30 Butterfly Species in Hawaii

Hawaii has a diverse range of butterfly species, some of which are endemic to the islands.

In this article, I’ll be discussing 30 species of butterflies found in Hawaii. These species vary in size, color, and habitat, and each has unique characteristics that set them apart from one another.

From the Kamehameha Butterfly to the Gray Hairstreak, let’s take a closer look at Hawaii’s beautiful butterflies.

Kamehameha Butterfly (Vanessa tameamea)

The Kamehameha Butterfly, also known as Vanessa tameamea, is Hawaii’s official state insect.

starr-180723-0478-Diplazium_sandwichianum-with_Kamehameha_Butterfly_Vanessa_tameamea_-Kipahulu_Forest_Reserve-Maui

  • Habitat: This butterfly species can be found in dry forests and shrublands on the Hawaiian Islands.
  • Appearance: The Kamehameha butterfly has a wingspan of 2.2-3 inches and is mostly orange-brown in color with black markings.
  • Size: The wingspan of this butterfly species is between 2.2-3 inches.
  • Diet: The Kamehameha butterfly feeds on the nectar of a variety of flowers, including the koa plant and the ilima flower.
  • Reproduction: Females lay their eggs on the leaves of the naupaka plant, which is also the main food source for the Kamehameha butterfly larvae.
  • Lifespan: The lifespan of this butterfly species is approximately one month.
  • Host Plants: The larvae of the Kamehameha butterfly feed on the leaves of the naupaka plant, which is also where females lay their eggs.

This butterfly species is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands and can be found in dry forests and shrublands.

The Kamehameha butterfly has a wingspan of 2.2-3 inches and is mostly orange-brown in color with black markings.

The larvae of this species feed on the naupaka plant, which is also where females lay their eggs.

The lifespan of the Kamehameha butterfly is approximately one month and they feed on the nectar of various flowers, including the koa plant and the ilima flower.

The Kamehameha butterfly plays a vital role in pollination, as well as being a significant cultural symbol in Hawaii.

Hawaiian Blue (Udara blackburni)

The Hawaiian Blue butterfly, also known as Udara blackburni, is a small butterfly species found only in the Haleakala crater on the island of Maui.

blue and green

  • Habitat: The Hawaiian Blue butterfly can be found on the island of Maui, specifically in the Haleakala crater.
  • Appearance: This butterfly species is small, with a wingspan of only 0.75-1 inch, and has a blue-violet color with black spots and a white fringe on its wings.
  • Size: The wingspan of the Hawaiian Blue butterfly is between 0.75-1 inch.
  • Diet: The larvae of this species feed on the leaves of the kūkaenēnē plant, while the adults feed on the nectar of various flowers.
  • Reproduction: Females lay their eggs on the leaves of the kūkaenēnē plant, and the larvae feed on the leaves until they pupate.
  • Lifespan: The lifespan of the Hawaiian Blue butterfly is approximately one week.
  • Host Plants: The larvae of the Hawaiian Blue butterfly feed on the leaves of the kūkaenēnē plant, which is also where females lay their eggs.

With a wingspan of only 0.75-1 inch, this butterfly is easily recognized by its blue-violet color with black spots and white fringe on its wings.

The larvae of this species feed on the leaves of the kūkaenēnē plant, while the adults feed on the nectar of various flowers.

Females lay their eggs on the leaves of the kūkaenēnē plant, which is also where the larvae feed until they pupate.

The lifespan of the Hawaiian Blue butterfly is approximately one week. The Hawaiian Blue butterfly is a unique species and plays an essential role in the ecological system of the Hawaiian Islands.

Blackburn’s Blue Butterfly (Euphilotes blackburni)

Blackburn’s Blue Butterfly, scientifically known as Euphilotes blackburni, is a small butterfly species found on the slopes of Haleakalā on the Hawaiian island of Maui.

  • Habitat: This butterfly species is found on the Hawaiian island of Maui, specifically on the slopes of Haleakalā.
  • Appearance: Blackburn’s Blue butterfly is small, with a wingspan of only 0.7-0.95 inches, and is blue in color with black spots on its wings.
  • Size: The wingspan of Blackburn’s Blue butterfly is between 0.7-0.95 inches.
  • Diet: The larvae of this butterfly feed on the leaves of the nōhilohihoi plant, while adults feed on the nectar of various flowers.
  • Reproduction: Females lay their eggs on the leaves of the nōhilohihoi plant which is also the primary source of food for the larvae.
  • Lifespan: The lifespan of Blackburn’s Blue butterfly is approximately five days.
  • Host Plants: The larvae of Blackburn’s Blue butterfly feed on the leaves of the nōhilohihoi plant which is also where the females lay their eggs.

