30 Butterfly Species in Alaska

Alaska is a vast and diverse land, and its butterfly population is no exception. There are approximately 30 butterfly species in Alaska, each with unique characteristics and habits.

These butterflies have adapted to the state’s cold climate and short growing season, making them fascinating to observe.

With stunning colors and intricate patterns, Alaska’s butterfly species are a sight to behold. In this article, I will introduce you to each of these 30 butterfly species and share fascinating information about their habitat, appearance, diet, and more.

Northern Blue (Plebejus idas)

The Northern Blue is a small butterfly species found throughout Alaska’s interior region.

• Habitat: They can be found in open areas with bare patches of ground, along roadsides, in meadows, and in alpine tundra.
• Appearance: The Northern Blue has a distinct blue coloration on its upper wings, with white fringes and black spots around the edges. Its underside is pale grey with small black dots and a white border.
• Size: This species is small, with a wingspan of only 20-25 mm (0.8-1 in).
• Diet: The Northern Blue feeds on flower nectar, especially lupines and vetches.
• Reproduction: Females lay their eggs on lupine and vetch plants, which serve as the larval host plants. The larvae feed on leaves and flowers of the plants before pupating.
• Lifespan: The Northern Blue has a relatively short lifespan, typically living only 2-3 weeks as an adult butterfly.
• Host Plants: The Northern Blue’s larval host plants include lupine (Lupinus spp.) and vetch (Vicia spp.).

Western Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio rutulus)

The Western Tiger Swallowtail is one of the largest butterfly species found in Alaska, with a wingspan of up to 9 cm (3.5 in).

• Habitat: They are commonly found near rivers and streams, in moist forests, and in alpine tundra habitats.
• Appearance: The Western Tiger Swallowtail has striking yellow and black wings, with black stripes and blue and orange. The female is larger than the male and may have a different color pattern.
• Size: This species is one of the largest butterfly species found in Alaska, with a wingspan of up to 9 cm (3.5 in).
• Diet: The Western Tiger Swallowtail feeds on flower nectar from a variety of plants, such as wildflowers, thistles, and milkweed.
• Reproduction: Females lay their eggs on the leaves of host plants, such as cottonwood and willow. The larvae feed on these leaves before pupating.
• Lifespan: The Western Tiger Swallowtail typically lives for about a month.
• Host Plants: Host plants of the Western Tiger Swallowtail include cottonwood (Populus spp.) and willow (Salix spp.).

Arctic Fritillary (Boloria chariclea)

The Arctic Fritillary is a small butterfly species found in the northern regions of Alaska.

• Habitat: They can be found in damp meadows, tundra areas, and near streams and rivers.
• Appearance: The Arctic Fritillary has bright orange-brown wings with black spots and dashes. The underside of their wings is pale grey with small black dots and a wavy white line.
• Size: This species is small, with a wingspan of only 25-30 mm (1-1.2 in).
• Diet: Arctic Fritillaries feed on flower nectar, especially from fireweed and asters.
• Reproduction: Females lay their eggs on the leaves of host plants, such as bistort and saxifrages. The larvae feed on these leaves before pupating.
• Lifespan: The Arctic Fritillary typically lives for about a month.
• Host Plants: Host plants of the Arctic Fritillary include bistort (Polygonum spp.) and saxifrages (Saxifraga spp.).

Palaeno Sulphur (Colias palaeno)

The Palaeno Sulphur is a small butterfly species found in Alaska’s coastal regions.

• Habitat: They can be found in open meadows, bogs, and along the edges of forests near the coast.
• Appearance: The Palaeno Sulphur has bright yellow wings with black spots and a small black border around the edges. The male has more extensive black markings on its wings than the female.
• Size: This species is small, with a wingspan of only 25-30 mm (1-1.2 in).
• Diet: Palaeno Sulphurs feed on flower nectar from a variety of flowering plants, such as asters and clover.
• Reproduction: Females lay their eggs on the leaves of host plants, such as clover. The larvae feed on these leaves before pupating.
• Lifespan: The Palaeno Sulphur typically lives for about a month.
• Host Plants: Host plants of the Palaeno Sulphur include clover (Trifolium spp.).

Chryxus Arctic (Oeneis chryxus)

The Chryxus Arctic is a medium-sized butterfly species found in Alaska’s boreal forest.

