer-wing butterflies have a mutualis-
tic relationship with ants known as myrmecoph-
ily. This dusky azure larva is being tended by ants,
who receive nutritious secretions from the cat-
erpillar. In return, the ants guard the larvae from
predators such as wasps.
A chrysalis is the pupal stage of a butterfly. The
adult will emerge from the chrysalis, often after
overwintering in this form, as with swallowtails
and whites. While some chrysalises are quite
showy, many are drab and leaf-like, including
the red admiral chrysalis pictured above. Red
admirals do not overwinter in the chrysalis stage,
but usually as adults and to the south of Ohio.
Chestnut-sided warbler (Dendroica
pensylvanica) with moth larva. Birds eat
tremendous numbers of Lepidopteran
larvae and without butterflies and moths, the
populations of many songbirds would crash, if
not disappear altogether.
Butterflies are among the most spectacular
and easily observed winged creatures. Many
people enjoy observing them, and seeking
out rare species. Because many butterflies are
well-known and easily recognized, they are an
effective group of organisms to use as barom-
eters of ecological health. Many butterflies
also play an important role in the pollination
of our native plants.
Interest in butterflies has soared in popu-
larity in recent years and now contributes to
ecotourism. A number of butterfly-oriented
festivals have sprung up in North America
that draw large numbers of people to prime
butterfly-watching locales. Perhaps the most
dramatic example involves the monarch. Not
only do Ohioans enjoy observing them, so
do the large numbers of people who travel
to their Mexican wintering sites to observe
the huge masses of roosting monarchs cloak-
ing fir trees.
Finally, our forests and fields would be far
quieter places without butterflies. The role of
their larvae caterpillars - in nature cannot
be understated. A great many of our songbirds
feed heavily on butterfly and moth larvae, to
the point where populations of some birds
would decline alarmingly or disappear if there
were no caterpillars.
WHY ARE THEY IMPORTANT?
PARASITISM OF
CATERPILLARS
Numerous species of birds, mammals,
insects and other animals are adept at
seeking out caterpillars and consume
huge numbers of them. Many others
are parasitized by any of a number of
species of wasps and flies. The adults of
these parasites seek out specific types of
caterpillars and either attach their eggs
to the outside of the host, or inject them
into the body. When the larvae hatch,
they begin consuming the caterpillar,
which will remain alive for some time.
Eventually, the larvae kill the host, as
parasitoid infestations are nearly always
fatal. In the photo below, a Fawn Sphinx
moth caterpillar (Sphinx kalmiae) has
been infested by a wasp, and the larvae
have formed conspicuous cocoons -
surefire proof of parasites. Some species
cocoons resemble tiny white oblong-
shaped eggs sticking from
the caterpillar.
Road through
Shawnee State Forest,
which at 65,000 acres
harbors tremendous
numbers and diversity
of forest-dependent
Lepidoptera.
Cedar Bog is an
unusual fen that
supports a diversity of
wetland-dependent
butterflies. It was one
the last known sites for
the swamp metalmark
in Ohio.
One of the most
spectacular of the
Oak Opening habitats,
the oak savannas of
Kitty Todd Preserve
are carpeted with
wild lupine in May.
This was the first
site of successful
reintroductions of the
endangered Karner
blue in Ohio.
Turtlehead (Chelone
glabra) is a host
plant for Baltimore
checkerspot (page
38 ). This plant is rather
uncommon and local
and largely confined to
high-quality wetlands.
As a consequence, so
is the checkerspot.
One of the most
common of Ohios
thirty-three species
of native asters,
New England aster
(Symphyotrichum
novae-angliae) is
frequently found
in old fields. Along
with other common
asters, this aster is
the host plant for the
pearl crescent (page
37). This explains the
butterflys widespread
abundance.
HABITATS
AND
HOST PLANTS
At least some butterflies can be found almost
anywhere. Cabbage whites, clouded sulphurs, and
migratory monarchs turn up everywhere from
gardens to inner-city parks to wild prairies and
nearly all points in between. Most species are far
more specific and a basic understanding of habitat
requirements will greatly aid in finding butterflies.
In general, most butterflies are found along the
edges of woods and in sunny fields rich with flow-
ering plants. Many species seldom stray far from
the presence of their host plants and are best
sought in those habitats. An understanding of the
habitat, host plants, and the time of year that a spe-
cies flies will greatly improve your chance of find-
ing a specific butterfly. Descriptions of habitats for
the species included in this booklet can be found
under each species account.
Most butterflies require certain species of
plants on which to lay their eggs; these are known
as host plants. Host plants provide specific nutri-
ents that the caterpillar must have and inappropri-
ate plants will usually be shunned. Some butterflies
are rather general in their host plant requirements.
For instance, pearl crescents will utilize many spe-
cies of asters. Others, like the zebra swallowtail,
are far more specific. It uses only pawpaw (Asimina
triloba) as a larval host plant. Thus, a little botanical
knowledge is useful in learning more about but-
terflies and in finding them. This booklet includes
the host plants for each butterfly listed.
Many species of butterflies are very habitat-
specific and sensitive to environmental changes.
For instance, of the eight species currently listed
as endangered in Ohio, three depend on wet-
lands. Four of Ohios rare species are detailed
towards the back of this booklet. Since the time
of European settlement, Ohio has lost over 90%
of its original wetlands and wetland-dependent
butterflies such as the purplish copper, swamp
metalmark, and Mitchells satyr have declined
accordingly. Some butterflies are intimately as-
sociated with rare plants and their populations
are limited by the presence of these suitable
host plants. Other species seem to be sensi-
tive to climate change or factors not yet fully
understood and often first begin to vanish on
the edges of their range. This has been the case
with the regal fritillary in Ohio and throughout
the eastern U.S. Finally, excessive use of pesti-
cides has played a role in diminishing butterfly
populations. The grizzled skipper and Olympia
marble are examples of populations of butter-
flies that have been greatly reduced by use of
chemicals in attempts to control Gypsy Moth
populations. Habitat loss and the overuse of
pesticides are the primary causes of the decline
of butterflies.
BUTTERFLY CONSERV ATION
Once known from 51 of Ohios 88 counties,
the striking regal fritillary has not been seen
in the state since 1988.
Fortunately, efforts to manage butterfly
populations are increasing. One of the best ex-
amples in Ohio involves the beautiful Karner
blue (page 69 ). Because of collaborative efforts
between the Ohio Division of Wildlife, Toledo
Zoo, The Nature Conservancy, Metroparks of
the Toledo Area, Ohio Division of Forestry, The
Ohio Lepidopterists, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Ser-
vice, and the Detroit Zoo, these tiny butterflies
still fly in Ohio. The Ohio Division of Wildlife
and other land management agencies own not
only Karner blue habitat, but tens of thousands
of acres of varied butterfly habitats throughout
Ohio.
Butterfly enthusiasts in increasing numbers
are planting butterfly gardens and becoming in-
volved in butterfly recovery programs. Private
organizations such as The Ohio Lepidopterists,
www.Ohiolepidopterists.org , The Xerces So-
ciety http://www.xerces.org, and the Butterfly
Initiative www.butterflyrecovery.org are just
a few examples of groups whose mission is to
help conserve butterflies and moths. These or-
ganizations can also help you plan a butterfly
garden. Ohios zoos, including the Toledo Zoo
and the Cleveland Zoo, work in partnerships
with the Ohio Division of Wildlife and other
agencies to reintroduce some of Ohios butter-
flies that are gone or nearly gone from Ohio. If
you appreciate butterflies and want to conserve
them, ample opportunities exist for getting in-
volved.
Huge, showy cloudless sulphurs often
invade Ohio in large numbers from the
south, especially in mid to late summer.
Their primary range is the southern Gulf
and Atlantic states south into Mexico and
Central America.
Birds arent the only members of the winged
world that migrate. Many species of butterflies
also engage in long-distance migrations. The
monarch is the most famous example. Many of
Ohios monarchs travel to Mexico in fall, where
they winter in high-elevation fir forests. Some
species of butterflies engage in northward mi-
grations in summer and fall; these movements
are known as immigrations. Immigrants nor-
mally breed well south of Ohio, and their num-
bers here can vary widely from year to year.
Most immigrants cant survive winters this far
north, even though some species do lay eggs
and attempt to reproduce in Ohio. Southern
immigrants that arrive in Ohio early enough in
the season, like cloudless sulphurs sometimes
do, occasionally produce a brood.
COMMON MIGRA NTS
Cloudless Sulphur, Phoebis sennae
Little Sulphur, Eurema lisa
Sleepy Orange, Eurema nicippe
Variegated Fritillary, Euptoieta claudia
Painted Lady, Vanessa cardui
Buckeye, Junonia coenia
Checkered Skipper, Pyrgus communis
Fiery Skipper, Hylephila phyleus
Sachem, Atalopedes campestris
RA RE MIGRA NTS
Checkered White, Pontia protodice
Southern Dogface, Colias cesonia
Dainty Sulphur, Nathalis iole
Goatweed Leafwing, Anaea andria
Ocola Skipper, Panoquina ocola
Bronze coppers are wetland-dependent
and important indicators of habitat.
Butterflies utilize unique ecological niches
and are barometers of changing environmental
conditions. Many environmental changes are
first felt by butterflies and birds. In recent years,
an increasing number of organized long-term
surveys have sprung up around the country that
are designed to record butterfly numbers and
diversity from year to year. In Ohio, the first
butterfly monitoring project was established by
The Ohio Lepidopterists and the Ohio Division
of Wildlife in 1995. There are now 60 sites and
more are being added each year. If you would
like to become a butterfly monitor, contact The
Ohio Lepidopterists or the Ohio Division of
Wildlife. Many individuals have discovered the
joy of butterflies and are taking up butterfly
gardening and butterfly watching. In turn, they
are keeping lists of butterflies that visit their
backyards or elsewhere on field trips. The first
step in increasing enjoyment of Ohios butter-
flies and skippers, and recording accurate data,
is being able to correctly identify the butterflies
that you see.
BUTTERFLY MIGRATION
AND
MONITORING
ODNR DIVISION OF WILDLIFE I b u t t e r f l i e s & s k i p p e r s o f o h i o 1 0
In order to best use this booklet, understand-
ing some simple butterfly anatomy will be help-
ful. Butterflies and skippers belong to the in-
sect order Lepidoptera. The word Lepidoptera
comes from two Greek words: lepis meaning
scale and pteron meaning wing. Butterflies
have two pairs of wings that are covered with
thousands of very small and colorful scales. The
front pair nearest the head is the forewings and
the back pair are the hindwings. The
color and pattern of wing scales is
unique to a particular species, and is
the first key to identification of but-
terflies. It is important to know the
names of the visual areas on each
wing (see the wing diagram). This
information will help you navigate
your way through butterfly descrip-
tions.
Butterflies and skippers have
three body regions: head, thorax,
and abdomen. The two pairs of
wings and three pairs of legs are at-
tached to the thorax. The top of the
wings are called the dorsal surfaces
and the undersides of the wings are
called the ventral surfaces. Butter-
flies and skippers have many specialized sensory
organs. One such organ, the antennae, is found
in a pair on the head. Antennae have several
sensory functions, one being the sense of smell.
Butterflies have mainly clubbed or knobbed an-
tennae and most skippers have antennae that
are hooked at the end in a structure known
as the apiculus. The difference in the shape of
antennae is one way to separate butterflies
from skippers. In addition skippers are usually
brown, tan, or yellow-orange and have special-
ized wing structures that differ from butterflies
(see wing diagram).
Moth or Butterfly? These two groups of Lepi-
doptera can look similar and telling moths apart
from butterflies is sometimes confusing at first.
In general, moths fly at night while butterflies are
strictly day-fliers. Butterflies have knobbed or
clubbed tips to their antennae, while moths are
either thin and thread-like or feathery. Moths
have fat, fuzzy bodies, while butter-
flies have sleeker, smooth bodies.
Also, in general, moths are dull and
plain-colored while most butterflies
are much more brightly colored in
comparison. Finally, butterflies cre-
ate a chrysalis; a specialized case in
which the transformation from cat-
erpillar to adult occurs. The chrysalis
varies in color, size, and shape, but is
usually smooth to slightly textured
with a hard shell. Moths create a
cocoon, which is soft, often silky
or hairy, and includes leaves that
are woven together and contains
the pupa. Some day-flying moths,
of which there are relatively few
in Ohio, can be easily mistaken for
butterflies at first glance. However, a close look
will reveal the differences mentioned above.
BASIC BUTTERFLY ANATOMY
The eight-spotted forester is a common, boldly
marked day-flying moth. Note its thread-like
antennae and plump, fuzzy body characters
that help identify it as a moth.
Ja Fb Mr Ap Ma Jn Ju Ag Sp Oc Nv Dc
photography
l
CATERPI LLARDAVE PARSHALL; VENTRALDAVE PARSHALL; DORSALJ OHN HOWARD
12
HABITAT: Typically found in forested areas.
Virginia snakeroot is uncommon and local and
this may account for the butterflys scattered
distribution. South of Ohio, where plants in the
pipevine family become far more common, so
does the pipevine swallowtail.
HOST PLANTS: Pipevine family (Aristolochia-
ceae). In Ohio, there are only two natives in this
family, Virginia snakeroot (Aristolochia virginiana)
and wild ginger (Asarum canadense). The butter-
fly probably only uses the former.