With a wingspan of only 0.7-0.95 inches, this butterfly is blue in color with black spots on its wings.

The larvae of this species feed on nōhilohihoi plant leaves, while adults feed on flower nectar.

Females lay their eggs on the leaves of the nōhilohihoi plant, and the larvae feed on the leaves until they pupate.

The lifespan of Blackburn’s Blue butterfly is approximately five days. Due to the limited range and preferred habitat, this species is considered vulnerable and plays an essential role in the ecology of Hawaii.

Greenish Blue (Icaricia saepiolus)

Greenish Blue butterfly, also known by its scientific name Icaricia saepiolus occurs on the Hawaiian Islands on the island of Hawaii, Maui, and Kauai.

Greenish Blue (Icaricia saepiolus)

  • Habitat: The Greenish Blue butterfly occurs on the Hawaiian Islands on the island of Hawaii, Maui, and Kauai.
  • Appearance: The Greenish Blue butterfly has a wingspan of 1-1.3 inches and is primarily greenish-blue with black spots.
  • Size: The wingspan of Greenish Blue butterfly is between 1-1.3 inches.
  • Diet: The larvae of this butterfly feed on the leaves of the host plant, and adults feed on the nectar of various flowers.
  • Reproduction: Adult females lay their eggs on host plants, and the larvae feed on the leaves of the plant until they pupate.
  • Lifespan: The Greenish Blue butterfly has a lifespan of approximately 30 days.
  • Host Plants: The larvae of this butterfly feed on the leaves and flowers of the host plant, and adult females lay their eggs on host plants.

This butterfly species has a wingspan of 1-1.3 inches and is primarily greenish-blue with black spots.

The larvae of this species feed on the leaves of the host plants while adults feed on the nectar of various flowers.

Female butterflies lay their eggs on the host plants, and the larvae feed on the leaves of the plant until they pupate.

The Greenish Blue butterfly has a lifespan of approximately 30 days. The Greenish Blue butterfly serves as an essential pollinator and plays a significant ecological role in the Hawaiian Islands.

Marine Blue (Leptotes marina)

Marine Blue butterfly, scientifically known as Leptotes marina, mainly occurs on the Hawaiian island of Kauai, but can also be found on other islands in the chain.

Marine Blue butterfly

  • Habitat: The Marine Blue butterfly mainly occurs on the Hawaiian island of Kauai, but can also be found on other islands in the chain.
  • Appearance: The Marine Blue butterfly has a wingspan of only 0.5-0.75 inches and ranges in color from pale blue to dark blue with white fringes on its wings.
  • Size: The wingspan of the Marine Blue butterfly is between 0.5-0.75 inches.
  • Diet: The larvae of this species feed on the leaves of the host plant, while adults feed on the nectar of various flowers.
  • Reproduction: Female butterflies lay their eggs on the host plants, and the larvae of this species feed on the leaves of the plant until they pupate.
  • Lifespan: The Marine Blue butterfly has a lifespan of approximately one week.
  • Host Plants: The larvae of this butterfly feed on several host plants including lupine and ho’awa plant.

Marine Blue butterfly, scientifically known as Leptotes marina, mainly occurs on the Hawaiian island of Kauai, but can also be found on other islands in the chain.

This butterfly species has a wingspan of only 0.5-0.75 inches and ranges in color from pale blue to dark blue with white fringes on its wings.

The larvae of this species feed on the leaves of the host plant, while adults feed on the nectar of various flowers. Female butterflies lay their eggs on the host plant, and the larvae feed on the leaves until they pupate.

The Marine Blue butterfly has a lifespan of approximately one week and serves as a significant pollinator in its ecosystem.

The host plants for the larvae of this species include lupine and ho’awa plant, but this species also rely on a variety of other plants for sustenance.

Eastern Tailed-Blue (Cupido comyntas)

The Eastern Tailed-Blue butterfly, scientifically known as Cupido comyntas, is a butterfly species native to the eastern United States and has been introduced to Hawaii.

Eastern Tailed-Blue butterfly

  • Habitat: The Eastern Tailed-Blue butterfly is native to the eastern United States and has been introduced to Hawaii.
  • Appearance: This butterfly species has a wingspan of 0.75-1 inch and is primarily grayish-brown in color with orange spots on its wings.
  • Size: The wingspan of Eastern Tailed-Blue butterfly is between 0.75-1 inch.
  • Diet: The larvae of this species feed on various legumes, while the adults feed on the nectar of various flowers.
  • Reproduction: Female butterflies lay their eggs on various legumes such as clover and alfalfa, and the larvae feed on the leaves.
  • Lifespan: The Eastern Tailed-Blue butterfly has a lifespan of approximately one week.
  • Host Plants: The larvae of this species feed on various legumes, including clover and alfalfa.