• Habitat: They can be found in forested areas, particularly in the understory.
• Appearance: The Chryxus Arctic has dark orange-brown wings with black and yellow spots. The underside of their wings is grey-brown with a white and brown pattern.
• Size: This species is medium-sized, with a wingspan of 35-50 mm (1.4-2 in).
• Diet: Chryxus Arctics feed on flower nectar, particularly from aster flowers.
• Reproduction: Females lay their eggs on the leaves of host plants, such as willow and birch. The larvae feed on these leaves before pupating.
• Lifespan: The Chryxus Arctic typically lives for about a month.
• Host Plants: Host plants of the Chryxus Arctic include willow (Salix spp.) and birch (Betula spp.).

Taiga Alpine (Erebia mancinus)

The Taiga Alpine is a small butterfly species found in Alaska’s northern and interior regions.

• Habitat: They can be found in alpine tundra, bogs, and forested areas in the mountains.
• Appearance: The Taiga Alpine has dark brown wings with orange and white spots. The underside of their wings is grey-brown with a white and brown pattern.
• Size: This species is small, with a wingspan of only 25-30 mm (1-1.2 in).
• Diet: Taiga Alpines feed on flower nectar from a variety of plants, such as heather and harebells.
• Reproduction: Females lay their eggs on the leaves of host plants, such as sedges and grasses. The larvae feed on these leaves before pupating.
• Lifespan: The Taiga Alpine typically lives for about a month.
• Host Plants: Host plants of the Taiga Alpine include sedges (Carex spp.) and grasses (Poaceae spp.).

Polixenes Arctic (Oeneis polixenes)

The Polixenes Arctic is a medium-sized butterfly species found in Alaska’s boreal and subarctic regions.

• Habitat: They can be found in forested areas, particularly in the understory.
• Appearance: The Polixenes Arctic has dark brown wings with a white stripe and orange spots. The underside of their wings is grey-brown with a white and brown pattern.
• Size: This species is medium-sized, with a wingspan of 35-50 mm (1.4-2 in).
• Diet: Polixenes Arctics feed on flower nectar, particularly from fireweed flowers.
• Reproduction: Females lay their eggs on the leaves of host plants, such as willow and birch. The larvae feed on these leaves before pupating.
• Lifespan: The Polixenes Arctic typically lives for about a month.
• Host Plants: Host plants of the Polixenes Arctic include willow (Salix spp.) and birch (Betula spp.).

Jutta Arctic (Oeneis jutta)

The Jutta Arctic is a medium-sized butterfly species found in Alaska’s boreal and subarctic regions.

• Habitat: They can be found in forested areas, particularly in the understory.
• Appearance: The Jutta Arctic has dark brown wings with a white stripe and orange spots. The underside of their wings is grey-brown with a white and brown pattern, similar to the Polixenes Arctic.
• Size: This species is medium-sized, with a wingspan of 35-50 mm (1.4-2 in).
• Diet: Jutta Arctics feed on flower nectar, particularly from fireweed flowers.
• Reproduction: Females lay their eggs on the leaves of host plants, such as willow and birch. The larvae feed on these leaves before pupating.
• Lifespan: The Jutta Arctic typically lives for about a month.
• Host Plants: Host plants of the Jutta Arctic include willow (Salix spp.) and birch (Betula spp.).

Greenish Blue (Plebejus saepiolus)

The Greenish Blue is a small butterfly species found throughout Alaska’s interior and coastal regions.

• Habitat: They can be found in open areas, such as meadows, alpine tundra, and along roadsides.
• Appearance: The Greenish Blue has iridescent green-blue upper wings, with white fringes and black spots around the edges. Its underside is pale grey with small black dots and a white border.
• Size: This species is small, with a wingspan of only 20-25 mm (0.8-1 in).
• Diet: Greenish Blues feed on flower nectar, especially from lupine and vetches.
• Reproduction: Females lay their eggs on lupine and vetch plants, which serve as the larval host plants. The larvae feed on leaves and flowers of the plants before pupating.
• Lifespan: The Greenish Blue has a relatively short lifespan, typically living only 2-3 weeks as an adult butterfly.
• Host Plants: The Greenish Blue’s larval host plants include lupine (Lupinus spp.) and vetch (Vicia spp.).

Boisduval’s Blue (Plebejus icarioides)

Boisduval’s Blue is a small butterfly species found throughout Alaska’s coastal and interior regions.

