30 Butterfly Species in Mississippi

When it comes to butterfly watching, Mississippi is a treasure trove of sightings.

This southern state serves as the home of many butterfly species, from the majestic monarchs to the colorful painted ladies and hairstreaks.

In total, there are approximately 30 butterfly species present in Mississippi. Each has unique characteristics, a specific food source, and preferred habitats.

In this article, I’ll provide information on the 30 butterfly species found in Mississippi. Read on to learn more about these stunning creatures.

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus)

The Eastern Tiger Swallowtail is one of the most common and recognizable butterflies in Mississippi.

• Habitat: The Eastern Tiger Swallowtail can be found in a variety of habitats including deciduous forests, fields, and gardens.
• Appearance: Males have yellow wings with black stripes, while females can either have the same pattern or an almost completely black color with blue and orange spots.
• Size: With wingspans ranging from 2.75 to 4 inches, the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail is a medium-sized butterfly.
• Diet: Caterpillars feed on leaves of trees such as Wild Cherry, Tulip tree, and Magnolia, while adults consume nectar from a variety of flowers including phlox, milkweed, and verbena.
• Reproduction: Females lay their eggs on the leaves of host plants, and caterpillars pupate in a chrysalis before emerging as adults.
• Lifespan: The Eastern Tiger Swallowtail can live up to two weeks as adults.
• Host Plants: Wild Cherry, Tulip tree, Magnolia, and Ash are common host plants.

The Eastern Tiger Swallowtail can be seen throughout the state from March to November.

Watch for its unmistakable yellow and black striped wings as it flits from flower to flower in gardens or fields.

Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes)

The Black Swallowtail is another common butterfly species found in Mississippi.

• Habitat: This species can be found in many habitats, including gardens, fields, and wooded areas.
• Appearance: The Black Swallowtail is black with iridescent blue and yellow markings on its wings.
• Size: With wingspans ranging from 2.75 to 4 inches, the Black Swallowtail is a medium-sized butterfly.
• Diet: Caterpillars feed on plants such as dill, parsley, fennel, and carrot tops while adults consume nectar from a variety of flowers.
• Reproduction: Females lay their eggs on the host plants, and caterpillars pupate and emerge as adults.
• Lifespan: Adult Black Swallowtails can live up to two weeks.
• Host Plants: Host plants include dill, parsley, fennel, and carrot tops.

The Black Swallowtail can be seen throughout the state from late March to early November.

Look for the black butterfly with blue and yellow markings as it flitters through gardens and fields, stopping to feed on nectar.

Spicebush Swallowtail (Papilio troilus)

The Spicebush Swallowtail is a common butterfly species found in Mississippi.

• Habitat: The Spicebush Swallowtail can be found in wooded areas, gardens, and parks.
• Appearance: The upper wings are blackish-brown with blue markings and orange spots, while the bottom wings are bright orange with black and blue markings.
• Size: With wingspans ranging from 2.75 to 4 inches, the Spicebush Swallowtail is a medium-sized butterfly.
• Diet: Caterpillars feed exclusively on plants in the Lauraceae family, including Spicebush and Sassafras, while adults consume nectar from a variety of flowers.
• Reproduction: Females lay their eggs on host plants, and caterpillars pupate in a chrysalis before emerging as adults.
• Lifespan: Adult Spicebush Swallowtails can live up to two weeks.
• Host Plants: Host plants include Spicebush and Sassafras.

The Spicebush Swallowtail can be seen throughout the state from March to November.

Look for their distinct blue markings on the black upper wings and bright orange spots and black and blue markings on the bottom wings.

If you see caterpillars munching on plants in the Lauraceae family, they may grow into Spicebush Swallowtails.

Giant Swallowtail (Papilio cresphontes)

The Giant Swallowtail is one of the largest butterfly species found in Mississippi.

• Habitat: The Giant Swallowtail can be found in a variety of habitats including gardens, woodlands, and fields.
• Appearance: The Giant Swallowtail has a distinctive appearance with black wings with yellow bands and blue and orange spots, resembling bird droppings to deter predators.
• Size: With wingspans ranging from 4 to 6 inches, Giant Swallowtail is one of the largest butterfly species in Mississippi.
• Diet: Caterpillars feed on leaves of host plants such as Citrus and Prickly ash, while adults consume nectar from a variety of flowers.
• Reproduction: Females lay their eggs on host plants, and caterpillars pupate in a chrysalis before emerging as adults.
• Lifespan: Adult Giant Swallowtails can live up to two weeks.
• Host Plants: Citrus and Prickly ash are common host plants.

The Giant Swallowtail can be found in Mississippi from April to October.

Look for this distinctive butterfly with black wings and yellow bands as it flits from flower to flower in gardens or woodlands.

If you see caterpillars feeding on leaves of host plants like Citrus or Prickly ash, they may be Giant Swallowtail larvae.

Monarch (Danaus plexippus)

The Monarch is a well-known butterfly species, found in both Mississippi and elsewhere.