This butterfly species has a wingspan of 0.75-1 inch and is primarily grayish-brown in color with orange spots on its wings.

The larvae of this species feed on various legumes, while the adults feed on the nectar of various flowers.

Female butterflies lay their eggs on various legumes such as clover and alfalfa, and the larvae feed on the leaves. The lifespan of the Eastern Tailed-Blue butterfly is approximately one week.

The legume plants serve as hosts for the larvae of this species, and this butterfly plays an essential role in pollination in its introduced habitat of Hawaii.

Western Pygmy Blue (Brephidium exile)

The Western Pygmy Blue butterfly, scientifically known as Brephidium exile, inhabits dry, open areas in Hawaii, including grasslands and meadows.

Western Pygmy Blue butterfly

  • Habitat: The Western Pygmy Blue butterfly inhabits dry, open areas in Hawaii, including grasslands and meadows.
  • Appearance: This butterfly species has a wingspan of only 0.4-0.6 inches and ranges in color from light blue to dark blue with darker markings.
  • Size: The wingspan of the Western Pygmy Blue butterfly is between 0.4-0.6 inches.
  • Diet: The larvae of this species feed on the leaves of the host plant, and the adults feed on the nectar of various flowers.
  • Reproduction: Female butterflies lay their eggs on the host plant, and the larvae feed on the leaves of the plant until they pupate and become adult butterflies.
  • Lifespan: The Western Pygmy Blue butterfly has a lifespan of approximately one week.
  • Host Plants: The larvae of this butterfly species feed on the leaves of various plants, including legumes and buckwheat.

With a wingspan of only 0.4-0.6 inches, this butterfly species ranges in color from light blue to dark blue with darker markings.

The larvae of this species feed on the leaves of the host plant, while the adults feed on the nectar of various flowers.

Female butterflies lay their eggs on the host plant, and the larvae feed on the leaves of the plant until they pupate and become adult butterflies.

The Western Pygmy Blue butterfly has a lifespan of approximately one week, during which time it plays an important role in pollination and plant reproduction in its habitat.

Legumes and buckwheat are some of the primary host plants for the larvae of this species, with the Western Pygmy Blue butterfly serving as an essential component of its ecosystem.

Cabbage White (Pieris rapae)

The Cabbage White butterfly is a common sight in Hawaii, particularly in open fields and gardens.

Cabbage White butterfly

  • Habitat: Open fields and gardens.
  • Appearance: The Cabbage White butterfly has white wings with black wingtips and a small black spot on each front wing.
  • Size: Female butterflies have a wingspan between 40 and 50 millimeters while male butterflies have a wingspan between 32 and 47 millimeters.
  • Diet: The Cabbage White butterfly feeds on mustard plants, broccoli, cabbage, and various other related plants in the Brassicaceae family.
  • Reproduction: Females typically lay eggs on the underside of leaves. The eggs hatch into green caterpillars that feed on the host plant.
  • Lifespan: The adult butterfly has a lifespan of around 2 weeks.
  • Host Plants: Mustard plants, broccoli, cabbage, and various other related plants in the Brassicaceae family.

Large White (Pieris brassicae)

The Large White butterfly is native to Europe and Asia, but has been introduced to Hawaii.

Large White butterfly

  • Habitat: The Large White butterfly can be found in gardens and open fields.
  • Appearance: The Large White butterfly has white wings with black wingtips and visible veins on the wings.
  • Size: Female Large White butterflies have a wingspan between 55 and 65 millimeters while male butterflies have a wingspan between 50 and 60 millimeters.
  • Diet: The Large White butterfly feeds on various plant species, including broccoli, cabbage, and nasturtium.
  • Reproduction: Females lay eggs on the underside of leaves. The eggs hatch into green caterpillars that feed on the host plants.
  • Lifespan: The adult butterfly has a lifespan of around 2 weeks.
  • Host Plants: Broccoli, cabbage, nasturtium, and other Brassicaceae family plants.

Great Southern White (Ascia monuste)

The Great Southern White butterfly is native to Central and South America, but has been introduced to Hawaii.