• Habitat: They can be found in a wide variety of habitats, including meadows, open forest, and rocky slopes.
• Appearance: Boisduval’s Blue has bright blue upper wings with white fringes and black spots around the edges. Its underside is pale grey with small black dots and a white border.
• Size: This species is small, with a wingspan of only 20-25 mm (0.8-1 in).
• Diet: Boisduval’s Blues feed on flower nectar, especially from lupine and clover.
• Reproduction: Females lay their eggs on clover and other related plants, which serve as the larval host plants. The larvae feed on leaves and flowers of the plants before pupating.
• Lifespan: Boisduval’s Blue has a relatively short lifespan, typically living only 2-3 weeks as an adult butterfly.
• Host Plants: Boisduval’s Blue’s larval host plants include clover (Trifolium spp.) and other related plants.

Mormon Fritillary (Boloria mormonia)

The Mormon Fritillary butterfly (Boloria mormonia) is a common species found in Alaska.

• Habitat: The Mormon Fritillary butterfly can be found throughout Alaska and in other parts of North America, including Canada and the United States.
• Appearance: This species of butterfly has a striking orange and black wing pattern, with a mixture of spots and bands on their wings. Their wingspan can range anywhere from 38-50mm.
• Size: They typically have a wingspan of 38-50mm.
• Diet: The larvae feed on a variety of host plants, including violets and berries. The adults feed on nectar from flowers such as milkweed, thistles, and asters.
• Reproduction: The females lay their eggs on host plants, and the larvae will later hatch and feed on the leaves of the plant before forming a chrysalis.
• Lifespan: The lifespan of a Mormon Fritillary butterfly can range from a few weeks to a few months depending on various factors such as temperature and food availability.
• Host Plants: The larvae of the Mormon Fritillary butterfly feed on various species of violets and berries, including the bog blueberry and dwarf bilberry.

The Mormon Fritillary butterfly is a beautiful and unique species found in Alaska. It can be easily distinguished from other species by its striking orange and black wing pattern.

This butterfly can be found in a variety of habitats throughout Alaska and is commonly found feeding on the nectar of milkweed, thistles, and asters.

Tundra Ringlet (Erebia disa)

The Tundra Ringlet butterfly (Erebia disa) is a small butterfly that is native to the Arctic region of Alaska.

• Habitat: The Tundra Ringlet butterfly can be found in Arctic alpine tundra habitats throughout Alaska.
• Appearance: This species of butterfly has a dark brown color with small yellow spots on its wings. It has a wingspan of 32-38mm and is one of the smallest species of butterfly found in Alaska.
• Size: It has a wingspan of 32-38mm, making it one of the smallest species of butterfly found in Alaska.
• Diet: The caterpillars of the Tundra Ringlet butterfly feed on sedges and grasses while the adults feed on nectar from various flowering plants such as dwarf fireweed and Dryas octopetala.
• Reproduction: The females lay their eggs on the undersides of leaves of host plants and the larvae will later hatch and feed on the leaves before forming a chrysalis.
• Lifespan: The lifespan of Tundra Ringlet butterfly can range from a few weeks to a few months depending on various factors such as temperature and food availability.
• Host Plants: The caterpillars of the Tundra Ringlet butterfly feed on various species of sedges and grasses including Carex bigelowii, Carex lachenalii, Carex aquatilis, and Poa alpina.

The Tundra Ringlet butterfly is a small but unique species found in Alaska.

Its dark brown color with yellow spots is easy to spot in the Arctic alpine tundra habitats.

Although small in size, this butterfly plays a vital role in the ecosystem as a pollinator and provides a food source for various predators.

Western White (Pontia occidentalis)

The Western White butterfly (Pontia occidentalis) is a common species found in Alaska and other parts of North America.

• Habitat: The Western White butterfly can be found in a variety of habitats throughout Alaska, including mountain meadows, sagebrush, and wetlands.
• Appearance: This species of butterfly is predominantly white with black markings on its wings. It has a wingspan of 40-60mm.
• Size: It has a wingspan of 40-60mm.
• Diet: The larvae of the Western White butterfly feed on various species of mustard plants while the adults feed on nectar from various flowering plants such as thistles, milkweed, and clover.
• Reproduction: The females lay their eggs on the undersides of leaves of host plants, and the larvae will later hatch and feed on the leaves before forming a chrysalis.
• Lifespan: The lifespan of the Western White butterfly can range from a few weeks to a few months depending on various factors such as temperature and food availability.
• Host Plants: The larvae of the Western White butterfly feed on various species of mustard plants, including rockcress, tansy mustard, and hoary cress.