DISCUSSION: The pipevine swallowtail has
a very distinct ventral hindwing. The row of
submarginal red-orange spots on the ventral
hindwings separates it from other Ohio
swallowtails. The larvae of this species store
toxins from the host plants. Predators find
them distasteful and learn to avoid pipevine
swallowtails. Females of this species are much
duller in color with more prominent white
submarginal dorsal spots. Other swallowtail
species whose females resemble the deep
iridescent purple of the pipevine include dark
female tigers, spicebush, and black. These
swallowtails and a few other dark species are
thought to gain protection because of their
close resemblance to the distasteful pipevine
swallowtail. This protective form of imitation
is called Batesian mimicry. Predators, such
as young birds, learn from adults to avoid
these mimic species. Pipevine swallowtails
are uncommon to rare north of Columbus.
They seem to establish short lived colonies
in northern Ohio. This may be due to climatic
factors or scarcity of suitable host plants. This
species, like most of our swallowtails, spends
sunny days soaring in the upper canopy of
the forest. Males will often seek salts at mud
puddles.
PIPEV INE SWALLOWTAIL
B a t t u s p h i l e n o r ( B a t - t u s f i l - e n - o r )
S W A L L O W T A I L F A M I L Y ( P a p i l i o n i d a e )
WINGSPAN: 2.75 - 4
OCCURRENCE:
photography
l
CATERPI LLARLESLI E ANGEL; VENTRALJ I M MCCORMAC; DORSALBI LL HULL
13
HABITAT: The greatest numbers occur in rich
deciduous woods and woodland borders that
have pawpaw as an abundant understory plant.
HOST PLANTS: Pawpaw (Asimina triloba), a
shrub or small tree of rich woods, particularly
on stream terraces.
DISCUSSION: Our smallest swallowtail and
among Ohios showiest and most unmistakable
butterflies. It has the longest tails of any tailed
Ohio butterfly. Males patrol favored flight paths
during the warmest part of the day looking
for females and will often fly uphill to locate a
mate. This hill-topping behavior is favored by
many species of swallowtails. They sometimes
form puddle clubs on muddy soil along roads
through suitable woodlands and bottom lands.
Several seasonal forms have been named. The
spring form is smaller, has shorter tails and is
whiter than late spring or summer forms, which
are blacker and have longer tails. Two or three
broods of zebra swallowtails are produced
annually.
ZEBRA SWALLOWTAIL
E u r y t i d e s ma r c e l l u s ( Ye r - i h - t i h - d e e s ma r - s e l - u s )
WINGSPAN: 2.5- 4
OCCURRENCE:
photography
l
CATERPI LLARJ OHN HOWARD; VENTRALAL STAFFAN; DORSALAL STAFFAN
14
HABITAT: A wide variety of open landscapes,
ranging from gardens, old fields and pastures,
woodland openings, and weedy roadsides.
HOST PLANTS: A generalist on a variety of
species, both native and non-native, in the parsley
family (Apiaceae). Commonly used Ohio host
plants include Queen Annes lace (Daucus carota),
wild parsnip (Pastinaca sativa) and garden herbs
like fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) and dill (Anethum
graveolens).
DISCUSSION: A very common species, the
black swallowtail is a frequent garden visitor. This
is in part because suitable host plants are often
grown in gardens. Among swallowtails, only the
spring form of zebra swallowtail is smaller, and
the combination of small size and dark overall
coloration with a prominent yellow band on the
upper wing make male black swallowtails easy to
separate from other species. Females resemble
pipevine swallowtails but arent as prominently
blue on the hindwing and have a small yellowish
spot near the tip of the forewing. The caterpillars,
if disturbed, shoot forth orange protuberances
from their head known as osmeteria, which
release a surprisingly foul odor. There are two
broods a year. The summer brood females have a
large blue area on the dorsal hindwing and fewer
yellow markings on the dorsal forewing. The
smaller spring form of the female has more blue
on the dorsal hindwing than the male, but also
has the yellow markings on the forewing much
like the male.
BLACK SWALLOWTAIL
Pa pi l i o po l y x e n e s ( P a - p i l - e e - o h p o l - i x - e e - n e e s )
WINGSPAN: 2.5- 4.2
OCCURRENCE:
photography
l
CATERPI LLARLARRY J EANBLANC; VENTRALDAVE PARSHALL; DORSALJ I M MCCORMAC
15
HABITAT: Most often seen around damp
woodlands where the host plants occur. Forages
in openings, roadsides, and occasionally gardens
where flowering plants are common. Giant
swallowtails are avid flower visitors.
HOST PLANTS: Members of the citrus family
(Rutaceae). There are only two species in Ohio,
wafer-ash (Ptelea trifoliata) and prickly-ash
(Zanthoxylum americanum). Neither species is
widely abundant and they tend to form localized
colonies. Both plants are more frequent in
western Ohio and so is this swallowtail.
DISCUSSION: Although numbers are cyclical
from year to year, even in boom years this is
Ohios least common swallowtail. They are
usually observed in close proximity to host
plant populations. Giant swallowtails are
mammoth; our largest butterfly and one of
the biggest North American species. They are
swift, powerful flyers and can quickly vanish
to the tree canopy if disturbed. The caterpillar
resembles a bird dropping. As a further
deterrent, if disturbed it extends a horn-like
appendage called an osmeterium that expels
a noxious odor and an irritating chemical. A
wide-ranging species, occurring south into the
Caribbean and into South America.
GIANT SWALLOWTAIL
Pa pi l i o c r e s p h o nt e s ( P a - p i l - e e - o h c r e s - f o n - t e e s )
WINGSPAN: 4.5-5.5
OCCURRENCE:
photography
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CATERPI LLARJ OHN HOWARD; VENTRALDAVE LEWI S; DORSALTOM ARBOUR
16
HABITAT: Peak numbers occur in larger tracts
of forests, but wide-ranging and appears in
parks, gardens, meadows and other habitats.
HOST PLANTS: Uses a variety of woody plants,
including various ash (Fraxinus species), tulip
tree (Liriodendron tulipifera), sassafras (Sassafras
albidum), and black cherry (Prunus serotina).
DISCUSSION: This striking and often abundant
swallowtail can be expected anywhere in the
state. Males, with their tiger-like striping pattern,
are unmistakable. In southern Ohio, up to half
of female tiger swallowtails are dark forms;
dark females becomes progressively scarcer
northward. These black females mimic toxic
pipevine swallowtails and look very similar to
that species. However, they usually retain traces
of the tiger-like stripes, and the underwing
pattern differs. Tiger swallowtails often soar
high in woodland canopies. This is the most
common and wide-ranging Ohio swallowtail.
They often alight to siphon mineral salts from
muddy soil in damp areas, and sometimes form
sizeable puddle clubs. Like most swallowtails,
they are very strong fliers and often can be seen
soaring high in woodland canopies, where they
lay their eggs.
EASTERN TIGER SWALLOWTAIL
Papi l i o gl au cu s ( Pa - pi l - e e - o h gl aw- k u s )
WINGSPAN: 3.5- 5.5
OCCURRENCE:
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CATERPI LLARLESLI E ANGEL; VENTRALJ ARET DANI ELS; DORSALAL STAFFAN
17
HABITAT: Most frequent within deciduous
forests and in nearby openings; often visits
gardens, especially those near wooded areas.
HOST PLANTS: Members of the laurel family
(Lauraceae), sassafras (Sassafras albidum) and
spicebush (Lindera benzoin).
DISCUSSION: Another apparent pipevine
swallowtail mimic, this species is seemingly
avoided by predators due to close similarity
with the toxic pipevine. Females are marked
with splashes of brilliant blue on the dorsal
hindwings; in males this area is greenish.
Spicebush swallowtails reach peak abundance
in large forests of southern Ohio, where it can
be numerous. There are normally two broods,
in spring and late summer. Because hatches of
each brood extend over several weeks, this
species can be found from early spring into late
fall. The caterpillar is an exceptional example
of deceptive camouflage. It appears to have a
fearsome snake-like face, which presumably can
frighten off potential predators. The spicebush
gets its name from one of the host plants of its
larvae, spicebush, a common woodland shrub.
SPICEBUSH SWALLOWTAIL
P a p i l i o t r o i l u s ( P a - p i l - e e - o h t r o y - l u s )
WINGSPAN: 3.5- 5.5
OCCURRENCE:
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CATERPI LLARJ ARET DANI ELS; VENTRALAL STAFFAN; DORSALJ I M MCCORMAC
18
HABITAT: A generalist that can be found nearly
anywhere, except deep woods.
HOST PLANTS: A wide variety of plants in the
mustard family (Brassicaceae), including both
native and non-native species such as cabbage,
broccoli, brussel sprouts, mustards, and radish.
DISCUSSION: This is our only established non-
native butterfly and is now the most common
species in the state. Cabbage whites were first
introduced in Quebec, Canada about 1860
and subsequently spread throughout North
America. This species was first reported near
Cleveland in 1873, and by 1882 it was abundant
and widespread in Ohio. Cabbage whites fly
earlier and later in the season than our other
butterflies and have regularly been seen in every
month except December, January, and February.
The caterpillars occasionally become pests on
cabbage. Cabbage whites are by far the most
frequently encountered butterfly in urban and
suburban situations.
CABBAGE WHITE
P i e r i s r a p a e ( P y - e r - i s s r a p - e e )
S U L P H U R / W H I T E F A M I L Y ( P i e r i d a e )
WINGSPAN: 1.5- 2
OCCURRENCE:
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CATERPI LLARLESLI E ANGEL; VENTRALJ I M MCCORMAC; DORSALJ I M MCCORMAC
19
HABITAT: Primarily upland oak-hickory forests,
although occasionally in wooded lowlands;
rarely turns up far from wooded habitats. A
good way to find falcate orangetips is to look
for sunny openings with blooming spring
flowers such as its host plants.
HOST PLANTS: Exclusively mustards (Bras-
sicaceae family), normally native species like
cut-leaved toothwort (Cardamine concatenata),
bitter cresses (Cardamine species), and probably
smooth rock cress (Arabis laevigata).
DISCUSSION: The falcate orangetip is named
for the sickle (falcate) shape of the outer tip
of its forewing and the yellow/orange subapical
patch on the dorsal forewing. This species is
restricted to deciduous woods of southern
and eastern Ohio. It becomes progressively
rarer northward. Falcate orangetips are one
of the first butterflies to emerge each spring,
along with spring azures. Males emerge first
followed by females a week or so later, as is the
general rule with butterflies. Males fly uphill to
the tops of hills and ridges in search of females.
This hill-topping behavior increases the chances
of males pairing with females. Hill-topping is
a common pratice for members of the white
family and some species of swallowtails. Falcate
orangetips can be quite local in distribution,
but locally common where found. Sometimes
males seek organic salts at mud puddles, where
they can be closely studied. One of our most
delicate butterflies, falcate orangetips appear
flimsy, as if made of tissue paper. The bright
orange flashes of the males wing tips stands in
stark contrast to barren early spring leaf litter
which they overfly, a sure sign of winters end.
FALCATE ORANGETIP
An t h o c h a r i s mi d e a ( A n - t h o - k a r - i s s mi d - e e - a h )
WINGSPAN: 1.25- 1.75
OCCURRENCE:
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VENTRALTI M DANI EL; DORSALJ I M MCCORMAC
HABITAT: All manner of open spaces. Tremen-
dous numbers sometimes congregate in mowed
hayfields dominated by alfalfa and other clovers
in fall. These two species should be among the
easiest to record on any butterfly expedition.
HOST PLANTS: Non-native legumes (pea
family, Fabaceae), primarily red clover (Trifolium
pratense), white clover (T. repens), and alfalfa
(Medicago sativa).
DISCUSSION: The clouded sulphur and the
closely related orange sulphur are perhaps the
most abundant native butterflies in Ohio. They
are treated together as they frequently hybridize
(interbreed), and some individuals can be hard
to identify to species. Both sulphurs frequent
wide open spaces, shunning shaded habitats.
They are seen nearly anywhere, including
gardens in very urban sites. Multiple broods are
produced, making these species a common sight
from early spring into late fall. Orange sulphurs
are extremely similar to cloudeds and are best
differentiated by their color. Generally, orange
sulphurs are orange; clouded sulphurs are
yellow. Some females of both species can be
nearly white in fall. The males of both species
have narrow dark dorsal outerwing margins.
The females have wider dark outerwing margins,
which are broken up by a few yellow spots. Both
species hold their wings upright and pressed
together when perched, so that the observer
can usually only admire the underwings. The
larger fall forms of the orange sulphur are
some of the most beautiful butterflies found in
Ohio and are often associated with prairies and
cultivated clover fields. Both species pass the
winter in the chrysalis stage.
CLOUDED SULPHUR
Co l i a s p h i l o d i c e ( Co - l e e - a s f i l - o h - d y - s e e )
ORANGE SULPHUR
Co l i a s e u r y t h e me ( Co - l e e - a s y e r - i t h - e e - me )
WINGSPAN: 1.6- 2.4
OCCURRENCE:
20
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VENTRALJ OHN POGACNI K; DORSALJ I M MCCORMAC
21
HABITAT: Most often encountered around
swamp margins, stream borders, moist thickets,
and other sites that harbor suitable aphid host
plants.
HOST PLANTS: Caterpillars are predatory,
feeding on woolly aphids (family Eriosomatidae).
Aphid host plants include several species of alder
(Alnus species), winterberry (Ilex verticillata), and
American beech (Fagus grandifolia).
DISCUSSION: There is no other small butterfly
in Ohio that resembles the Harvester. The
ventral wing surface has fine white markings
that look much like bird droppings or water
droppings. Harvesters often perch on twigs and
leaves with their wings closed. This species has
a very small proboscis that makes taking nectar
from flowers difficult. They are better adapted
to take mineral salts from mud puddles and
animal scat such as bird droppings. Adults also
feed on the honeydew excreted by aphids. The
larvae of the harvester are unique in that they
are carnivorous and feed on woolly aphids. They
live amongst dense aphid colonies, normally on
alders and beech, and are almost invisible when
feeding. Harvester chrysalises are distinctive;
they look like a monkeys face. In favorable years,
harvesters may have multiple broods.