Great Southern White butterfly

  • Habitat: The Great Southern White butterfly can be found in open fields, gardens, and near water sources.
  • Appearance: The Great Southern White butterfly has white wings with black wingtips, and a pattern of black and gray spots on the upper side of the wings.
  • Size: Female Great Southern White butterflies have a wingspan between 70 and 80 millimeters while male butterflies have a slightly smaller wingspan.
  • Diet: The Great Southern White butterfly feeds on various species of plants, such as cassia, sweet potato vine, and pepper plants.
  • Reproduction: Females lay eggs on the underside of leaves. The eggs hatch into green caterpillars that feed on the host plants.
  • Lifespan: The adult butterfly has a lifespan of around 2-3 weeks.
  • Host Plants: Cassia, sweet potato vine, and pepper plants.

Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus)

The Monarch butterfly is well known for its long-distance migration to Hawaii from North America.

Monarch Butterfly

  • Habitat: The Monarch butterfly can be found in a variety of habitats, including open fields, meadows, and gardens.
  • Appearance: The Monarch butterfly has orange wings with black veins and white spots on the edges.
  • Size: Female Monarch butterflies have a wingspan between 95 and 105 millimeters while male butterflies have a slightly smaller wingspan.
  • Diet: The Monarch butterfly feeds on various species of milkweed plants.
  • Reproduction: Females lay eggs on the underside of milkweed leaves. The eggs hatch into yellow, black, and white striped caterpillars that feed on the host plant.
  • Lifespan: The adult butterfly has a lifespan of around 4-6 weeks.
  • Host Plants: Milkweed plants.

Gulf Fritillary (Agraulis vanillae)

The Gulf Fritillary butterfly is a beautiful and vibrant butterfly species that is commonly found in Hawaii.

gulf fritillary butterfly

  • Habitat: The Gulf Fritillary butterfly can be found in a variety of habitats, including fields, gardens, and near water sources.
  • Appearance: The Gulf Fritillary butterfly has bright orange wings with black spots and black markings on the upper side of the wings.
  • Size: Female Gulf Fritillary butterflies have a wingspan between 62 and 76 millimeters while male butterflies have a slightly smaller wingspan.
  • Diet: The Gulf Fritillary butterfly feeds on various species of passionflower plants.
  • Reproduction: Females lay eggs on the underside of passionflower leaves. The eggs hatch into green-black spiky caterpillars that feed on the host plant.
  • Lifespan: The adult butterfly has a lifespan of around 1-2 weeks.
  • Host Plants: Passionflower plants.

Julia Butterfly (Dryas iulia)

The Julia butterfly is a brightly-colored butterfly species that is native to Central and South America, but has also been introduced to Hawaii.

Julia Heliconian butterfly

  • Habitat: The Julia butterfly can be found in a variety of habitats, including open fields, gardens, and near water sources.
  • Appearance: The Julia butterfly has orange wings with black markings and two small eyespots on the upper side of the wings.
  • Size: Female Julia butterflies have a wingspan between 80 and 95 millimeters while male butterflies have a slightly smaller wingspan.
  • Diet: The Julia butterfly feeds on nectar from various species of flowers, such as lantana and shepherd’s needle.
  • Reproduction: Females lay eggs on the leaves of host plants in the Malvaceae family, such as plants belonging to the genera Hibiscus and Malvaviscus. The eggs hatch into yellow, green, and brown striped caterpillars that feed on the host plant.
  • Lifespan: The adult butterfly has a lifespan of around 2-3 weeks.
  • Host Plants: Plants in the Malvaceae family, such as those belonging to the genera Hibiscus and Malvaviscus.

Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui)

The Painted Lady butterfly is a highly migratory species that can be found in Hawaii.

painted lady butterfly

  • Habitat: The Painted Lady butterfly can be found in a variety of habitats, including open fields, meadows, and gardens.
  • Appearance: The Painted Lady butterfly has orange and black wings with white spots on the upper side of the wings.
  • Size: Female Painted Lady butterflies have a wingspan between 50 and 70 millimeters while male butterflies have a slightly smaller wingspan.
  • Diet: The Painted Lady butterfly feeds on the nectar of various species of flowers, such as thistles and asters.
  • Reproduction: Females lay eggs on the leaves of host plants in the Asteraceae family. The eggs hatch into spiny black caterpillars that feed on the host plant.
  • Lifespan: The adult butterfly has a lifespan of around 2-4 weeks.
  • Host Plants: Host plants in the Asteraceae family.

Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta)

The Red Admiral butterfly is a beautiful and striking butterfly species that is found in Hawaii.

red-admiral butterfly

  • Habitat: The Red Admiral butterfly can be found in a variety of habitats, including open fields, woodlands, and gardens.
  • Appearance: The Red Admiral butterfly has black wings with red and white markings and white spots on the upper side of the wings.
  • Size: Female Red Admiral butterflies have a wingspan between 60 and 70 millimeters while male butterflies have a slightly smaller wingspan.
  • Diet: The Red Admiral butterfly feeds on the nectar of various species of flowers, such as thistles and milkweed.
  • Reproduction: Females lay eggs on the leaves of host plants in the Urticaceae family, such as nettles. The eggs hatch into green, brown, and white striped caterpillars that feed on the host plant.
  • Lifespan: The adult butterfly has a lifespan of around 2-3 weeks.
  • Host Plants: Host plants in the Urticaceae family, such as nettles.