The Western White butterfly is a beautiful and common species found in Alaska. Its predominantly white color with black markings on its wings makes it easy to spot.

This butterfly can be found in a variety of habitats throughout Alaska and is commonly found feeding on the nectar of thistles, milkweed, and clover.

The Western White butterfly plays an important role in the ecosystem as a pollinator and provides a food source for various predators.

Arctic White (Pieris angelika)

The Arctic White butterfly (Pieris angelika) is a unique species found in Alaska and other regions of the Arctic.

• Habitat: The Arctic White butterfly can be found in alpine and Arctic tundra habitats throughout Alaska.
• Appearance: This species of butterfly has a white color with black markings on its wings, and a wingspan of 39-54mm.
• Size: It has a wingspan of 39-54mm.
• Diet: The larvae of the Arctic White butterfly feed on various species of plants in the mustard family, such as rockcress, while the adults feed on nectar from various flowering plants such as willows and Arctic poppies.
• Reproduction: The females lay their eggs on the undersides of leaves of host plants, and the larvae will later hatch and feed on the leaves before forming a chrysalis.
• Lifespan: The lifespan of the Arctic White butterfly can range from a few weeks to a few months depending on various factors such as temperature and food availability.
• Host Plants: The larvae of the Arctic White butterfly feed on various species of plants in the mustard family, including rockcress.

The Arctic White butterfly is a beautiful species found in Alaska and other parts of the Arctic. Its white color with black markings on its wings makes it stand out amongst other species.

This butterfly can be found in alpine and Arctic tundra habitats, commonly feeding on the nectar of willows and Arctic poppies.

The Arctic White butterfly, like other butterflies, plays a vital role in the ecosystem as a pollinator and provides a food source for various predators.

However, due to the depletion of host plant species, the population of this butterfly is at risk of decline.

Edith’s Copper (Lycaena editha)

Edith’s Copper butterfly (Lycaena editha) is a small and colorful butterfly species that is native to North America, including Alaska.

• Habitat: The Edith’s Copper butterfly can be found in a variety of habitats, including mountain meadows, alpine tundra, and sagebrush steppe.
• Appearance: This species of butterfly has a orange-brown color with black spots on its wings. Its wingspan ranges from 20-32mm, making it one of the smallest species of butterfly found in Alaska.
• Size: It has a wingspan of 20-32mm, making it one of the smallest species of butterfly found in Alaska.
• Diet: The larvae of the Edith’s Copper butterfly feed on various species of plants in the legume family, such as clover and lupine, while the adults feed on nectar from various flowering plants such as thistles and daisies.
• Reproduction: The females lay their eggs on the undersides of leaves of host plants, and the larvae will later hatch and feed on the leaves before forming a chrysalis.
• Lifespan: The lifespan of Edith’s Copper butterfly can range from a few weeks to a few months depending on various factors such as temperature and food availability.
• Host Plants: The larvae of the Edith’s Copper butterfly feed on various species of plants in the legume family, including clover and lupine.

Edith’s Copper butterfly is a small but colorful species found in Alaska. Its orange-brown color with black spots on its wings make it easy to spot in its habitat.

This butterfly can be found in a variety of habitats, commonly feeding on the nectar of thistles and daisies.

Although small in size, Edith’s Copper butterfly plays an important role in the ecosystem as a pollinator and provides a food source for various predators.

However, like many butterfly species, this species is susceptible to habitat destruction and population decline due to factors such as climate change and human activities.

Dorcas Copper (Lycaena dorcas)

Dorcas Copper butterfly (Lycaena dorcas) is a small butterfly species found in North America, including Alaska.

• Habitat: The Dorcas Copper butterfly can be found in a variety of habitats throughout Alaska; it particularly favors damp meadows, mountain meadows, and streamside areas.
• Appearance: This species of butterfly has bright orange and tan coloring on its wings with black spots and a wingspan of 20-27mm.
• Size: It has a wingspan of 20-27mm, making it one of the smallest species of butterfly found in Alaska.
• Diet: The larvae of the Dorcas Copper butterfly feed on various species of plants in the buckwheat family, such as dock and sorrel, while the adults feed on nectar from various flowering plants such as clover and thistles.
• Reproduction: The females lay their eggs on the undersides of leaves of host plants, and the larvae will later hatch and feed on the leaves before forming a chrysalis.
• Lifespan: The lifespan of Dorcas Copper butterfly can range from a few weeks to a few months depending on various factors such as temperature and food availability.
• Host Plants: The larvae of the Dorcas Copper butterfly feed on various species of plants in the buckwheat family, including dock and sorrel.