HARV ESTER
F e n i s e c a t a r q u i n i u s ( F e n - i h - s e h - k a t a r - k i n - e e - u s )
G O S S A M E R - W I N G F A M I L Y ( L y c a e n i d a e )
WINGSPAN: 1.1- 1.3
OCCURRENCE:
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VENTRALDAVE PARSHALL; DORSALJ OHN POGACNI K
22
AMERICAN COPPER
Ly c a e n a p h l a e a s ( L y - s e e n - a h f l e e - a s )
HABITAT: Old fields, disturbed areas, and road
sides.
HOST PLANTS: Sheep-sorrel (Rumex acetosella)
and occasionally curly dock (R. crispus). Neither
species is native.
DISCUSSION: This small, beautiful butterfly
was named for the bright reddish-copper color
of its dorsal forewings. American coppers are
seldom found in large numbers, and were more
common in the past than they currently are.
This decline may be the result of increased
use of herbicides on farm fields and loss of
pastureland due to changes in farming practices.
Coppers spend a great deal of time nectaring
and seem to favor white flowers. The best place
to see them today is in the Oak Openings west
of Toledo. Colonies are uncommon and local
over the rest of the state. Some authorities
believe that American coppers in eastern North
America were introduced from Europe.
WINGSPAN: .9- 1.4
OCCURRENCE:
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VENTRALAL STAFFAN; DORSALJ OHN POGACNI K
23
HABITAT: A variety of wet to moist habitats
including marshes, damp meadows, fens, well-
vegetated roadside ditches, and mud-flats with
sparse vegetation. It tends to occur in high-quality
wetlands with a good diversity of native flora.
HOST PLANTS: Probably utilizes a variety of
docks and smartweeds (family Polygonaceae).
Has been documented using great water dock
(Rumex orbiculatus).
DISCUSSION: Bronze coppers have very
distinctive underwings that separate them from
all other Ohio butterflies. Males have bronze-
colored dorsal forewings and females have
orange dorsal forewings with black spots. This
species is not as common in Ohio as it once
was due to the loss of 90% of Ohios original
wetlands. Modern agricultural practices have
further reduced the quality of available habitat.
Colonies tend to be quite localized, and adult
butterflies typically remain in close proximity to
the host plants. A good spot to look for bronze
coppers is in the wet roadside meadows near the
Black Swamp Bird Observatory headquarters
at the entrance to Magee Marsh Wildlife Area.
This species has two broods a year.
BRONZE COPPER
Ly c a e n a h y l l u s ( L y - s e e n - a h h y - l u s )
WINGSPAN: 1.25- 1.65
OCCURRENCE:
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24
HABITAT: Overgrown clearings, fields, woodland
borders, weedy roadsides, and meadows.
HOST PLANTS: Woody plants in the rose family
(Rosaceae), including black cherry (Prunus
serotina) and American plum (Prunus americana).
DISCUSSION: The coral hairstreak is our only
hairstreak that lacks thread-like tails at the
base of the hindwing, other than the very rarely
seen early hairstreak (Erora laeta). Genetically,
it is closely related to the banded hairstreak.
It is not as restricted to forested areas as are
our other hairstreaks. This butterfly is often
seen nectaring on flowers of butterfly-weed
(Asclepias tuberosa) with Edwards and banded
hairstreaks. They nectar with their wings
closed vertically, as do other hairstreaks. The
brownish-gray underwings conspicuously
bordered with reddish-orange dots make this
species our most easily identifiable hairstreak.
Coral hairstreaks have a penchant for perching
on the tips of shrubs and other plants, and
darting out to investigate passing butterflies or
other insects. There is one brood a year, with
peak numbers in mid-summer.
CORAL HAIRSTREAK
S a t y r i u m t i t u s ( S a h - t e e r - e e - u m t y - t u s )
WINGSPAN: .9- 1.25
OCCURRENCE:
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VENTRALJ I M MCCORMAC; DORSALJ I M MCCORMAC
25
HABITAT: Prairie barrens, red cedar glades, and
woodland openings dotted with scrubby young
oaks, always where conspicuous earthen nests
of Allegheny mound ants (Formica exsectoides)
are present. This species is most common in the
Blue Grass region of Adams County.
HOST PLANTS: Young oaks, principally black
oak (Quercus velutina), but probably post oak (Q.
stellata) and other species.
DISCUSSION: This species is rare and local, but
is included here because of its fascinating
life history. Edwards hairstreaks are
myrmecophilous, meaning that they have an
intimate association with ants. Allegheny mound
ants, which construct large conical nests of
barren earth, tend the hairstreak larvae inside
their mounds. The ants milk the caterpillars by
stroking them with their antennae to stimulate
favored secretions which the ants consume. In
return, a phalanx of guard ants protects the
vulnerable larvae from parasitic wasps when
they ascend nearby oaks to feed. Keying in
on open habitats containing conspicuous ant
mounds along with scattered scrubby oaks may
produce new populations of Edwards hairstreak.
Colonies can have hundreds of adults during
their flight season, but are intensely local and
easily overlooked. New colonies of this butterfly
should be reported to The Ohio Lepidopterists
or the Ohio Division of Wildlife.
EDWARDS HAIRSTREAK
S a t y r i u m e d wa r d s i i ( S a h - t e e r - e e - u m e d - wa r d - s e e - ey e)
WINGSPAN: 1- 1.25
OCCURRENCE:
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VENTRALLARRY J EANBLANC; DORSALJ I M MCCORMAC
26
HABITAT: In and around oak-hickory woodlands.
The banded hairstreak is most often seen in
clearings and along wooded edges nectaring
at flowers. Sometimes enters gardens near
appropriate habitat.
HOST PLANTS: Primarily oaks (family Faga-
ceae), especially white oak (Quercus alba). Also
uses hickories (Carya species) and black wal-
nut (Juglans nigra).
DISCUSSION: The banded hairstreak is our
most common hairstreak. Hairstreaks get their
name from hair-like tails that extend from their
hindwings. An eye spot of red or blue usually
accompanies the tails. Hairstreaks constantly
rub their hindwings together when at rest. This
motion, aided by the bluish or red eyespot and
antenna-like tails at the hindwing, create the
illusion of a butterfly head replete with twitching
antennae. This forms a visual attractant for
predators, luring them to the wrong end. The
predator grabs this area and gets nothing but
a mouth full of membrane and scales. Banded
hairstreaks, like many of our hairstreaks, spend
most of their adult life high in the tops of large
trees. They typically come down to nectar
for an hour or two early in the morning and
again in the late afternoon. Their favored nectar
source is Indian-hemp (Apocynum cannabinum).
The banded hairstreak undergoes occasional
localized population explosions, and thousands
of individual adults can be found. The following
summer, only a few adults may be found in the
same area. This species is single brooded.
BANDED HAIRSTREAK
S a t y r i u m c a l a n u s ( S a h - t e e r - e e - u m c a l - a h - n u s )
WINGSPAN: 1- 1.25
OCCURRENCE:
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CATERPI LLARJ ARET DANI ELS; VENTRALDAVE PARSHALL; DORSALJ I M MCCORMAC
27
HABITAT: Forest edges, forest roads, and
quarries where redbud proliferates.
HOST PLANTS: In Ohio, only documented
on redbud (Cercis canadensis). Maple-leaved
viburnum (Viburnum acerifolium), huckleberry
(Gaylussacia baccata), and various blueberries
(Vaccinium species) are used elsewhere and
might be in Ohio, too.
DISCUSSION: The nickel-sized Henrys elfin
is always found in forests with redbud trees.
While this elfin is mainly restricted to localized
habitats in southern Ohio, a disjunct population
was recently found in northern Ohio in an
old quarry which is part of the Erie County
Park system. Additional sites may turn up, and
Henrys elfin should be watched for wherever
redbuds are found. At Tranquility Wildlife Area
in Adams County more than four hundred adults
were counted on one stretch of road. However,
numbers vary greatly from year to year. Elfins
often can be found by shaking a redbud and
looking to see if they fly off. Males often perch
on the branches and foliage of shrubs, grasses,
and other plants, and on gravel roads, waiting
for females. Males will visit mud for mineral
salts. When disturbed, Henrys elfin flies up into
the air in a jerky spiral flight, and returns to its
original perch. This behavior is common among
elfins and hairstreaks. Redbud blossoms and
other spring flowers are the preferred nectar
sources. Eggs are laid on the branches near the
flower of the redbud or directly on the buds.
Henrys elfin is single-brooded and passes the
winter in the chrysalis stage.
HENRYS ELFIN
Ca l l o p h r y s h e n r i c i ( Ca l - o h - f r e e s h e n - r e e - s e e )
WINGSPAN: .9- 1.2
OCCURRENCE:
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VENTRALBI LL HULL; DORSALJ I M MCCORMAC
28
HABITAT: All manner of sites, including
roadsides, gardens, forest edges, old fields,
powerline right-of-ways, and prairies.
HOST PLANTS: Uses a wide variety; species in
over 20 families have been documented as hosts.
In Ohio, it has mostly been found on members
of the pea family (Fabaceae), including everlasting
pea (Lathyrus latifolius), wild senna (Senna
hebecarpa), and bush clovers (genus Lespedeza)
as well as various mallows (Malvaceae family).
DISCUSSION: Gray hairstreaks are akin
to cedar waxwings in the bird world: suave
and dapper-looking. Their smooth dove-gray
underwings set off by a bright orange spot
create a striking effect. Some years this species
is absent or scarce. It is most common during
late summer and fall, especially in southern
Ohio. The red eye spots above the tails on the
dorsal wing surfaces and its overall gray color
separate this hairstreak from other hairstreak
species. Other hairstreaks bask with wings
closed; gray hairstreaks often hold them open
at rest. This is the widest-ranging hairstreak in
North America. It can produce several broods
in Ohio. The first brood is noticeably smaller
and darker than later broods.
GRAY HAIRSTREAK
S t r y mo n me l i n u s ( S t r y - mo n me l - i n - u s )
WINGSPAN: 1- 1.5
photography
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HABITAT: Found in practically all open habitats,
only shunning deep shaded woods.
HOST PLANTS: A wide variety of species in the
pea family (Fabaceae).
DISCUSSION: The eastern tailed-blue is our
most common blue butterfly. It can be found
almost anywhere during the growing season.
While they have tail-like projections from their
hindwings, eastern tailed-blues are not true
hairstreaks. Males have light blue dorsal wing
surfaces, and females have deep rich charcoal
colored dorsal wing surfaces. The eastern
tailed-blue has three or more generations a
season and can be found on the wing from April
to October. It is common in gardens and urban
areas. Eastern tailed-blues often bask with their
wings outstretched horizontally, unlike azures,
which hold their wings pressed together over
their back.
EASTERN TAILED
-
BLUE
Cu p i d o c o my n t a s ( Cu e - p i h - d o h c o - mi n - t a h s )
WINGSPAN: .75- 1
OCCURRENCE:
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CATERPI LLARLESLI E ANGEL; VENTRALBI LL HEBAN; DORSALJ I M MCCORMAC
HABITAT: In and around woodlands and nearby
openings; frequently seen along muddy trails
and roads bisecting forests.
HOST PLANTS: Spring azures use flowering
dogwood (Cornus florida) and possibly other
dogwoods; black cherry (Prunus serotina) and a
variety of other woody plants; summer azures
use wingstem (Verbesina alternifolia).
DISCUSSION: These species are extremely
similar and until recently were considered to
be different forms of the same species. Both
are very common in Ohio and sometimes form
huge puddle clubs at favored muddy spots. The
spring azure is one of the first non-hibernating
butterflies to appear each spring. Occasionally,
it can be found near the Ohio River as early
as mid-March. The range of these species in
Ohio is unclear due to possible confusion with
newly discovered sibling (similar) species. The
spring azure is more violet-blue on its dorsal
surfaces than the summer azure, and has
grayer ventral wing surfaces with duller black
spots. The summer azure has white ventral
and bright blue wing surfaces. The females of
the summer azure often have a great amount
of white on the dorsal wing surfaces and have
wider darker dorsal wing margins than males of
either species. The larvae of the spring azure
favor wild dogwood and black cherry and the
summer azure seem to favor wingstem as hosts.
Spring azures are single brooded and fly only in
early spring while summer azures have several
broods with strong flights in May/June and
August/September.
SPRING AZURE
Ce l a s t r i n a l a d o n ( S e l - a h - s t r e e - n a h l a y - d o n )
SUMMER AZURE
Ce l a s t r i n a n e g l e c t a ( S e l - a h - s t r e e - n a h n e - g l e k - t a h )
WINGSPAN: .75- 1.25
OCCURRENCE:
30
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VENTRALDAVE PARSHALL; DORSALLESLI E ANGEL
31
HABITAT: Edges of dry woodlands and
associated dry open meadows. Where its host
plant and favored nectar plant, black-eyed susan
(Rudbeckia hirta) occur in close proximity are
good places to look.
HOST PLANT: Round-leaved ragwort (Packera
obovata). May use other closely related species,
such as prairie ragwort (P. plattensis).