American Lady (Vanessa virginiensis)

The American Lady butterfly is a beautiful and distinctive butterfly species that is found in Hawaii.

American Painted Lady butterfly

  • Habitat: The American Lady butterfly can be found in a variety of habitats, including open fields, meadows, and gardens.
  • Appearance: The American Lady butterfly has orange and brown wings with white spots and black markings on the upper side of the wings.
  • Size: Female American Lady butterflies have a wingspan between 50 and 65 millimeters while male butterflies have a slightly smaller wingspan.
  • Diet: The American Lady butterfly feeds on the nectar of various species of flowers, such as asters and thistles.
  • Reproduction: Females lay eggs on the leaves of host plants in the Asteraceae and Plantaginaceae families, such as pussytoes and plantains. The eggs hatch into spiny black caterpillars that feed on the host plant.
  • Lifespan: The adult butterfly has a lifespan of around 1-2 weeks.
  • Host Plants: Host plants in the Asteraceae and Plantaginaceae families, such as pussytoes and plantains.

Morning Cloak (Nymphalis antiopa)

The Morning Cloak butterfly is a beautiful and distinctive butterfly species that is commonly found in Hawaii.

Mourning Cloak butterfly

  • Habitat: The Morning Cloak butterfly can be found in a variety of habitats, including deciduous forests and woodlands.
  • Appearance: The Morning Cloak butterfly has dark brown wings with yellow and blue markings along the edges.
  • Size: Female Morning Cloak butterflies have a wingspan between 70 and 100 millimeters while male butterflies have a slightly smaller wingspan.
  • Diet: The Morning Cloak butterfly feeds on sap, rotten fruit, and various species of flowers.
  • Reproduction: Females lay eggs on the leaves of host plants in the Betulaceae family, such as birch trees. The eggs hatch into spiny brown caterpillars that feed on the host plant.
  • Lifespan: The adult butterfly has a lifespan of around 6-12 months, which is longer than most other butterfly species.
  • Host Plants: Host plants in the Betulaceae family, such as birch trees.

Gulf Fritillary (Agraulis vanillae)

The Gulf Fritillary butterfly is a beautiful and vibrant butterfly species that is commonly found in Hawaii.

gulf fritillary butterfly

  • Habitat: The Gulf Fritillary butterfly can be found in a variety of habitats, including fields, gardens, and near water sources.
  • Appearance: The Gulf Fritillary butterfly has bright orange wings with black spots and black markings on the upper side of the wings.
  • Size: Female Gulf Fritillary butterflies have a wingspan between 62 and 76 millimeters while male butterflies have a slightly smaller wingspan.
  • Diet: The Gulf Fritillary butterfly feeds on various species of passionflower plants.
  • Reproduction: Females lay eggs on the underside of passionflower leaves. The eggs hatch into green-black spiky caterpillars that feed on the host plant.
  • Lifespan: The adult butterfly has a lifespan of around 1-2 weeks.
  • Host Plants: Passionflower plants.

Zebra Longwing (Heliconius charithonius)

The Zebra Longwing butterfly is a striking species with elongated wings marked by black and white stripes, giving it a unique appearance. It is commonly found in the warm tropical environments of Hawaii.

zebra longwing butterfly

  • Habitat: They typically inhabit fields and open areas near forests.
  • Appearance: The Zebra Longwing has black and white striped wings, with bright-yellow bodies, making them stand out from other butterfly species.
  • Size: They have a wingspan of up to 3 inches.
  • Diet: This butterfly feeds on the nectar of various flowers such as passionflower, lantana, and blazing stars.
  • Reproduction: Females lay eggs on passionflower leaves, and caterpillars feed on those leaves once they hatch.
  • Lifespan: These butterflies have an average lifespan of 3-4 weeks.
  • Host Plants: Passionflower is the primary host plant for the Zebra Longwing butterfly.

The Zebra Longwing is a beautiful and unique butterfly species found in Hawaii.

Their preference towards passionflowers makes them an important species for the health of the plant’s environment.

White Peacock (Anartia jatrophae)

The White Peacock butterfly is a beautiful species with white wings marked by black and orange spots like the eyes of a peacock’s tail feathers.