The Dorcas Copper butterfly is a beautiful and small species found in Alaska. Its bright orange and tan coloring on its wings with black spots is unique amongst other species.

The Dorcas Copper butterfly can be found in a variety of habitats throughout Alaska, commonly feeding on the nectar of clover and thistles.

Despite its small size, the Dorcas Copper butterfly plays an important role in the ecosystem as a pollinator and provides a food source for various predators.

However, like many butterfly species, the habitat destruction of its host plants and shrinking habitat ranges due to climate change threaten the future of this species.

Meadow Fritillary (Boloria bellona)

The Meadow Fritillary butterfly (Boloria bellona) is a species of butterfly found in Alaska and other parts of North America.

• Habitat: The Meadow Fritillary butterfly can be found in meadows, forest edges, and wetlands throughout Alaska.
• Appearance: This species of butterfly has a reddish-brown color with black markings on its wings. It has a wingspan of 35-52mm.
• Size: It has a wingspan of 35-52mm.
• Diet: The larvae of the Meadow Fritillary butterfly feed on various species of violets while the adults feed on nectar from various flowering plants such as thistles, milkweed, and asters.
• Reproduction: The females lay their eggs on the undersides of leaves of host plants, and the larvae will later hatch and feed on the leaves before forming a chrysalis.
• Lifespan: The lifespan of Meadow Fritillary butterfly can range from a few weeks to a few months depending on various factors such as temperature and food availability.
• Host Plants: The larvae of the Meadow Fritillary butterfly feed on various species of violets, such as northern bog violet and Labrador violet.

The Meadow Fritillary butterfly is a beautiful species found in Alaska. Its reddish-brown color with black markings on its wings is unique among other butterfly species.

This butterfly can be found in meadows, forest edges, and wetlands throughout Alaska and is commonly found feeding on the nectar of thistles, milkweed, and asters.

The Meadow Fritillary butterfly, like other species of butterflies, plays a vital role in the ecosystem as a pollinator and provides a food source for various predators.

However, the depletion of host plant species is a major threat to the survival of this species, which emphasizes the importance of preservation and conservation programs for the preservation of the butterfly population in the wild.

Hydaspe Fritillary (Speyeria hydaspe)

The Hydaspe Fritillary (Speyeria hydaspe) is a beautiful butterfly species found in Alaska.

• Habitat: This species is found in moist mountain meadows and tundra habitats in Alaska.
• Appearance: The upper side of the wings is orange-brown with black markings, while the underside is brown with tan and silver markings. The wingspan can range from 2.25-3.5 inches.
• Size: The wingspan can range from 2.25-3.5 inches.
• Diet: The caterpillars feed on violets, and the adults feed on flower nectar, including from lupine, thistles and fireweed.
• Reproduction: Females lay eggs in mid-July and caterpillars hatch a few weeks later. Adult butterflies emerge the following spring or summer.
• Lifespan: Adult butterflies live for several weeks, while the caterpillar stage can last several months.
• Host Plants: The main host plant for the Hydaspe Fritillary is the Viola epipsila.

The Hydaspe Fritillary is a beautiful butterfly species with unique coloration and a preference for moist mountain and tundra habitats.

Its caterpillars feed on violets, while the adults feed on flower nectar from plants like lupine, thistles and fireweed.

This species has a relatively long lifespan, with caterpillars lasting several months and adults living for several weeks.

Arctic Skipper (Carterocephalus palaemon)

Another butterfly species found in Alaska is the Arctic Skipper (Carterocephalus palaemon).

• Habitat: This species is found in cold tundra and alpine environments, often flying close to the ground in open areas.
• Appearance: The wings of the Arctic Skipper are a dark brown with small white spots, and the undersides of the wings are orange-brown with darker markings. The wingspan ranges from 0.8-1.2 inches.
• Size: The wingspan ranges from 0.8-1.2 inches.
• Diet: The caterpillars feed on sedges and grasses, while the adults feed on flower nectar from plants like willows and cow parsnip.
• Reproduction: Females lay eggs on the underside of leaves, and the caterpillars hatch a few days later. Adult butterflies emerge in late June or early July.
• Lifespan: The adult lifespan is short, lasting only a few days.
• Host Plants: grasses such as purple reedgrass, wild iris, Jacob’s ladder.

The Arctic Skipper is a small butterfly species found in Alaskan tundra and alpine environments, often flying close to the ground in open areas.