DISCUSSION: The northern metalmark is rare
to uncommon in Ohio. Its common name comes
from the medial and submarginal bands of
metallic-silver marks on both dorsal and ventral
wing surfaces. This species is found in Ohio where
the bedrock is limestone or dolomite. Central
Ohio and the bluegrass physiographic region
of southern Ohio support several colonies of
this butterfly. Northern metalmarks are always
found in close association with its larval host
plant. The butterflies prefer shaded wood
edges, semi-shaded woodland trails, and areas
near wooded stream banks. They can be found
nectaring on black-eyed susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
or butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa) in adjacent
fields. Adults often rest with their wings held
horizontally while they are at flowers. On hot
days they can be found underneath flowers in
the shade with their wings folded and nectaring
from this protective position. Metalmarks often
perch in this manner when disturbed. They have
a low, delicate flight pattern, making them easy
to overlook or confuse with a dark moth.
NORTHERN METALMARK
Ca l e p h e l i s b o r e a l i s ( c a l - e h - f e l - i s s b o r - e e - a l - i s s )
WINGSPAN: .9- 1.2
OCCURRENCE:
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CATERPI LLARJ ARET DANI ELS; VENTRALJ OHN POGACNI K; DORSALJ I M MCCORMAC
32
HABITAT: A variety of woodlands, usually along
streams and lower slopes. Largely confined to
the limestone bedrock regions of Ohio, as that
is where its host plants are most frequent.
HOST PLANTS: Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis)
and possibly dwarf hackberry (Celtis tenuifolia).
DISCUSSION: The American snout is the only
butterfly species originally described from Ohio.
The early Cleveland naturalist, Jared P. Kirtland,
described it in 1852 from a Mahoning County
collection. Some authorities believe that the
American snout migrates to Ohio each summer
and is not a breeding resident. The fact that it
is absent from Ohio in some years and at low
population numbers in other years would seem
to support this theory. However, it most likely
does reproduce at least locally in the state, but
only survives mild winters. One of the largest
concentrations of snouts ever recorded in
Ohio was on Kellys Island during the summer
of 1999 when several hundred were observed.
American snouts are aptly named. Their long
palpi (snout) is distinctive and makes confusion
with other species unlikely.
AMERICAN SNOUT
L i by t h e a n a c a r i n e n t a ( L i h - b i t h - e e - a y - n a h c a r - i n - e n - t a h )
B R U S H F O O T F A M I L Y ( N y m p h a l i d a e )
WINGSPAN: 1.6- 1.9
OCCURRENCE:
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CATERPI LLARLESLI E ANGEL; VENTRALJ I M MCCORMAC; DORSALJ OHN POGACNI K
33
HABITAT: Open woodlands and nearby open
areas such as meadows, roadsides, powerline
clearings, and gardens. Sometimes roams far
from woods in search of flowers.
HOST PLANTS: Violets (genus Viola), probably
many of the twenty-six native species known
in Ohio.
DISCUSSION: This is a large butterfly with a
strong flight. Fortunately, they frequently stop at
flowers, especially milkweeds, so that observers
can admire them. Several adults can often be
found together on a single flower head. Males
often gather at mud puddles and animal scat,
taking in mineral salts and proteins. Females are
larger and darker than males, and do not appear
until later in the summer when many males are
already flight worn. Fritillaries employ a rather
haphazard reproductive strategy. Females lay
eggs near host plants violets but often not
on the plants. Newly hatched larvae overwinter
without feeding. In spring, they must make their
way to the hosts, upon which they only feed at
night. This strategy probably increases mortality
and may account for declines in a number of
fritillary species. For instance, the regal fritillary
is listed as endangered in Ohio and has not
been seen in the state since 1988.
GREAT SPANGLED FRITILLARY
S p e y e r i a c y b e l e ( S p a y - e r - e e - a h s i b - e l - e e)
WINGSPAN: 2.9- 3.8
OCCURRENCE:
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VENTRALDAVE PARSHALL; DORSALJ I M MCCORMAC
34
HABITAT: Similar to the great spangled fritillary:
open woodlands and nearby open areas such
as meadows, roadsides, powerline clearings, and
gardens.
many of the twenty-six native species known
in Ohio.
DISCUSSION: The Aphrodite fritillary is
frequently confused with the great spangled
fritillary. They often fly together, increasing the
likelihood of confusion. This species can easily
be separated from the great spangled fritillary
by two field marks. The Aphrodite has a single
black basal spot in the cell near the inner
margin. The dorsal hindwing ground color is
a rich reddish-brown color that overtakes the
submarginal row of large silver spots. The tan or
buff submarginal band found in the great spangled
is almost or entirely gone in the Aphrodite.
Females of both species are larger and darker
than males. The aphrodite fritillary is found in
most of eastern Ohio and the Oak Openings
region in northwest Ohio. Aphrodites are rare
or absent from much of western Ohio. The
best places to look for this butterfly are forests
and fields in the Appalachian plateau region of
southern Ohio. They are strong fliers, but often
visit flowers where they can be closely admired.
Females lay eggs near violets in late summer,
and the larvae must then navigate to the host
plant. This imprecise method of reproduction
may account for the great seasonal fluctuation
in numbers. The larvae feed at night. There is
one brood, with males emerging in June, weeks
before females emerge in late July.
APHRODITE FRITILLARY
S p e y e r i a a p h r o d i t e ( S p a y - e r - e e - a h a f - r o - d y - t e e )
WINGSPAN: 2.7- 3.3
OCCURRENCE:
photography
l
VENTRALAL STAFFAN; DORSALAL STAFFAN
35
HABITAT: Usually in wet to mesic (moist) open
sites: damp fields, wet meadows, often with
many sedges, low-lying pastures, open stream
margins, fens and prairies.
many of the twenty-six native species known in
Ohio, especially those that occur in more open
habitats.
DISCUSSION: Meadow fritillaries are much
smaller than the other two fritillaries in this
booklet and are sometimes referred to as
lesser fritillaries. Larger species in the genus
Speyeria are referred to as greater fritillaries.
This fairly common species can occasionally be
found in large numbers at favored sites. More
typically, they are found in scattered small
colonies. Because this species is tolerant of
disturbed habitats and has two and sometimes
three broods, it has not suffered declines to
the degree that closely related less tolerant
species have, such as silver-bordered fritillary
(threatened in Ohio). Nonetheless, this species
seems to be losing ground in Ohio. Peak
numbers occur in summer and fall and males
and females look identical. Meadow fritillaries
pass the winter in the larval stage.
MEADOW FRITILLARY
B o l o r i a b e l l o n a ( B o - l o r - e e - a h b e l - o h - n a h )
WINGSPAN: 1.25- 1.9
OCCURRENCE:
photography
l
VENTRALDAVE PARSHALL; DORSALJ I M DAVI DSON
36
HABITAT: Margins and openings adjacent to
mesic (moist) forests and streamside woodland
trails.
HOST PLANTS: Primarily wingstem (Verbesina
alternifolia); also sneezeweed (Helenium autum-
nale). Probably a few other species in the sun-
flower family.
DISCUSSION: The silvery checkerspot can be
easily separated from other checkerspots by the
distinctive dark pattern of silver/white spots on
its ventral hindwings. This checkerspot is most
frequent in southern Ohio, and can be abundant
in some years. They are notorious cyclical and
may be nearly absent in sites where they were
common the prior year. Population explosions
have been recorded in Champaign and Vinton
counties. Males visit wet soil and animal remains
and both sexes visit flowers for nectar. There
can be considerable size variation, with some
females nearly double the size of males. This
butterfly passes the winter in the larval stage.
SILV ERY CHECKERSPOT
Ch l o s y n e n y c t e i s ( K l o - s y - n e e n i k - t e e - i s s )
WINGSPAN: 1.4- 2
OCCURRENCE:
photography
l
VENTRALDAVE PARSHALL; DORSALLARRY J EANBLANC
37
HABITAT: All manner of open habitats and
can turn up nearly anywhere; shuns only the
shadiest habitats.
HOST PLANTS: Asters, probably several species.
Pearl crescents are thought to use the Aster
subgenus Euaster in particular, which includes
twenty-two of Ohios thirty-five aster species,
many of which are abundant.
DISCUSSION: Almost as common as the
cabbage white, pearl crescents should be
recorded on any field outing in season. Females
are larger than males and are darker with
white markings on their dorsal forewings. Like
some other butterfly species, males are very
aggressive, darting out to investigate other
butterflies even other types of insects! They
have a fast erratic flight, and often perch on
the ground with wings outstretched. Pearl
crescents are particularly frequent in old fields
with an abundance of asters. They have three to
four broods. Thus, this species is on the wing
and common spring to fall, with peak numbers
in the fall. Pearl crescents pass the winter in the
larval stage.
PEARL CRESCENT
P h y c i o d e s t h a r o s ( F y - s e e - o h - d e e s t h a r - o h s )
WINGSPAN: 1.25- 1.6
OCCURRENCE:
photography
l
38
HABITAT: High quality wetlands and riparian
terraces that support populations of the host
plant.
HOST PLANTS: Turtlehead (Chelone glabra) is
the primary species that females lay eggs on.
This beautiful member of the figwort family
is somewhat local and scattered, typically
occurring in relatively undisturbed habitats.
Older wandering larvae can later be found on
other plant species.
DISCUSSION: This is one of Ohios true wetland
butterflies, and one of the most beautiful of any
species. Baltimore checkerspots are particularly
attracted to swamp milkweed nectar. Colonies
of this butterfly are quite localized, but large
numbers are usually present where found.
Eggs are laid in a mass on leaves and stems of
the larval host. Larvae begin life feeding en
masse in a silken, bagworm-like nest. Eventually,
mature larvae leave the nest and feed solitarily
on a variety of plant species such as wood
betony (Pedicularis canadensis), English plantain
(Plantago lanceolata), and others. Baltimore
checkerspot larvae overwinter in the leaf litter
in a hibernation-like phase. There is one brood
a year. Populations have undoubtedly declined
significantly over the last decade due to the loss
of suitable wetland habitats.
BALTIMORE CHECKERSPOT
E u p h y d r y a s p h a e t o n ( U - f e e - d r y - a s f a y - t o n )
WINGSPAN: 1.75- 2.5
OCCURRENCE:
photography
l
CATERPI LLARLESLI E ANGEL; VENTRALLESLI E ANGEL; DORSALJ I M MCCORMAC
39
HABITAT: A woodland species occurring in
all manner of forested habitat and sometimes
ranging into more open habitats if suitable
nectar plants are available.
HOST PLANTS: American elm (Ulmus americana)
and red elm (U. rubra); also reported using the
introduced Siberian elm (U. pumila), hackberry
(Celtis occidentalis), stinging nettle (Urtica procera)
and false nettle (Boehmeria cylindrica).
DISCUSSION: This butterfly gets its name
from the silver markings on the center of each
ventral hindwing which look like a question
mark. There is a summer form with the dorsal
hindwings a dark brown; this is form umbrosa.
The dorsal forewings of the question mark
have one more black mark than the comma
butterfly. Question marks often rest with their
wings closed vertically. This gives the butterfly
the appearance of a dried leaf. The fall adults
hibernate over the winter months in hollow
logs and in earthen crevices. Hibernators such
as the question mark, comma, and mourning
cloak are some of longest-lived butterflies in
Ohio, surviving as long as eight months. These
species, including the question mark, often
become active on warm, sunny winter or early
spring days. The males are attracted to mud
puddles, tree sap, rotten fruit, animal scat, and
carrion. There are two broods a year.
QUESTION MARK
P o l y g o n i a i n t e r r o g a t i o n i s ( P o l - i h - go - n e e - a h i n - t e r - o h - gat - e e - o h - n i s )
WINGSPAN: 2.25- 3
OCCURRENCE:
photography
l
VENTRALJ I M MCCORMAC; DORSALJ OHN POGACNI K
40
HABITAT: A woodland species occurring in
all manner of forested habitat and sometimes
ranging into more open habitats if suitable
nectar plants are available.
HOST PLANTS: Several species of nettle (family
Urticaceae), elms (family Ulmaceae), and hops
(Humulus lupulus).
DISCUSSION: Similar to the question mark,
but smaller, has only three black marks in a row
on the upper forewing, and the silver mark on
the lower hindwing is comma-shaped. There is
a summer form of the eastern comma with the
dorsal hindwings a dark brown color. The fall
adults hibernate in hollow logs and in earthen
crevices over the winter months. They can be
seen during warm sunny days in winter and
early spring basking on fallen logs and flying
around clearings in woods. The eastern comma
is fond of mud puddles and animal scat, and
like the question mark, only occasionally visits
flowers. When at rest, it holds its wings closed
vertically, giving it the appearance of a dead leaf
or tree bark. This butterfly is a strong erratic
flier and can be hard to approach. Seemingly
aggressive, the males often launch at passing
butterflies, dragonflies, or other large insects
sometimes even birds and people. They are
probably investigating for potential mates. The
eastern comma is found throughout forested
Ohio and has two broods a year.
EASTERN COMMA
P o l y g o n i a c o mma ( P o l - i h - g o - n e e - a h c o m- a h )
WINGSPAN: 2- 2.4
OCCURRENCE:
photography
l
VENTRALJ I M MCCORMAC; DORSALAL STAFFAN
41
HABITAT: Woods, forested stream and river
corridors, borders of marshes, and wetlands.
HOST PLANTS: Black willow (Salix nigra),
Siberian elm (Ulmus pumila), and American
elm (U. americana). May also use cottonwood
(Populus deltoides).
DISCUSSION: This stunning insect has one
of the broadest distributions of any butterfly,
ranging through North America, as well as
continental Europe, Eastern Siberia, and Japan.
Adults are hibernators, wintering in tree
crevices and other sheltered spots. It can be a
shock to see one flying about on a warm sunny
winter day, as they sometimes do. Mourning
cloaks do not usually visit flowers; rather, they
feed at decomposing fruit or animal scat. They
are normally seen as lone individuals, but during
favorable years may occur in greater numbers.