While it is not native to Hawaii, it has been introduced to the islands and has become established.

White Peacock butterfly

  • Habitat: They are found in a variety of habitats, including fields, meadows, and gardens.
  • Appearance: The White Peacock has white wings with black and orange spots, and can be identified by its ‘eye’ spots on both wings.
  • Size: They have a wingspan of up to 2.5 inches.
  • Diet: The White Peacock feeds on nectar from a variety of flowers, including milkweed, thistle, and asters.
  • Reproduction: Females lay eggs on host plants such as hackberry and false nettle, and caterpillars feed on those leaves once they hatch.
  • Lifespan: These butterflies have an average lifespan of 1-2 weeks.
  • Host Plants: Hackberry and false nettle are the primary host plants for the White Peacock butterfly.

While not native to Hawaii, the White Peacock butterfly has established itself on the islands and is a beautiful addition to the local butterfly species.

Their preference towards hackberry and false nettle makes them important for the health of those plant’s ecosystems.

Southern Dogface (Zerene cesonia)

The Southern Dogface butterfly is a pretty species with yellow wings marked by black spots and a dog’s head pattern near the tip of the wings. They are commonly found in dry and hot areas of Hawaii.

Southern Dogface butterfly

  • Habitat: They are typically found in open areas such as fields, meadows, and gardens.
  • Appearance: The Southern Dogface has yellow wings with black spots, and can be identified by the dog’s head pattern near the tip of the wings.
  • Size: They have a wingspan of up to 2.5 inches.
  • Diet: The Southern Dogface feeds on nectar from a variety of flowers, such as zinnias and milkweeds.
  • Reproduction: Females lay eggs on host plants such as false indigo and clover, and caterpillars feed on those leaves once they hatch.
  • Lifespan: These butterflies have an average lifespan of 2-3 weeks.
  • Host Plants: The primary host plants for the Southern Dogface butterfly are false indigo and clover.

The Southern Dogface butterfly is a beautiful and unique species found in Hawaii.

While they are not as common as some other butterfly species in Hawaii, their preference towards false indigo and clover plants makes them important for the health of those plant’s ecosystems.

Cloudless Sulphur (Phoebis sennae)

The Cloudless Sulphur butterfly is a bright yellow butterfly species without any distinct markings. They are commonly found in warm and tropical environments, including Hawaii.

cloudless sulphur butterfly

  • Habitat: They can be found in a variety of open areas, including fields, meadows, and gardens.
  • Appearance: The Cloudless Sulphur is a bright yellow butterfly species without any distinct markings.
  • Size: They have a wingspan of up to 3 inches.
  • Diet: The Cloudless Sulphur feeds on nectar from a variety of flowers, including lantana, shepherd’s needle, and goldenrod.
  • Reproduction: Females lay eggs on host plants such as senna, partridge pea, and trefoil, and caterpillars feed on those leaves once they hatch.
  • Lifespan: These butterflies have an average lifespan of 2-8 weeks.
  • Host Plants: The Cloudless Sulphur butterfly uses senna, partridge pea, and trefoil as its primary host plants.

The Cloudless Sulphur butterfly is a striking species of Hawaii.

Their tendency towards senna, partridge pea, and trefoil plants makes them important pollinators that help to improve the growth of those plant ecosystems.

Orange-barred Sulphur (Phoebis philea)

The Orange-barred Sulphur butterfly is a bright yellow butterfly species with distinctive orange bars on its wings. They are commonly found in warm and tropical environments, including Hawaii.

Orange-barred Sulphur butterfly

  • Habitat: They can be found in a range of open habitats, including fields, meadows, and gardens.
  • Appearance: The Orange-barred Sulphur is a bright yellow butterfly species with distinctive orange bars on its wings.
  • Size: They have a wingspan of up to 3 inches.
  • Diet: The Orange-barred Sulphur feeds on nectar from a variety of flowers, including lantana, shepherd’s needle, and goldenrod.
  • Reproduction: Females lay eggs on host plants such as senna, and young caterpillars feed on those leaves once they hatch.
  • Lifespan: These butterflies have an average lifespan of 2-8 weeks.
  • Host Plants: The Orange-barred Sulphur butterfly primarily uses senna plants as its host plants.

The Orange-barred Sulphur butterfly is an easily recognizable species found in Hawaii.

Their preference towards senna plants makes them important pollinators that help to maintain the balance of the plant’s ecosystems.

Sleepy Orange (Eurema nicippe)

The Sleepy Orange butterfly is a small yellow butterfly species with black wing tips. They are commonly found in dry and warm environments, including Hawaii.