While the caterpillars feed on sedges and grasses, the adults feed on flower nectar from plants like willows and cow parsnip.

This species has a relatively short lifespan, with adults living for only a few days.

Two-banded Checkered Skipper (Pyrgus ruralis)

The Two-banded Checkered Skipper (Pyrgus ruralis) is a butterfly species found in Alaska.

• Habitat: This species is found in open grassy areas, often near streams or rivers in Alaska.
• Appearance: The wings of the Two-banded Checkered Skipper are brown-black with white bands and small white spots. The wingspan ranges from 1-1.2 inches.
• Size: The wingspan ranges from 1-1.2 inches.
• Diet: The caterpillars feed on plants in the mallow family, while the adults feed on flower nectar from plants like thistle and clover.
• Reproduction: Females lay eggs on the underside of leaves, and the caterpillars hatch a few days later. Adult butterflies emerge in mid-July.
• Lifespan: The adult lifespan is relatively short, lasting only a few weeks.
• Host Plants: rose family, clover, thistle.

The Two-banded Checkered Skipper is a butterfly species found in open grassy areas, often near streams or rivers in Alaska.

While the caterpillars feed on plants in the mallow family, the adults feed on flower nectar from plants like thistle and clover.

This species has a relatively short lifespan, with adults living for only a few weeks.

Northern Cloudywing (Thorybes pylades)

The Northern Cloudywing (Thorybes pylades) is another butterfly species found in Alaska.

• Habitat: This species is found in boreal and subalpine forests, often near streams or wetlands in Alaska.
• Appearance: The wings of the Northern Cloudywing are brown with distinct white spots and a white band on each wing. The wingspan ranges from 1.25-1.75 inches.
• Size: The wingspan ranges from 1.25-1.75 inches.
• Diet: The caterpillars feed on oak and hazelnut leaves, while the adults feed on flower nectar from plants like willows and fireweed.
• Reproduction: Females lay eggs on the underside of leaves of host plants, and the caterpillars hatch a few days later. Adult butterflies emerge in mid-July.
• Lifespan: The adult lifespan is relatively short, lasting only a few weeks.
• Host Plants: oak tree, hazelnut tree, willow, fireweed.

The Northern Cloudywing is a butterfly species found in boreal and subalpine forests, often near streams or wetlands in Alaska.

While the caterpillars feed on oak and hazelnut leaves, the adults feed on flower nectar from plants like willows and fireweed.

This species has a relatively short lifespan, with adults living for only a few weeks.

Common Ringlet (Coenonympha tullia)

The Common Ringlet (Coenonympha tullia) is a butterfly species found in Alaska.

• Habitat: This species is found in wet meadows, bogs, and other moist habitats in Alaska.
• Appearance: The wings of the Common Ringlet are brown with small white spots, and a distinctive ring-shaped spot on the underside of the hindwing. The wingspan ranges from 1.5-2 inches.
• Size: The wingspan ranges from 1.5-2 inches.
• Diet: The caterpillars feed on grasses, while the adults feed on flower nectar from plants like fireweed and thistle.
• Reproduction: Females lay eggs in late July or August, and the caterpillars hatch a few weeks later. Adult butterflies emerge the following spring or summer.
• Lifespan: The adult lifespan is relatively short, lasting only a few weeks.
• Host Plants: grasses, fireweed, thistle.

The Common Ringlet is a butterfly species found in wet meadows, bogs, and other moist habitats in Alaska.

While the caterpillars feed on grasses, the adults feed on flower nectar from plants like fireweed and thistle. This species has a relatively short lifespan, with adults living for only a few weeks.

The distinctive ring-shaped spot on the underside of the hindwing is a notable characteristic of this species.

Common Alpine (Erebia epipsodea)

The Common Alpine (Erebia epipsodea) is a butterfly species found in Alaska.

• Habitat: This species is found in alpine areas with rocky outcrops and sparse vegetation in Alaska.
• Appearance: The wings of the Common Alpine are dark brown with orange patches and white spots. The wingspan ranges from 1.6-2.3 inches.
• Size: The wingspan ranges from 1.6-2.3 inches.
• Diet: The caterpillars feed on grasses, while the adults feed on flower nectar from plants like thistle and fireweed.
• Reproduction: Females lay eggs on rocks, and the caterpillars hatch a few weeks later. Adult butterflies emerge in mid-June or early July.
• Lifespan: The adult lifespan is relatively short, lasting only a few weeks.
• Host Plants: different grasses, fireweed, thistle.