Some evidence suggests that mourning cloaks
may seek shelter and aestivate (type of summer
hibernation) during the hottest months of
summer. Admiring their beauty can be a
challenge mourning cloaks are often wary and
hard to approach. Mourning cloaks are single-
brooded, and may live for ten months, as they
spend much time aestivating in summer and
hibernating in winter.
MOURNING CLOAK
Ny mp h a l i s a n t i o p a ( N i m- f a l - i s s a n - t e e - o h - p a )
WINGSPAN: 3- 4
OCCURRENCE:
photography
l
CATERPI LLARDAVE PARSHALL; VENTRALBI LL HEBAN; DORSALJ I M MCCORMAC
42
HABITAT: Typically in and around forested
areas, especially those that support host plant
populations, but often ranges widely into fields,
gardens, and other open landscapes.
HOST PLANTS: Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica),
wood nettle (Laportea canadensis), and pellitory
(Parietaria pensylvanica).
DISCUSSION: The red admiral is a common
Ohio butterfly, but can have boom and bust
years. In 2007, this butterfly was seemingly
everywhere, a once in a century event. Red
admirals can be common in urban settings and
gardens. It frequents many species of flowers
and often visits mud puddles and animal scat.
When perched with wings outspread, red
admirals are rather gaudy and conspicuous. At
rest on tree trunks, with head downward and
wings closed, admirals greatly resemble bark
or dead leaves. Making rotten fruit bait stations
is a great way to lure this species and other
brushfooted butterflies to your yard. The red
admiral is a fast and erratic flier and can be hard
to approach for photographing. Red admirals
were once thought to be migrants to Ohio, but
recent evidence suggests that they can survive
milder Ohio winters.
RED ADMIRAL
Va n e s s a a t a l a n t a ( Va n - e s s - a h a t - a h - l a n - t a h )
WINGSPAN: 1.75- 2.5
OCCURRENCE:
photography
l
CATERPI LLARJ OHN HOWARD; VENTRALDAVE PARSHALL; DORSALAL STAFFAN
43
HABITAT: All manner of open habitats, including
meadows, prairies, overgrown fields, roadsides,
hayfields, and gardens.
HOST PLANTS: Plantain-leaved pussy-toes (Anten-
naria plantaginifolia), fragrant cudweed (Gnaphali-
um obtusifolium), and burdock (Arctium species).
DISCUSSION: The ornate inscriptions on the
underwing surfaces of this common butterfly
are quite striking, as if an abstract artist used
the wings as a canvas. It was once known as
the American beauty, an apropos name. This
butterfly is first seen on the wing in early
spring, but is more common in June. The two
large eyespots on the ventral hindwings make
separation from the painted lady (V. cardui)
simple. The latter has four small eyespots and
is an occasional to common immigrant to Ohio.
This somewhat wary species is best approached
when nectaring at favored flowers, like Indian-
hemp (Apocynum cannabinum) and various
milkweeds (Asclepias species). There are two or
three broods a year.
AMERICAN LADY
Va n e s s a v i r g i n i e n s i s ( Van - es s - ah ver - j i n - ee - i n - s i s )
WINGSPAN: 1.75- 2.4
OCCURRENCE:
photography
l
CATERPI LLARJ I M MCCORMAC; VENTRALAL STAFFAN; DORSALJ OHN POGACNI K
44
HABITAT: Open areas of all kinds, but especially
attracted to sites with very low vegetation, often
with barren areas of soil.
HOST PLANTS: A wide array of hosts, including
plants in the figwort family (Scrophulariaceae),
plantain family (Plantaginaceae), vervain family
(Verbenaceae), and acanthus family (Acanthaceae).
DISCUSSION: The common buckeye is an
immigrant to Ohio, not a permanent resident. It
first appears in late summer in southern Ohio,
spreading northward by fall, and can be abundant.
However, some years it is rare or nearly absent
from the state. A subspecies of the common
buckeye from the southern U.S. is famous
for large-scale migrations. In Ohio, observers
often report the common buckeyes progress
northward, but a large migration of hundreds
of adults does not occur. This species is found
at mud puddles, rotten fruit, carrion, animal scat,
and in barren fields. They often bask, sitting on
soil and low vegetation. It is thought that the
large, showy eyespots on the wings may draw
the focus of potential predators, allowing the
butterfly to escape, albeit with tattered wings.
Common buckeyes will produce several broods
once they reach Ohio.
COMMON BUCKEYE
J u n o n i a c o e n i a ( J o o - n o - n e e - a h s e e - n e e - a h )
WINGSPAN: 1.5- 2.7
OCCURRENCE:
photography
l
CATERPI LLARLESLI E ANGEL; VENTRALJ I M MCCORMAC; DORSALDAVE PARSHALL
45
HABITAT: A wide variety of forested habitats,
sometimes ranging into parks, gardens, and
other open to semi-open habitats.
HOST PLANTS: Black cherry (Prunus serotina),
poplars and aspen (Populus species).
DISCUSSION: Tropical in appearance, the
red-spotted purple ranks high among North
Americas showiest butterflies. They are most
common in extensive forested areas, and can
be found in large numbers along forest roads
in southern Ohio in spring. This species can be
confused with females of several of our dark
swallowtail butterflies because of the brilliant
blue on the dorsal hindwings, but red-spotted
purples lack eyespots and tails. It is thought
that red-spotteds are Batesian mimics. They
imitate the appearance of poisonous pipevine
swallowtails to discourage potential predators.
Fond of animal scat and rotten fruit, large
numbers sometimes congregate at such food
sources. The red-spotted purple has two
broods each year and passes the winter in the
larval stage.
RED
-
SPOTTED PURPLE
L i me n i t i s a r t h e mi s ( L e - me n - e e - t i s a r - t h e e - mi s )
WINGSPAN: 3- 4
OCCURRENCE:
photography
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CATERPI LLARCHERYL HARNER; VENTRALDAVE PARSHALL; DORSALDAVE PARSHALL
HABITAT: Most often seen around wetlands
and moist habitats with cottonwoods and
willows, but can occasionally appear in nearly
any open habitat.
HOST PLANTS: Cottonwood (Populus deltoides),
pussy willow (Salix discolor), black willow (S.
nigra) and sandbar willow (S. interior).
DISCUSSION: The viceroy butterfly is often
confused with the monarch. However, it can
easily be separated from that species by the
presence of a narrow black curved bar across
the middle of the dorsal hindwing. They are
also smaller than monarchs and have a more
rapid, less buoyant flight, holding their wings
flat when gliding rather then the v-shaped glide
of the monarch. Viceroys are usually found
close to stands of willow, the most frequent
larval host plant. It was widely believed that
the viceroy was a classic Batesian mimic of
the toxic monarch, and predators would
consequently avoid this species. We now know
that viceroys are distasteful in their own right,
and unpalatable to eat. Birds quickly learn
to avoid both of these species. The homely
looking caterpillars resemble bird droppings
and are the only bird scat mimic caterpillars
that have horns. There are two broods a year
and viceroys overwinter in the larval stage.
V ICEROY
L i me n i t i s a r c h i p p u s ( L e - me n - e e - t i s a r - k i p - u s )
WINGSPAN: 2.6-3.2
OCCURRENCE:
photography
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CATERPI LLARJ ARET DANI ELS; VENTRALAL STAFFAN; DORSALJ I M MCCORMAC
47
HABITAT: Wherever hackberry trees occur,
which includes stream bottom forests, mesic
to dry woodlands, parks, overgrown fields, and
even residential areas.
HOST PLANTS: Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis).
DISCUSSION: Very active and pugnacious,
hackberry emperors are noted for dashing out
to investigate people, often alighting on them.
They are drawn to white colors, and are fond
of landing on white shirts and even the sides of
buildings that are painted white. Although not
brightly colored, the hackberry has one of the
most beautiful patterns of any of our butterflies,
including noticeable white antennae clubs. They
are attracted to mud puddles, animal scat, rotten
fruit, human perspiration, road tar, and even oil
drippings from your car. Hackberry emperors
are seldom found away from areas where their
larval host tree occurs. When found, they are
usually plentiful. Interestingly, these butterflies
often become more active towards dusk and
have even been caught at light sources after
dark. The hackberry has two broods each
season and overwinters in the larval stage.
HACKBERRY EMPEROR
As t e r o c a mp a c e l t i s ( A s - t e r - o h - c a mp - a h s e l - t i s s )
WINGSPAN: 2- 2.6
OCCURRENCE:
photography
l
CATERPI LLARJ ARET DANI ELS; VENTRALLARRY J EANBLANC; DORSALJ I M MCCORMAC
48
HABITAT: Forested areas and associated
openings, where hackberry trees occur.
HOST PLANTS: Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis)
DISCUSSION: The tawny emperor is easily
confused with the hackberry emperor. It can be
separated from the hackberry by the distinctive
pattern on the emperors ventral hindwing
and the lack of dark brown eyespots on the
medial outer margin of the dorsal forewings.
Tawny emperors, like hackberry emperors,
are always associated with hackberry trees.
The two species often fly together. However,
the tawny has only a single brood and most
individuals found after mid-July are flight worn.
This butterfly is most common in mid-June to
mid-July. Most records are from the western
part of the state and the species appears to
be most common in the southwestern part
of Ohio. Like hackberries, tawny emperors
are pugnacious, often investigating people and
sometimes alighting on them. Tawny emperors
often visit oozing tree sap and mudpuddles, and
can be attracted to rotten fruit bait stations. This
species passes the winter in the larval stage.
TAWNY EMPEROR
As t e r o c a mp a c l y t o n ( A s - t e r - o h - c a mp - a h c l y - t o n )
WINGSPAN: 2- 2.75
OCCURRENCE:
photography
l
CATERPI LLARTI M DANI EL; VENTRALTI M DANI EL; DORSALTI M DANI EL
HABITAT: Occurs commonly in nearly any open
landscape, often turning up in gardens and highly
urbanized areas.
HOST PLANTS: Common milkweed (Asclepias
syriaca), swamp milkweed (A. incarnata), and
butterfly-weed (A. tuberosa). May use others of
the thirteen species of milkweed found in Ohio.
DISCUSSION: Without doubt, the most widely
recognized butterfly in Ohio and North America.
In addition, the life cycle of the monarch is
probably the best known in the butterfly world.
It is also the longest-lived butterfly found in
Ohio, with some adults surviving more than ten
months. Most of the monarchs produced in Ohio
and elsewhere in the north make an incredible
fall migration to high elevation fir forests in
Mexico. After overwintering there, they return
north in increments, stopping along the way to
lay eggs and thus recolonize the southern states.
It is the offspring of this first spring brood, and
even second or third broods, that returns to
Ohio and points north. Males can easily be told
from females by the presence of small black
scent glands on a vein of the dorsal hindwing.
Caterpillars are distinctive, and are commonly
found eating milkweed plants. The chrysalis is
also easy to recognize, and is often placed rather
conspicuously, hanging from all manner of plants.
Because monarch caterpillars eat milkweed,
which contains toxins called cardiac glycosides,
they and the adults are foul-tasting and shunned
by birds and other predators. The fall migration
of monarchs is one of natures great spectacles.
Resting swarms can number in the thousands, and
cloak entire trees. Canadian monarchs cross Lake
Erie, and often occur in profusion on islands in
Ohio, such as South Bass and Kelleys islands. The
biggest recorded Ohio concentration dates from
1892, when millions of monarchs poured into
Cleveland after crossing Lake Erie. Protection
of the fir forests where monarchs winter, in the
Michoacan state of Mexico, is vital to conserving
eastern North American monarch populations. In
excess of 100 million butterflies descend upon
these forests, drawing ecotourists from around
the world. Fortunately, the Mexican government
has recently taken strong measures to protect
these forests from illegal logging, which was
threatening the butterflies, and millions of
additional trees will be planted to help reforest
monarch wintering sites.
MONARCH
Da n a u s p l e x i p p u s ( D a n - a y - u s p l e x - i h - p u s )
3.5- 4
OCCURRENCE:
photography
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VENTRALJ OHN HOWARD DORSALJ I M MCCORMAC
50
HABITAT: Shady forested habitats, often near
watercourses. Sometimes found in shrubby
edges of wetlands, especially in northern Ohio.
HOST PLANTS: A number of species of grasses,
especially bottlebrush grass (Elymus patula),
river oats (Chasmanthium latifolium), long-
awned wood grass (Brachyelytrum erectum), and
white grass (Leersia virginica). Larvae have also
been found on non-native tall fescue (Lolium
arundinaceum).
DISCUSSION: Northern pearly-eyes get their
name from the ringed eye-spots on the ventral
hindwing. It is one of the few Ohio butterflies
that strictly inhabits deep, shady wooded
habitats. Pearly-eyes typically rest on tree trunks,
head downward. Their dark coloration and
striped and spotted wing pattern allow them
to blend well with their surroundings. When
disturbed, they shoot off in an erratic flight that
is hard to follow among the trees and dappled
sunlight of the forest. Like many species of satyr
butterflies, pearly-eyes are most active in early
morning and late afternoon. This species rarely
visits flowers, although occasionally gravid
(with fertile eggs) females seek nectar. Rather,
they typically visit tree sap, rotting fruit, and
animal remains. Males take mineral salts from
moist trails and roads in woods. The northern
pearly-eye is single-brooded in northern Ohio
and double-brooded in southern Ohio. It is
locally common in the south, becoming rare to
uncommon in northern parts of the state. It
passes the winter in the larval stage.
NORTHERN PEARLY
-
EYE
E n o d i a a n t h e d o n ( E n - o h - d e e - a h a n - t h e - d o n )
WINGSPAN: 1.75- 2.6
OCCURRENCE:
photography
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VENTRALWAYNE WAULI GMAN; DORSALJ I M MCCORMAC
51
HABITAT: Woods, woodland edges and
openings; nearby fields and meadows.