Sleepy Orange butterfly

  • Habitat: They can be found in open areas such as fields, meadows, and gardens.
  • Appearance: The Sleepy Orange is a small yellow butterfly species with black wing tips.
  • Size: They have a wingspan of up to 2 inches.
  • Diet: The Sleepy Orange feeds on the nectar of various flowers such as lantana, goldenrod, and rabbit’s tobacco.
  • Reproduction: Females lay eggs on host plants such as legumes, and caterpillars feed on those leaves once they hatch.
  • Lifespan: These butterflies have an average lifespan of 1-2 weeks.
  • Host Plants: The Sleepy Orange primarily uses legumes as its host plants.

The Sleepy Orange butterfly is a small and beautiful species found in Hawaii.

Their preference towards legumes plant makes them important pollinators and help to maintain the balance of the plant’s ecosystems.

Dainty Sulphur (Nathalis iole)

The Dainty Sulphur butterfly is a small yellow butterfly species with a wingspan of just 1 inch. They are commonly found in open areas and grassy fields, including Hawaii.

Dainty Sulphur butterfly

  • Habitat: They can be found in a variety of open habitats, including fields, meadows, and gardens.
  • Appearance: The Dainty Sulphur is a small yellow butterfly species with a wingspan of just 1 inch.
  • Size: They have a wingspan of up to 1 inch.
  • Diet: The Dainty Sulphur feeds on the nectar of various flowers such as wild buckwheat and rabbit’s tobacco.
  • Reproduction: Females lay eggs on host plants such as legumes, and caterpillars feed on those leaves once they hatch.
  • Lifespan: These butterflies have an average lifespan of 1-2 weeks.
  • Host Plants: The Dainty Sulphur primarily uses legumes as its host plants.

The Dainty Sulphur butterfly is a small yet beautiful species found in Hawaii. Their love for legumes makes them important pollinators that help to maintain the balance of the plant’s ecosystems.

Despite their short lifespan, the Dainty Sulphur is an important part of Hawaii’s butterfly species population.

Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus)

The Gray Hairstreak butterfly is a small butterfly species with gray wings that have a distinctive black and white line. They are commonly found in open areas and grassy fields, including Hawaii.

Gray Hairstreak butterfly

  • Habitat: They can be found in a range of open habitats, including fields, meadows, and gardens.
  • Appearance: The Gray Hairstreak is a small butterfly species with gray wings that have a distinctive black and white line.
  • Size: They have a wingspan of up to 1.5 inches.
  • Diet: The Gray Hairstreak feeds on the nectar of various flowers such as goldenrod and rabbit’s tobacco.
  • Reproduction: Females lay eggs on host plants such as legumes, and caterpillars feed on those leaves once they hatch.
  • Lifespan: These butterflies have an average lifespan of 1-2 weeks.
  • Host Plants: The Gray Hairstreak primarily uses legumes as its host plants.

The Gray Hairstreak butterfly is a small, yet beautiful species found in Hawaii.

Their preference for legumes makes them important pollinators that help to maintain the balance of the plant’s ecosystems.

Despite their short lifespan, the Gray Hairstreak is an important part of Hawaii’s butterfly species population.

Western Tailed-Blue (Cupido amyntula)

The Western Tailed-Blue butterfly is a small and charming species with a blue and brown marking on its wings. They are commonly found in dry and open areas, including Hawaii.

Western Tailed-Blue butterfly

  • Habitat: They can be found in a variety of open habitats, including fields, meadows, and gardens.
  • Appearance: The Western Tailed-Blue is a small butterfly species with blue wings that have a brown margin.
  • Size: They have a wingspan of up to 1 inch.
  • Diet: The Western Tailed-Blue feeds on the nectar of various flowers such as clovers and lupines.
  • Reproduction: Females lay eggs on host plants such as clovers and trefoils, and caterpillars feed on those leaves once they hatch.
  • Lifespan: These butterflies have an average lifespan of up to 2 weeks.
  • Host Plants: The Western Tailed-Blue primarily uses clovers and trefoils as its host plants.

The Western Tailed-Blue butterfly is an excitable species of Hawaii.

Their love for clovers and trefoils plants makes them important pollinators that help to maintain the balance of the plant’s ecosystems.

Despite their short lifespan, the Western Tailed-Blue is an important part of Hawaii’s butterfly species population.

Fiery Skipper (Hylephila phyleus)

The Fiery Skipper butterfly is a small and brightly colored butterfly species with orange and brown wings. They are commonly found in open areas and gardens, including Hawaii.