The Common Alpine is a butterfly species found in alpine areas with rocky outcrops and sparse vegetation in Alaska.

While the caterpillars feed on grasses, the adults feed on flower nectar from plants like thistle and fireweed. This species has a relatively short lifespan, with adults living for only a few weeks.

The contrasting dark brown wings with orange patches and white spots make this species easy to recognize.

Early Arctic (Oeneis tanana)

The Early Arctic (Oeneis tanana) is another butterfly species found in Alaska.

• Habitat: This species is found in taiga forests and tundra habitats in Alaska.
• Appearance: The wings of the Early Arctic are a dark reddish-brown with lighter orange-brown patches. The wingspan ranges from 1.75-2.5 inches.
• Size: The wingspan ranges from 1.75-2.5 inches.
• Diet: The caterpillars feed on grasses, while the adults feed on flower nectar from plants like thistle and fireweed.
• Reproduction: Females lay eggs on the ground, and the caterpillars hatch a few weeks later. Adult butterflies emerge in late May or early June.
• Lifespan: The adult lifespan is relatively short, lasting only a few weeks.
• Host Plants: fireweed, grasses.

The Early Arctic is a butterfly species found in taiga forests and tundra habitats in Alaska. While the caterpillars feed on grasses, the adults feed on flower nectar from plants like thistle and fireweed.

This species has a relatively short lifespan, with adults living for only a few weeks. The striking dark reddish-brown wings with lighter orange-brown patches make this species easy to identify.

Relict Fritillary (Boloria kriemhild)

The Relict Fritillary (Boloria kriemhild) is a butterfly species found in Alaska.

• Habitat: This species is found in alpine and subalpine meadows and rocky areas in Alaska.
• Appearance: The wings of the Relict Fritillary are orange-brown with black markings and a few white spots. The hindwing has a row of black circles around a white center. The wingspan ranges from 1.25-2.25 inches.
• Size: The wingspan ranges from 1.25-2.25 inches.
• Diet: The caterpillars feed on violets, while the adults feed on flower nectar from plants like fireweed and lupine.
• Reproduction: Females lay eggs in mid-June, and the caterpillars hatch a few days later. Adult butterflies emerge in late June or early July.
• Lifespan: The adult lifespan is relatively short, lasting only a few weeks.
• Host Plants: lupine, fireweed, violets.

The Relict Fritillary is a butterfly species found in alpine and subalpine meadows and rocky areas in Alaska.

While the caterpillars feed on violets, the adults feed on flower nectar from plants like fireweed and lupine. This species has a relatively short lifespan, with adults living for only a few weeks.

The distinctive row of black circles around a white center on the hindwing makes this species easy to recognize.

Uhler’s Arctic (Oeneis uhleri)

Uhler’s Arctic (Oeneis uhleri) is a butterfly species found in Alaska.

• Habitat: This species is found in taiga forests and tundra habitats in Alaska.
• Appearance: The wings of the Uhler’s Arctic butterfly are a dark brown with lighter orange-brown patches and white spots. The wingspan ranges from 2-2.5 inches.
• Size: The wingspan ranges from 2-2.5 inches.
• Diet: The caterpillars feed on grasses, while the adults feed on flower nectar from plants like thistle and fireweed.
• Reproduction: Females lay eggs on the ground, and the caterpillars hatch a few weeks later. Adult butterflies emerge in late May or early June.
• Lifespan: The adult lifespan is relatively short, lasting only a few weeks.
• Host Plants: fireweed, thistle.

Uhler’s Arctic is a butterfly species found in taiga forests and tundra habitats in Alaska. While the caterpillars feed on grasses, the adults feed on flower nectar from plants like thistle and fireweed.

This species has a relatively short lifespan, with adults living for only a few weeks. The dark brown wings with lighter orange-brown patches and white spots make this species easy to recognize.

Clouded Sulphur (Colias philodice)

The Clouded Sulphur is a common butterfly species found in Alaska, and it is part of the Pieridae family.

• Habitat: They can be found in a variety of habitats, including meadows, fields, and forests.
• Appearance: This species can vary in color from yellow to greenish-white, and they have black borders on their wings. Males have dark spots on their wings, while females do not.
• Size: Their wingspan can range from 1.5 to 2.5 inches.
• Diet: They feed on nectar from various flowers, including clover and thistle.
• Reproduction: Females lay their eggs on the leaves or stems of their host plants.
• Lifespan: Adult butterflies have a lifespan of about two weeks.
• Host Plants: They use legumes, such as clover, alfalfa, and vetch, as their host plants.