HOST PLANTS: Various grasses, probably
including Virginia wild rye (Elymus virginicus).
Known to use the introduced orchard grass
(Dactylis glomerata) throughout its range.
DISCUSSION: This species flies mainly in late
spring, but individuals can be found into late
August. The little wood-satyr, like all satyrs, flies
with a bouncing erratic flight, usually staying low
to the ground. However, unlike other satyrs it
often flies high up into trees and will rest in
the canopy on a leaf blade. While this species
superficially resembles other satyrs, it is easily
differentiated by the conspicuous eyespots on
the upper wings. Little wood-satyrs infrequently
nectar at flowers; they more often are attracted
to dung, rotting fruit, and moist soil. Females,
when ready to lay eggs, are more likely to visit
flowers than males. Of the seven species of
satyrs that are known from Ohio, this species is
easily the most common and widespread.
LITTLE WOOD
-
SATYR
Me g i s t o c y me l a ( Me h - j i s t - o h s y - me l - a h )
WINGSPAN: 1.5- 1.9
OCCURRENCE:
photography
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52
HABITAT: Ranges into a variety of habitats,
including woodland edges, brushy fields, pastures,
prairies, fens, and sedge meadows.
HOST PLANTS: Grasses of many species,
probably including purpletop (Tridens flavus),
which is abundant across Ohio.
DISCUSSION: The common wood-nymph is
regularly encountered around small trees and
shrubs in Ohio fields. Two forms occur in the
state. Adults in southern and central Ohio
populations have much yellow around the
eye spots of the forewings. More northerly
populations lack yellow on the forewings.
Interesting intermediate forms with varying
amounts of yellow are found in populations north
of Columbus; however, there is no sharp north-
south line of transition between the two forms.
The common wood-nymph has a low bouncing
flight similar to that of the little wood-satyr, but
it never flies high into trees, and prefers more
open areas. Adults seldom take nectar, preferring
rotten fruit, dung, etc. Common wood-nymphs
may be more common now than historically,
due to large-scale habitat changes. Early Ohio
collectors seldom saw them, although today
the species is widespread and locally common.
There is one brood a year. The common wood
nymph overwinters as first stage larvae.
COMMON WOOD
-
NYMPH
Ce r c y o n i s p e g a l a ( S e r - s e e - o h - n i s p e g - a h - l a )
WINGSPAN: 1.8- 2.8
OCCURRENCE:
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CATERPI LLARLESLI E ANGEL; VENTRALDAVE PARSHALL; DORSALJ I M MCCORMAC
53
HABITAT: Sedge-dominated fens, shrubby
margins of shaded swamps, and shaded wet
woods.
HOST PLANTS: Lake sedge (Carex lacustris) is
apparently the only confirmed host. However,
this butterfly may use the very similar sweet
marsh sedge (C. hyalinolepis), which is actually
more common in some areas where Appalachian
browns occur. Other species of sedges may also
be used.
DISCUSSION: The Appalachian brown is often
confused with the eyed brown (Satyrodes
eurydice) and the two were once considered
to be the same species. One way to separate
these two wetland butterflies is by their
habitats. Appalachian browns occur in shaded
swampy woods with lots of sedges, while the
eyed brown is found only in open sunny wet
sedge meadows. They sometimes can be found
in the same general area, but will be separated
according to the habitat types described above.
A field mark useful in separating the two species
is the shape of the curved brown medial line
on the ventral hindwing. On the Appalachian
brown, this line is a uniformly smooth curve and
on the eyed brown, the curve is a zigzag line.
The populations of both species have declined
because of the loss of many of Ohios wetlands.
Appalachian browns can be baited with rotten
fruit, allowing closer inspection. It will perch on
fallen logs and in vegetation, where they can be
hard to see. This species is single brooded and
passes the winter in the larval stage.
APPALACHIAN BROWN
S a t y r o d e s a p pa l a c h i a ( S ay - t er - oh - dees ap- ah - l ach - ee - ah)
WINGSPAN: 1.9- 2.25
OCCURRENCE:
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CATERPI LLARJ ARET DANI ELS; VENTRALJ OHN DALEY; DORSALJ I M MCCORMAC
HABITAT: Often found along woodland edges,
brushy thickets, fencerows, and powerline
clearings, but can be seen in nearly any type of
open habitat.
HOST PLANTS: Various species in the pea
family (Fabaceae), including black locust (Robinia
pseudoacacia), honey-locust (Gleditsia triacanthos),
and hog-peanut (Amphicarpaea bracteata).
DISCUSSION: If only all of our skippers were
so easy to identify! Big, bold, and distinctively
marked, the common and wide-ranging silver-
spotted skipper is far more conspicuous than
most of the other skipper species found in Ohio.
It, like almost all of Ohios skippers, has a curved
tip to its antennae called an apiculus. Silver-
spotteds have a strong and fast flight pattern.
They can be hard to follow, but often stop to
take nectar at flowers of milkweeds, thistles
and other blooming plants. The large silver
patch on the ventral hindwing, which suggests
the outline of the continent of India, gives this
skipper its name and is its most prominent field
mark. Males are aggressive and often dart out
at passing butterflies from prominent perches.
The larvae are green and robust with large black
heads, but in general, most skipper larvae look
similar. There are two to three generations each
season and this skipper passes the winter as a
chrysalis.
SILV ER
-
SPOTTED SKIPPER
E p a r g y r e u s c l a r u s ( E h - p a r - j y - r e e - u s c l a r - u s )
S K I P P E R F A M I L Y ( H e s p e r i i d a e )
WINGSPAN: 1.75- 2.4
OCCURRENCE:
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VENTRALJ I M DAVI DSON; DORSALJ I M MCCORMAC
55
HABITAT: Wooded edges, utility line right-of-
ways, open woodlands, overgrown fields.
HOST PLANTS: Several species in the pea
family (Fabaceae), probably most commonly
tick-trefoils (Desmodium species), of which 17
species occur in Ohio, many very commonly.
DISCUSSION: The hoary edge is one of a group
of skippers that often bask or nectar with the
wings held horizontally. It gets its name from the
large grayish-white (hoary) patch on its ventral
hindwings. Hoary edges can be separated from
silver-spotted skippers by this patch, and by the
gold bars on the dorsal forewings that form a
closed triangle against the brown ground color.
This is an aggressive skipper, often darting from
perches to investigate other passing butterflies.
Double-brooded over most of Ohio, hoary
edges pass the winter in the larval stage. This
species should be expected statewide, but it
is uncommon or rare in northern Ohio. Most
records come from southern Ohio forests.
Both sexes visit flowers, as well as wet soil and
animal remains.
HOARY EDGE
Ac h a l a r u s l y c i a d e s
WINGSPAN: 1.4- 1.75
OCCURRENCE:
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CATERPI LLARLESLI E ANGEL; VENTRALJ I M MCCORMAC; DORSALJ I M MCCORMAC
56
HABITAT: Generally dry wooded or brushy
habitats such as the margins of oak-hickory
forests, powerline right-of-ways, overgrown
fields, etc.
HOST PLANTS: Primarily tick-trefoils (Desmodium
species) and bush clovers (Lespedeza species);
nearly all occur in dry, well-drained habitats.
DISCUSSION: This is one of two cloudywing
species that are residents of Ohio. The southern
cloudywing can be separated from the northern
cloudywing by the lack of a costal fold on the
edge of the forewing, a white patch at the bend
of the antennae, white patches of scales on the
head, and the extensive white markings on the
forewings. The white markings on the northern
cloudywings forewing are greatly reduced
or absent. A medium-sized skipper, southern
cloudywings are among a group of skippers that
bask with their wings held open horizontally.
They often rest on the dirt of forest roads and
trails. They have two broods a season and spend
the winter as fully grown larvae. The cloudywings
are one of the first skippers on the wing each
spring.
SOUTHERN CLOUDYWING
T h o r y b e s b a t h y l l u s ( T h o r - i h - b e e s b a t h - i h - l u s )
WINGSPAN: 1.2- 1.6
OCCURRENCE:
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VENTRALJ I M MCCORMAC; DORSALDAVE PARSHALL
57
HABITAT: Generally associated with oak-
dominated woodlands; often seen in forest
openings, and along trails and forest roads.
HOST PLANTS: Usually cited as willows and
poplars (Salicaceae family), but some authorities
believe that oaks (Quercus species) may serve as
hosts in Ohio.
DISCUSSION: There are seven duskywing
species in Ohio, and all are similar in appearance.
This is the smallest, and most closely resembles
the sleepy duskywing (E. brizo). Dreamys have
longer labial palps (facial extensions), and the
background color of the forewing is grayer.
This species also frequently has a single white
spot at the end of the submarginal row of
marks termed the wrist chain on the dorsal
forewing. Females have more mottling on the
dorsal surfaces. Adult males of both dreamy
and sleepy duskywings can be found together
at mud puddles. The dreamy duskywing is one
of the first skippers on the wing each spring. It
has only one brood - spring/early summer - and
passes the winter as larvae. Both sexes will bask
on dry dirt. It seems to be more common in
the unglaciated forests of Ohio than elsewhere
in Ohio.
DREAMY DUSKYWING
E r y n n i s i c e l u s ( E e - r y - e n - i s s e y e - s e l - u s )
WINGSPAN: 1- 1.6
OCCURRENCE:
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CATERPI LLARLARRY J EANBLANC; VENTRALDAVE PARSHALL; DORSALDAVE PARSHALL
58
HABITAT: Roadsides, fields, prairie openings,
pastures, and sometimes even gardens that have
host plants.
HOST PLANTS: Prairie false indigo (Baptisia
alba), yellow false indigo (B. tinctoria), and crown
vetch (Securigera varia).
DISCUSSION: The wild indigo duskywing was
once one of our rarest skippers. Its native hosts,
various species of wild indigo, were restricted
to prairie-like openings in Ohio. However, in
the 1980s the state began to plant crown vetch
along highways for soil retention. Wild indigo
duskywings adopted crown vetch as a larval
host and began to spread over much of Ohio.
It is now one of our most common skippers,
especially in southern Ohio, and continues to
spread. The wild indigo duskywing flies with
and is similar to Juvenals (Erynnis juvenalis) and
Horaces (E. horatius) duskywings. It is separated
from juvenals and Horaces by the lack of a
white spot near the end of the forewing cell, and
this species also has a deep purplish shine much
like indigo ink. There are at least three broods
of Wild indigos, while Horaces Duskywing flies
spring and late summer. Juvenal duskywings
fly in the spring only. Like all duskywings, they
frequent mud puddles and often bask on dry
roadbeds and leaf litter.
WILD INDIGO DUSKYWING
E r y n n i s b a pt i s i a e ( E e - r y - e n - i s s b a p - t e e - s y - e e )
WINGSPAN: 1.3- 1.7
OCCURRENCE:
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HABITAT: All manner of open areas, and is quite
tolerant of disturbed, often weedy sites.
HOST PLANTS: Various amaranths (Amaran-
thus species) and lambs-quarters (Chenopodium
album).
DISCUSSION: This skipper is often found in
places where you might not think to look for
butterflies. The host plants of the common
sootywing are quite weedy and are typically
found in highly disturbed situations, which
accounts for the widespread presence of this
butterfly. Common sootywing larvae feed on
lambs-quarters, and spend the winter in a
nest made of a rolled leaf and silk spun by the
caterpillar. Sootywings are small and black, with
a row of little white dots along the dorsal wing
margins that form the shape of a question mark.
They are fond of mud puddles, and often take
nectar from flowers near the ground. The flight
is weak and erratic, and typically low to the
ground. In the manner of duskwings, common
sootywings bask on the ground and plants with
their wings held horizontally. There are two to
three broods each year.
COMMON SOOTYWING
P h o l i s o r a c a t u l l u s ( F o l - i h - s o r - a h c a t - u l l - i s s )
WINGSPAN: .9- 1.25
OCCURRENCE:
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60
HABITAT: Low-lying wet areas with dense
grasses or sedges; ditches, wetlands, fens, damp
swales and meadows. Sometimes occurs in drier
sites with dense grass.
HOST PLANTS: A number of species of grasses
(Poaceae family). In Ohio, it likely uses rice
cut grass (Leersia oryzoides), prairie cord grass
(Spartina pectinata), and various panic grasses
(Panicum species).
DISCUSSION: Our smallest skipper, this
species has a weak, fluttery flight and invariably
remains well down in the dense cover of grasses
and sedges. Thus, least skippers can be easily
overlooked in the thickly vegetated habitats that
they frequent. Least skippers have showy golden
wings, which they hold closed over their back
when perched. Wing margins are dark-brown,
and in females this area is more extensive. The
antennae are quite short, and lack the prominent
apiculus (curved terminal extension) of most
other skippers. Least skippers often visit mud
puddles and flowers This species has been
documented in eighty-seven of Ohios eighty-
eight counties and is common statewide. There
are three broods in most of Ohio and least
skippers overwinter as late instar larvae.
LEAST SKIPPER
An c y l o x y p h a n u mi t o r ( A n - s y - l o x - i h - f a n o o - mi h - t o r )
WINGSPAN: .7- 1
OCCURRENCE:
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HABITAT: Open grassy sites, such as pastures,
agricultural areas, open fields, weedy roadsides,
pastures, and muddy roads.
HOST PLANTS: Timothy (Phleum pratense), a
non-native grass abundant in pastures.