Fiery Skipper butterfly

  • Habitat: They can be found in a range of open habitats, including fields, meadows, and gardens.
  • Appearance: The Fiery Skipper is a small butterfly species with orange and brown wings.
  • Size: They have a wingspan of up to 1.5 inches.
  • Diet: The Fiery Skipper feeds on the nectar of various flowers such as lantana and verbena.
  • Reproduction: Females lay eggs on host plants such as Bermuda grass, and caterpillars feed on those leaves once they hatch.
  • Lifespan: These butterflies have an average lifespan of up to 2 weeks.
  • Host Plants: Bermuda grass is the primary host plant for the Fiery Skipper butterfly.

The Fiery Skipper butterfly is a small, beautiful, and brightly colored species found in Hawaii.

While they might not be as common as other butterfly species, they have an important role in pollination, specifically to the Bermuda grass.

Whirlabout (Polites vibex)

The Whirlabout butterfly in Hawaii is relatively small and has a brownish-orange color and pink stripes on the undersides of its wings.

Whirlabout butterfly

  • Habitat: The Whirlabout butterfly species is commonly found in open or semi-open habitats such as meadows, fields, and roadsides. These butterflies also inhabit wetlands, swamps, and sandhills making the population distribution widespread in Hawaii.
  • Appearance: The Whirlabout butterfly has a brownish-orange color on its upper wings. Its underwings are brown with light spots, the ventral side of the hindwing contains pink stripes.
  • Size: The wingspan of a Whirlabout butterfly ranges from 1 to 1.25 inches. These butterflies are relatively small, which makes them challenging to spot among tall vegetation.
  • Diet: As adults, Whirlabout butterflies feed on nectar from small flowers such as clover, thistle, and milkweed. Caterpillars feed on grasses such as Bermuda, orchardgrass, and fescue.
  • Reproduction: The Whirlabout butterfly typically produces a single brood per year. Females lay eggs on host plants, and once they hatch, the caterpillar undergoes a series of molts before pupating.
  • Lifespan: The average lifespan of a Whirlabout butterfly is between one to two months. The adult butterfly does not carryover from year to year, but the population continuously replenishes by the offspring that hatch each season.
  • Host Plants: The caterpillar of the Whirlabout butterfly feeds on different species of grasses such as Bermuda grass, fescue, and orchardgrass. These grass species can be found in a wide range of habitats, including fields, meadows, and pastures.

It inhabits open and semi-open habitats, feeds on nectar, and its caterpillar feeds on various grasses.

The lifespan of these butterflies is between one to two months, and they lay eggs on host plants, which the caterpillars feed on before pupating.

California Tortoiseshell (Nymphalis californica)

The California Tortoiseshell butterfly in Hawaii is a small-sized butterfly with a bright orange and black tortoise shell pattern.

California Tortoiseshell butterfly

  • Appearance: The California Tortoiseshell butterfly has bright orange and black wings that resemble a tortoise shell pattern. The wings’ undersides have a marbled pattern in shades of brown.
  • Habitat: California Tortoiseshell butterflies prefer to inhabit shrublands, meadows, and foothills. Their habitat range expands across the entire Hawaiian archipelago, where they can be seen in high elevations and mountainous areas.
  • Size: The wingspan of a California Tortoiseshell butterfly ranges from 1.75 to 2.5 inches. These butterflies are relatively small in size compared to other butterfly species.
  • Diet: As adults, California Tortoiseshell butterflies feed on a variety of different flowers, including rabbitbrush, thistles, and asters. Caterpillars feed on a small group of host plants, including stinging nettle, hackberry, and elm trees.
  • Reproduction: The breeding period for California Tortoiseshell butterflies occurs during spring. Females lay their eggs on host plants which serve as the food source for the newly hatched caterpillars.
  • Lifespan: The average lifespan of a California Tortoiseshell butterfly is between four to six weeks. These butterflies undergo a complete metamorphosis, with the larva emerging from the eggs and maturing into pupae before becoming an adult.

The California Tortoiseshell butterfly prefers to inhabit shrublands and meadows and feeds on flower nectar, while the caterpillars feed on specific host plants.

Breeding occurs during spring, and females lay their eggs on host plants, with the butterfly’s lifespan being between four to six weeks.

Conclusion

Hawaii is home to a diverse range of butterfly species, with each having unique characteristics and preferences in terms of habitat, diet, and reproduction.

Knowing more about these butterfly species in Hawaii can help us appreciate the beauty of nature that surrounds us.

Do you have any favorite butterfly species that you have encountered while exploring Hawaii? Do leave a comment and share your experiences.

Butterflies   Updated: June 6, 2023
avatar Welcome to Insectic, a blog to learn about insects and bugs. I'm Richard, and I've created this website to share my experience, knowledge, and passion with others.

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