The Clouded Sulphur is an adaptable species that can be found in different environments throughout Alaska.

Its appearance can vary, but males have distinguishing features on their wings, while females do not. They feed on nectar from various flowers, and females lay their eggs on legumes.

This species has a short lifespan, living only about two weeks.

Silver-bordered Fritillary (Boloria selene)

The Silver-bordered Fritillary is a common butterfly species found in Alaska, and it is part of the Nymphalidae family.

• Habitat: They can be found in open fields, meadows, and forest edges.
• Appearance: Its wings are orange with black markings, and it has a row of silver spots on the bottom of its wings.
• Size: Their wingspan can range from 1.75 to 2.75 inches.
• Diet: They feed on nectar from a variety of flowers.
• Reproduction: Females lay their eggs on violet leaves or stems.
• Lifespan: Adult butterflies have a lifespan of about one month.
• Host Plants: They use violets as their host plant.

The Silver-bordered Fritillary is a beautiful butterfly species found in open fields and meadows throughout Alaska.

Its wings have a distinctive orange color with black markings and a row of silver spots on the bottom. These butterflies feed on nectar from different flowers and use violets as their host plant.

Females lay their eggs on violet leaves or stems. Adult butterflies live for around one month, making it an important species for the ecosystem and contributing to the natural beauty of Alaska.

Freija’s Fritillary (Boloria freija)

Freija’s Fritillary is a common butterfly species found in Alaska, and it is part of the Nymphalidae family.

• Habitat: They can be found in open fields, meadows, tundra, and rocky mountain slopes.
• Appearance: Its wings are orange-red with black markings, and it has a row of white spots on the bottom of its wings.
• Size: Their wingspan can range from 1.75 to 2.25 inches.
• Diet: They feed on nectar from different flowers, including thistle and dandelion.
• Reproduction: Females lay their eggs on violet leaves or stems.
• Lifespan: Adult butterflies have a lifespan of about one month.
• Host Plants: They use violets or stonecrop as their host plant.

Freija’s Fritillary is a beautiful butterfly species found in various habitats throughout Alaska. Its wings have an orange-red color with black markings and a row of white spots on the bottom.

They feed on nectar from different flowers, including thistle and dandelion, contributing to the pollination of Alaska’s plant life.

Females lay their eggs on violet leaves or stems, but they can also use stonecrop as a host plant. Adult butterflies have a relatively short lifespan of about one month.

Despite their short life, they are important for the ecosystem as they contribute to the food chain by providing food for predators and adding to the beauty of Alaska’s natural environment.

Chalcedona Checkerspot (Euphydryas chalcedona)

The Chalcedona Checkerspot is a beautiful butterfly species found in Alaska, and it is part of the Nymphalidae family.

• Habitat: They can be found in meadows, grasslands, and open forests.
• Appearance: Its wings have a bright orange color with black markings that resemble a checkerboard pattern.
• Size: Their wingspan can range from 1.75 to 2.75 inches.
• Diet: They feed on nectar from different flowers, including milkweed and thistle.
• Reproduction: Females lay their eggs on host plants such as milkweed or dogbane.
• Lifespan: Adult butterflies have a lifespan of about two weeks.
• Host Plants: They use milkweed or dogbane as their host plant.

The Chalcedona Checkerspot is one of the most strikingly beautiful butterfly species in Alaska. They have bright orange wings with black markings that resemble a checkerboard pattern.

They feed on nectar from different flowers, which helps to pollinate Alaska’s plant life. Females lay their eggs on host plants such as milkweed or dogbane, which is essential for their reproduction.

Adult butterflies have a short lifespan of about two weeks, which means they need to mate and reproduce quickly.

This species uses milkweed or dogbane as their host plant, which is an important factor in their survival.

The Chalcedona Checkerspot plays an important role in the ecosystem as they contribute to pollination and provide food for predators.

Conclusion

Alaska is home to a diverse range of butterfly species that contribute to the beauty and balance of its ecosystem.

From the strikingly beautiful Chalcedona Checkerspot to the adaptable Clouded Sulphur, each species has its unique characteristics and plays an important role in the environment.

I hope you enjoyed learning about these 30 butterfly species in Alaska.  Please leave a comment below sharing any thoughts or experiences you have had with these beautiful creatures.