DISCUSSION: The European skipper was
accidentally introduced at London, Ontario,
Canada in 1910. Since then it has spread far and
wide across northeastern North America, and
has become quite common in some areas. It was
first found in Ohio in 1927, and is now locally
frequent in much of the state. It is a golden-
colored skipper that is nearly without markings
on dorsal surfaces. The wide golden-yellow
fringe of the ventral hindwing is a good field
mark to help separate the European skipper
from similar skippers. This skipper sometimes
can be found by the thousands at mud puddles.
European skippers are less common in southern
Ohio than in northern regions of the state.
There is one brood and this species passes the
winter as an egg.
EUROPEAN SKIPPER
T h y me l i c u s l i n e o l a ( T h y - me l - i h - c u s l i n - e e - o l e - a h )
WINGSPAN: .9-1.1
OCCURRENCE:
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HABITAT: Prairie openings, dry ridgetops and
forest openings, and various meadows and fields.
HOST PLANTS: Bluestem grasses; in Ohio,
probably big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii) and
little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium).
DISCUSSION: This species has a scattered and
local distribution, but can be locally common.
It is one of a large group of golden skippers
whose males have a stigma on the dorsal
surface of the forewing. The stigma is a patch
of specialized scales that release pheromones
during courtship. Leonards skipper holds its
forewings semi-vertically when at rest in the
skipper position. In this distinctive perch
profile, the forewings are held vertically, and the
hindwings are outstretched horizontally, just
like the profile of an F-22 fighter jet. Females
are larger with more rounded wings and the
amount of golden scales on the dorsal forewings
is greatly reduced or absent, or replaced with
cream or white markings. Leonards skipper can
be separated from other golden skippers by the
distinctive pattern of squared white to cream
spots on the ventral hindwing. These spots
form a chevron pattern against the deep red of
the ground scales.This species is often frequent
around colonies of blazing-star (Liatris aspera or
L. squarrosa), which are favored nectar sources.
There is one brood, and this species spends the
winter as an egg or immature larvae.
LEONARDS SKIPPER
H e s p e r i a l e o n a r d u s ( H e s - p e r - e e - a h l e n - a r - d u s )
WINGSPAN: 1.5- 1.75
OCCURRENCE:
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VENTRALJ OHN POGACNI K; DORSALJ I M DAVI DSON
63
HABITAT: All types of open habitats; fields,
pastures, woodland edges and openings, yards
and gardens, ditches, etc.
HOST PLANTS: Various grasses; in Ohio it likely
uses rice cut grass (Leersia oryzoides), which is
widespread and common, and even crab grasses
(Digitaria species).
DISCUSSION: This common skipper occurs
statewide, and is rather easily recognized by the
golden-colored tooth-like dash on the ventral
hindwing that projects beyond the adjacent
patches. From afar, these golden marks contrast
with the dark brown ground color of the
underwing and create a colorful blotchy effect.
Pecks skipper is among the most likely skippers
to visit suburban butterfly gardens. Females lack
the golden areas on the dorsal forewings and
are a deep brown color with a few contrasting
golden marks. This skipper also commonly visits
mud puddles. There are two or three broods
and it passes the winter as immature larvae or
pupae.
PECKS SKIPPER
P o l i t e s p e c k i u s ( P o - l e e - t e e s p e k - e e - u s )
WINGSPAN: 1- 1.25
OCCURRENCE:
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HABITAT: Usually near wooded areas, but also
found in open areas such as old fields, brushy
pastures, weedy roadsides. Sometimes visits
gardens.
HOST PLANTS: Various grasses, and in Ohio
it likely uses deers-tongue grass (Panicum
clandestinum), forked panic grass (P. dichotomum),
and switch grass (P. virgatum).
DISCUSSION: The unusual common name
broken-dash refers to the males stigma; a
dark broken line on the dorsal surface of the
forewing. Northern broken-dashes can be
difficult to identify, and closely resemble some
other dark skippers. In general, the amount
of golden scales on the dorsal forewing is
quite variable. Males can be identified by the
triangular mark (arrowhead-like) at the end of
the dorsal forewing stigma. Females also have
the triangular mark, as well as a small light buff-
colored square near the same spot. The ventral
hindwing has a smudged submarginal curved line
of white or cream-colored marks. The northern
broken dash often visits flowers and frequently
basks on branches, leaves or grass blades. This
species is single-brooded and passes the winter
in the larval stage. There may be a partial second
brood in southern Ohio.
NORTHERN BROKEN
-
DASH
Wal l engr eni a eger emet ( Wal - en- gren- ee- ah eh- ger- eh- met)
WINGSPAN: 1- 1.5
OCCURRENCE:
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65
HABITAT: Open, often damp grassy habitats
such as fens, wet meadows, low-lying old fields,
and marshes.
HOST PLANTS: Various grasses including
switch grass (Panicum virgatum) and bluestems
(Andropogon species). Some species of sedges
(Carex species) may also be used.
DISCUSSION: Another golden-colored skipper
that holds its wings pressed together over
its back when at rest and nectaring. Its small
size, black scaling along the wing veins and
margins, and a black bar at the end of the cell
on the dorsal forewings rule out other golden
skippers. Delaware skippers also have a much
faster and more direct flight than does the
similar European and least skippers. The males
frequently dart out at passing butterflies from
a perch. Single-brooded and with a rather
brief flight period, Delaware skippers are
more common in the northern half of Ohio,
becoming scarcer to the south. In addition to
visiting flowers, males can also be found at mud
puddles taking mineral salts. This species passes
the winter in the larval stage.
DELAWARE SKIPPER
An a t r y t o n e l o g a n ( A n - a h - t r y - t o h - n e e l o - g a n )
WINGSPAN: 1- 1.4
OCCURRENCE:
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66
HABITAT: In and around forested habitats;
woodland openings, forest roads and trails,
forest edges, and nearby open fields and
meadows.
HOST PLANTS: Various grasses; in Ohio it likely
uses Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis), rice cut
grass (Leersia oryzoides), and several species of
panic grass (Panicum species).
DISCUSSION: Hobomok skippers emerge early
in spring; they are one of the first skippers on
the wing. The only similar species out as early
is the Zabulon skipper. They often fly together,
but Hobomoks differ in their wide, dark wing
margins, and shape of the yellow patch on the
upper hindwing. This patch is visible on both
upper and underwing surfaces, and its shape
suggests the outline of the state of Texas. A
rare melanistic (blackish) form of the female
is named Pocahontas. The characteristic
hindwing patches still show, but are much fainter.
Hobomok skippers are very fond of nectaring
on blackberries and raspberries (Rubus species).
They pass the winter in the larval stage.
HOBOMOK SKIPPER
P o a n e s h o b o mo k ( P o - a h - n e e s h o - b o - mo k )
WINGSPAN: 1.4- 1.6
OCCURRENCE:
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67
HABITAT: Varied open habitats such as open
woodlands and clearings, trails and roads
through forests, powerline clearings, and fields
near woods.
HOST PLANTS: Grasses, including Kentucky
bluegrass (Poa pratensis), love grasses (Eragrostis
species), and purpletop (Tridens flavus).
DISCUSSION: Male Zabulon skippers can be
separated from other golden skippers by the
three brown marks on the ventral hindwing
near the anal angle. Females are dimorphic, with
dark garnet-brown coloration and white dorsal
forewing spots. They also have noticeable white
scales on the crest of the leading hindwing
margin. This species is rare to uncommon
in northern Ohio, becoming more frequent
southward. It often flies with and is similar
to Hobomok skippers (see previous page).
Zabulon skippers are very pugnacious. Males
will fly out from favored perches to investigate
nearly anything that moves, thus increasing their
odds of encountering female Zabulons. It is
double brooded, and most common in central
and southern Ohio. This species passes the
winter in the larval stage.
ZABULON SKIPPER
P o a n e s z a b u l o n ( P o - a h - n e e s z a b - u - l o n )
WINGSPAN: 1- 1.4
OCCURRENCE:
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HABITAT: Typically occurs in wetlands; sedge
meadows and low-lying fields, fens, swamp
margins, etc. Also ranges into drier open
habitats with attractive nectar sources.
HOST PLANTS: Sedges, including tussock sedge
(Carex stricta) and lake sedge (C. lacustris). May
use other species of Carex as well.
DISCUSSION: Dun skippers are the smallest
of our wetland skippers, and appear dark and
unmarked. Close inspection will reveal that
the males have a stigma on the dorsal forewing
that is noticeably darker. Females have a small
white dot and adjacent white crescent on the
dorsal forewing, although these marks can be
quite faint. In general, small dark unmarked
skippers, especially in wetland habitats, will be
this species. Dun skippers have apparently
increased significantly in abundance in the
last century, in part due to their tolerance of
disturbed habitats. It is common throughout
the state. There are two broods in northern
Ohio, and often three in southern regions of
the state. This species passes the winter as last
stage larvae.
DUN SKIPPER
E u p h y e s v e s t r i s ( U - f y - e e s v e s - t r i s )
WINGSPAN: 1- 1.5
OCCURRENCE:
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HABITAT: Oak savannas containing healthy
populations of wild lupine.
HOST PLANTS: Wild lupine (Lupinus perennis).
DISCUSSION: By 1988, the Karner blue had
been eliminated from Ohio. The primary factor
in its disappearance was the loss of suitable
habitat, including its host plant. A major reason
for habitat changes detrimental to this butterfly
was fire suppression. Over much of the 20th
century, lack of fire in fire-dependent Oak
Openings ecosystems allowed open savanna
habitats to become thickly reforested. These
conditions did not favor Karner blues or their
host plant. As fire was reintroduced into Oak
Openings habitats in the 1980s by land managers,
habitats once again became favorable for this
state-endangered species as lupines rebounded.
In 1992, a coalition including the Toledo Zoo,
The Nature Conservancy, Michigan Department
of Natural Resources, U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service, Metroparks of the Toledo Area, The
Ohio Lepidopterists, and the Ohio Department
of Natural Resources divisions of Wildlife,
Natural Areas and Preserves, and Forestry was
formed to reintroduce the Karner blue back
into Ohio. The Nature Conservancys Kitty Todd
Preserve in the Oak Openings was selected as
the site most suitable for reintroduction. Grants
from the Ohio Division of Wildlife and the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service supported the project.
In 1997, live stock from Michigan was brought
to the Toledo Zoo, where a population of adults
was bred. In the summer of 1998, adults were
released at Kitty Todd. They have reproduced
and to date are doing well. Additional
release sites in the Oak Openings are under
consideration. This reintroduction project of an
endangered butterfly was not only a first for the
State of Ohio, but also a first for the nation.
The Karner blue is easily confused with two
other blue butterflies, the eastern tailed-blue
and summer azure. Karner blues have large red-
orange spots on their ventral hindwings and lack
tail-like projections, characters that separate it
from those two species.
KARNER BLUE
Ly c a e i d e s me l i s s a s a mu e l i s ( L y - s e e - i h - d e e s me - l i s - a h s a m- u - e l - i s )
WINGSPAN: 1- 1.35
OCCURRENCE:
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CATERPI LLARJ ARET DANI ELS; VENTRALTI M DANI EL; DORSALJ I M MCCORMAC
70
HABITAT: Oak savannas with wild lupine.
HOST PLANTS: Wild lupine (Lupinus perennis)
DISCUSSION: Like the Karner blue, this rare
butterfly is another Oak Openings specialty.
It is rare for the same reasons as the Karner
blue, and its populations also seem to be on the
upswing due to better habitat management. By
far our rarest elfin, the frosted elfin is similar
to Henrys elfin but it has a more jagged line
on the lower forewing, and a black dot towards
the rear of the lower hindwing. Interestingly, a
specimen was collected in Hamilton County
in 1937, at the opposite end of the state. It
may have been that frosted elfins formerly
occupied suitable habitats that harbored wild
indigo (Baptisia species), host plants that are
used elsewhere in the frosted elfins range.
Cincinnati-area habitats appropriate for frosted
elfins are mostly long gone.
FROSTED ELFIN
Ca l l o p h r y s i r u s ( Ca l - o h - f r e e s e y e - r u s )
WINGSPAN: .8- 1.1
OCCURRENCE:
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CATERPI LLARLESLI E ANGEL; VENTRALJ I M DAVI DSON; DORSALJ I M MCCORMAC
71
HABITAT: Wetlands with a diversity of sedges
and flowering plants.
HOST PLANTS: Water smartweed (Polygonum
amphibium var. emersum; the hairy, more
terrestrial variety of this variable species);
possibly other plants in this family.
DISCUSSION: Just as the Karner blue and
frosted elfin tell the story of habitat loss in
the Oak Openings, this gorgeous little copper
speaks to the disappearance of Ohios wetlands.
While never widely distributed, it was known
historically from eleven counties of western
Ohio, and likely occurred in others. As high-
quality wetlands fell to the plow, development,
or were altered by drainage activities, purplish
coppers began to slip away. Today, only one
tiny population is known, near Toledo. It is not
the only wetland-dependent Ohio butterfly
to become endangered or vanish. The swamp
metalmark (Calephelis muticum) has not been
found since 1988, and the Mitchells satyr
(Neonympha mitchellii) was last reported in
1950.
PURPLISH COPPER
Ly c a e n a h e l l o i d e s ( L y - s e e - n a h h e l - o h - e y e - d e e s )
WINGSPAN: 1- 1.2
OCCURRENCE:
photography
l
72
HABITAT: Prairies, savannas, and other dry
openings dominated by bluestem grasses.
HOST PLANTS: Big bluestem (Andropogon
gerardii) and little bluestem (Schizachyrium
scoparium).
DISCUSSION: Dusted skippers were once
known from prairie openings and dry grasslands
in northwest Ohio, and a few colonies in
southeastern Ohio. It has not been seen in the
southeast for more than a decade and is now
known from only two small colonies in the Oak
Openings west of Toledo. Males rest on the
ground where the grasses have been matted
down. They will fly up in fast spiral-like flight and
then settle back down a short distance away.
Many males will join in this flight. They nectar
on various spring-blooming flowers like dwarf-
dandelion (Krigia virginica), cinquefoils (Potentilla
canadensis and P. simplex), and others. Only one
of the known colonies is protected. This species
may need state protection and records should
be reported to The Ohio Lepidopterists. This
medium size skipper, (wings 1 3/8 1 11/16
inches), can be separated from other skippers
by the white dot on the ventral hind wings near
the thorax and the large white markings on
the dorsal forewings of females. These white
forewing marks are greatly reduced in males.
The dusted skipper flies in late May and early
June.
DUSTED SKIPPER
At r y t o n o p s i s h i a n n a ( At - r y - t o - n o p - s i s h y - a n - a h )
WINGSPAN: 1.4- 1.7
OCCURRENCE:
This booklet is small enough to be carried
into the field. Onsite identification is always
better than trusting ones memory. Many
butterfly observers take photo-
graphs of the insect in the field to
further check identification later.
The advent of digital cameras
has greatly increased the ease
in which good photographs can
be taken. A method of butterfly
watching that is becoming very
popular involves the use of a pair
of close-focusing binoculars that
will focus sharply at a distance of six
feet or less. Joining groups with more ex-
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
We gratefully acknowledge the con-
tributions of the following individuals:
Leslie Angel, Tom Arbour, Tim Daniel,
Jim Davidson, Cheryl Harner, Bill Hull,
John Howard, Larry Jeanblanc, Dave
Lewis, Dave Parshall, Valerie Passoa, John
Pogacnik, John Watts, and Jeff Wolfinger.
We are indebted to staff of the Ohio
State University Museum of Biological
Diversity for allowing us to utilize the
collections. In addition, we thank the
Ohio Lepidopterists for their support.
OBSERV ATION
AND
IDENTIFICATION TIPS
perienced butterfly enthusiasts is an invaluable
strategy to improving your butterfly identifica-
tion skills. For instance, The Ohio Lepi-
dopterists has a butterfly observers
group that welcomes enthusiasts.
There is much we still do not
know about the butterflies
and skippers of Ohio. If you
feel that you have found a rare
Ohio butterfly or skipper, even
if it is not in this booklet, you
are encouraged to contact the
Ohio Division of Wildlife or The
Ohio Lepidopterists (www.OhioLepi-
dopterists.org).
Skippers have club-tipped antennae that
resemble little hooks. They also tend to be
duller-colored than butterflies, and have
stockier bodies.
While similar to the American lady, the painted
lady is strictly an immigrant, invading Ohio each
year from the south. Adults cannot withstand
our winters, and must recolonize northern areas
each year.
Butterflies, like this Northern metalmark, have
knob-tipped antennae, thinner, sleeker bodies
than skippers, and are usually more colorful and
ornately marked.
AESTIVATE A type of hibernation during
summer months.
APICULUS a bend at the end of the
antennae of many skippers.
BASKING a thermal regulating behavior
performed by opening or closing the wings
while resting.
BROOD A given generation. For instance,
some butterflies are single-brooded; i.e. have
but one hatch a year. Others might have two
or three broods, or different distinct hatches,
in a season.
CELL the elongated open wing area near
the costal margin of the forewing, and another
more centrally located on the hindwing.
COSTAL MARGIN the edge of the forewing
from the body to the wing apex or tip.
CHEVRON a field mark consisting of two
lines meeting to form a V shape on the
ventral hindwing, and pointing backwards.
CRYPTIC SPECIES a species that visually
blends into its environment.
DORSAL back, or top side.
EYE-SPOT a round mark with a dark or light
center.
FIELD MARKS structures or scales on the
wings or bodies of butterflies and skippers
which are important in species identification.
FOREWINGS the pair of wings that join the
thorax closest to the head.
GRAVID FEMALE a fertile female.
HILL-TOPPING Many species of butterflies
congregate at the highest points of land
available, probably to increase the likelihood of
male and female interactions.
HINDWING the pair of wings that join the
thorax closest to the abdomen.
HOST PLANT A specific species of plant
required for food by a butterfly larva.
HYBRIDIZE the mating of two different
species usually producing infertile offspring; e.g.
red-spotted purple x viceroy.
LABIAL PALPS the paired olfactory and
cleaning structure on the face of butterflies
and moths.
LARVAE the caterpillar stage of complete
metamorphosis.
LEADING MARGIN the apical curve of the
outer margin on the hindwing leading to the
base of the wing.
LEPIDOPTERA The order of insects that
includes butterflies and moths.
MEDIAL middle.
MIMICRY when one species gains protection
by looking like (mimicking) another often
distasteful species (model).
MINERAL SALTS dissolved organic salts
taken in by males while puddling and
transferred to females during mating.
MOTTLING a variegated wing pattern often
like that of wood grain, often creating a
splotchy appearance.
OSMETERIUM A fleshy organ, normally
hidden, attached to the heads of caterpillars
in the swallowtail family. It is often thrust out
when the caterpillar is threatened, and expels
foul-smelling secretions.
OUTER MARGIN the edge of the wings
farthest from the butterfly body.
PHEROMONE a specialized chemical
released by insects to aid in mate location.
PROBOSCIS a paired-tube on the head of
butterflies used to siphon nutrients; a tongue,
essentially.
PUDDLE CLUB Gatherings of many
butterflies at attractive sources of minerals,
usually damp spots, mud puddles and the like.
STIGMA specialized scales on the male
forewing and the source of male pheremones.
THORAX chest or middle body region,
where legs and wings attach.
VENTRAL underside.
WRIST CHAIN a series of brown dots that
line up much like the beads of a necklace.
GLOSSARY OF TERMS USED IN THIS BOOKLET
7 5
AULLWOOD AUDUBON CENTER & FARM
1000 Aullwood Rd. Dayton, OH 45414
937-890-2382
http://aullwood.center.audubon.org
BEAVER CREEK WETLANDS ASSOCI ATI ON
P.O. Box 42 Alpha, OH 45301
937-320-9042
www.beavercreekwetlands.org
CI NCI NNATI MUSEUM CENTER
1301 Western Avenue Cincinnati, OH 45203
513-287-7000
www.cincymuseum.org
CUYAHOGA VALLEY NATI ONAL PARK
15610VaughnRoad Brecksville, OH 44141
216-24-1497
www.nps.gov/cuva
DARKE COUNTY PARK DI STRI CT
P.O. Box 801 4267 State Route 502
Greenville, OH 45331
937-548-0165
www.darkecountyparks.org
FRANKLI N COUNTY METROPARKS
1069 W. Main Street Westerville, OH 43081
614-891-0700
www.metroparks.net
HAMI LTON COUNTY PARK DI STRI CT
10245 Winton Road Cincinnati, OH 45231
513-521-7275
www.hamiltoncountyparks.org
LAKE METROPARKS
11211 Spear Road Concord Twp., OH 44077
440-39-7275
www.lakemetroparks.com
LORAI N COUNTY METROPARKS
12882 Diagonal Road LaGrange, OH 44050
1-800-LCM-PARK
www.loraincountymetroparks.com
METROPARKS OF THE TOLEDO AREA
5100 W. Central Avenue Toledo, OH 43615-2100
419-407-9700
www.metroparkstoledo.com
OHI O HI STORI CAL SOCI ETY
1982 Velma Ave. Columbus, OH 43211
614-297-2300
www.ohiohistory.org
OTTAWA NATI ONAL WI LDLI FE REFUGE
14000 West State Rte. 2
Oak Harbor, OH 43449
419-898-0014
www.fws.gov/Midwest/Ottawa
THE NATURE CONSERVANCY, OHIO CHAPTER
6375 Riverside Drive, Suite 50 Dublin, OH 43017
614-717-2770
www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/
states/ohio/preserves/
THE OHI O LEPI DOPTERI STS
274 Westview Ave. Columbus, OH 43214-1428
www.ohiolepidopterists.org
THE WI LDS
14000 International Road Cumberland, OH 43732
740-638-5030
www.thewilds.org
ORGANIZATION CONTACT INFORMATION
OHI O DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
DI VI SI ON OF FORESTRY
2045 Morse Rd., H-1 Columbus, OH 43229
614-265-6694
www.dnr.state.oh.us/forestry
DIVISION OF NATURAL AREAS & PRESERVES
2045 Morse Rd., F-1 Columbus, OH 43229
614-265-6453
www.dnr.state.oh.us/dnap
DI VI SI ON OF PARKS AND RECREATI ON
2045 Morse Rd., C-2 Columbus, OH 43229
614-265-6561
www.dnr.state.oh.us/parks
DI VI SI ON OF WI LDLI FE
2045 Morse Rd., G-3 Columbus, OH 43229
614-265-6300
www.wildohio.com
Listed below are fifty-three sites scattered throughout Ohio that are sure to produce lots
of interesting butterflies in season. Nearly any park, meadow, woodland, or wetland can
produce opportunities to see butterflies.
BUTTERFLY HOTSPOTS IN OHIO
SUGGESTED
REFERENCES
Glassberg, Jeffrey. 1999.
Butterflies Through
Binoculars, the East. Oxford
University Press, NY.
Daniels, Jaret C. 2004.
Butterflies of Ohio.
Adventure Press, Cambridge, Mn.
Itner, David C., John A. Shuey,
& John V. Calhoun. 1992.
Butterflies and Skippers
of Ohio. Ohio Biological Survey,
Columbus, OH.
Kaufman, Kenn, & Jim P. Brock.
2003. Kaufman Field
Guide to Butterflies of
North America. Houghton
Mifflin Company, NY.
Mitchell, Robert T., & Herbert
S. Zim. 1987. A Golden
Guide: Butterflies and
Moths (Revised edition).
Golden Press, NY.
Opler, Paul A. 1998. A
Field Guide to Eastern
Butterflies. Peterson Field
Guide Series, Houghton
Mifflin Company, NY.
28
33
22
26
34
32
37
39
29
46
25
17
20
4
45
2
3
5
31
44
18
10
12
43
36
7
19
24
23
2
52
51
48
38
9
35
13
16
Scott, James A. 1986. The
Butterflies of North
America. Stanford University
Press, Stanford, Ca.
Wagner, David L. 2005.
Caterpillars of Eastern
North America. Princeton
University Press, Princeton, NJ
1. AULLWOOD AUDUBON CENTER & FARM
2. BEAVER CREEK STATE PARK
3. BEAVER CREEK WETLANDS
4. CAESAR CREEK STATE PARK
5. CEDAR BOG STATE MEMORIAL ohio historical society
6. CHAPARRAL PRAIRIE STATE NATURE PRESERVE
7. CLEAR CREEK VALLEY METROPARK franklin county metroparks
8. CROWN CITY WILDLIFE AREA
9. CUYAHOGA VALLEY NATIONAL PARK
10. DARBY CREEK METROPARK franklin county metroparks
11. DEAN STATE FOREST
12. DEER CREEK WILDLIFE AREA
13. EAGLE CREEK STATE NATURE PRESERVE
14. EDGE OF APPALACHIA PRESERVE the nature conservancy/cincy museum cntr
15. FORT HILL STATE MEMORIAL ohio historical society
16. GRAND RIVER WILDLIFE AREA
17. GREENVILLE FALLS STATE NATURE PRESERVE
18. HIGHBANKS METROPARK franklin county metroparks
19. HOCKING STATE FOREST
20. HUESTON WOODS STATE PARK
21. INDIAN CREEK WILDLIFE AREA
22. IRWIN PRAIRIE STATE NATURE PRESERVE
23. JACKSON BOG STATE NATURE PRESERVE
24. KILLBUCK MARSH WILDLIFE AREA
25. KILLDEER PLAINS WILDLIFE AREA
26. KITTY TODD PRESERVE the nature conservancy
27. LAKE KATHARINE STATE NATURE PRESERVE
28. LAKE LA SU AN WILDLIFE AREA
29. LAWRENCE WOODS STATE NATURE PRESERVE
30. MIAMI WHITEWATER FOREST METROPARK hamilton county park district
31. MILFORD CENTER PRAIRIE STATE NATURE PRESERVE
32. MOHICAN STATE FOREST
33. OAK OPENINGS METROPARK metroparks of the toledo area
34. OTTAWA NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
35. PENITENTIARY GLEN RESERVATION lake metroparks
36. PICKERINGTON PONDS METROPARK franklin county metroparks
37. RESTHAVEN WILDLIFE AREA
38. SALT FORK STATE PARK
39. SANDY RIDGE RESERVATION lorain county metroparks
40. SCIOTO TRAIL STATE FOREST
41. SHAWNEE PRAIRIE PRESERVEdarke county park district
42. SHAWNEE STATE FOREST
43. SLATE RUN METROPARK franklin county metroparks
44. SMITH CEMETERY STATE NATURE PRESERVE
45. SPRING VALLEY WILDLIFE AREA
46. SPRINGVILLE MARSH STATE NATURE PRESERVE
47. TAR HOLLOW STATE FOREST
48. THE WILDS
49. TRANQUILITY WILDLIFE AREA
50. WATERLOO WILDLIFE AREA
51. WOLF RUN STATE PARK
52. WOODBURY WILDLIFE AREA
53. ZALESKI STATE FOREST
7 7
30
21
14
6
49
15
42
40
47
53
27
11
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7

Common Butterflies and Skippers of Ohio Field Guide

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What are some of the butterfly species covered in the booklet?

What information is provided for each butterfly species?

The popularity of butterflies (order Lepidop-

tera) is booming. This is not at all surprising.

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