• Habitat: The Monarch can be found in open fields, meadows, gardens, and woods.
• Appearance: With its distinctive orange and black wings, the Monarch is one of the most recognizable butterfly species.
• Size: With wingspans ranging from 3.5 to 4 inches, the Monarch is a medium-sized butterfly.
• Diet: Caterpillars feed on milkweed plants, while adults consume nectar from a variety of flowers.
• Reproduction: Females lay their eggs on the leaves of milkweed plants, while caterpillars pupate before emerging as adults.
• Lifespan: Adult Monarchs can live up to eight months.
• Host Plants: Milkweed plants are the only host plants for Monarch caterpillars.

The Monarch is one of the most well-known butterfly species in Mississippi.

Each year, Monarch butterflies migrate through the state to their wintering grounds in central Mexico and California.

Look for the distinctive black and orange coloring in open fields and meadows throughout the late summer and early fall.

If you spot caterpillars feeding on leaves of milkweed plants, they may grow into adult Monarchs.

Queen Butterfly (Danaus gilippus)

The Queen Butterfly is a beautiful butterfly species commonly found in Mississippi.

• Habitat: The Queen Butterfly can be found in a variety of habitats, including fields, meadows, and gardens.
• Appearance: The Queen Butterfly is similar in appearance to the Monarch, with orange and black wing coloring.
• Size: With wingspans ranging from 2.5 to 3 inches, the Queen Butterfly is a medium-sized butterfly.
• Diet: Caterpillars feed on milkweed plants, while adults consume nectar from a variety of flowers.
• Reproduction: Females lay their eggs on the leaves of milkweed plants, while caterpillars pupate before emerging as adults.
• Lifespan: Adult Queen Butterflies can live up to six months.
• Host Plants: Milkweed plants are the only host plants for Queen Butterfly caterpillars.

The Queen Butterfly can be seen throughout the state from March to November.

Look for their similar appearance to the Monarch, with orange and black wing coloring, in fields, meadows, and gardens.

If you spot caterpillars feeding on the leaves of milkweed plants, they may grow into adult Queen Butterflies.

Viceroy (Limenitis archippus)

The Viceroy Butterfly is a mimic butterfly species commonly found throughout Mississippi.

• Habitat: The Viceroy Butterfly can be found in fields, meadows, and near streams, rivers, and ponds.
• Appearance: The Viceroy butterfly resembles the Monarch butterfly with orange and black wing coloring, but has a black line across the hindwings that distinguishes it.
• Size: With wingspans ranging from 2.5 to 3 inches, the Viceroy Butterfly is a medium-sized butterfly.
• Diet: Caterpillars feed on the leaves of trees such as willows, cottonwoods, and aspens, while adults consume nectar from a variety of flowers.
• Reproduction: Females lay their eggs on the leaves of host plants, while caterpillars pupate in a chrysalis before emerging as adults.
• Lifespan: Adult Viceroy Butterflies can live up to two weeks.
• Host Plants: Willows, cottonwoods, and aspens are common host plants.

The Viceroy Butterfly can be seen throughout the state from March to November.

Look for its distinguishing black line across the hindwings, and note the nearby presence of willows, cottonwoods, and aspens as their host plants, to distinguish them from Monarchs.

If you spot caterpillars feeding on the leaves of these trees, they may grow into adult Viceroy Butterflies.

Red-spotted Purple (Limenitis arthemis)

The Red-spotted Purple Butterfly is a beautiful butterfly species common throughout Mississippi.

• Habitat: The Red-spotted Purple can be found in wooded areas, parks, and gardens.
• Appearance: The Red-spotted Purple is mostly black with red and blue spots on its wings.
• Size: With wingspans ranging from 2.5 to 4 inches, the Red-spotted Purple is a medium-sized butterfly.
• Diet: Caterpillars feed on the leaves of a variety of trees such as wild cherry, birch, oak, and hawthorn, while adults consume nectar from flowers such as milkweed and dogbane.
• Reproduction: Females lay their eggs on the leaves of host plants, while caterpillars pupate in a chrysalis before emerging as adults.
• Lifespan: Adult Red-spotted Purples can live up to two weeks.
• Host Plants: Host plants for caterpillars include wild cherry, birch, oak, hawthorn, and other trees.

The Red-spotted Purple can be seen in forests and gardens throughout the state from May to August.

Look for their mostly black wings and red and blue spots in wooded areas, parks, and gardens.

If you spot caterpillars feeding on the leaves of trees such as wild cherry, oak, or hawthorn, they may be Red-spotted Purple larvae.

Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta)

The Red Admiral butterfly is a stunning butterfly species commonly found in Mississippi.

• Habitat: The Red Admiral can be found in wooded areas, gardens, and parks.
• Appearance: The Red Admiral has a distinctive appearance with black wings that have orange and white stripes, and bright red bands.
• Size: With wingspans ranging from 2.5 to 3 inches, the Red Admiral is a medium-sized butterfly.
• Diet: Caterpillars feed on the leaves of host plants such as stinging nettle and false nettle, while adults consume nectar from a variety of flowers.
• Reproduction: Females lay their eggs on the leaves of host plants, and caterpillars pupate before emerging as adults.
• Lifespan: Adult Red Admirals can live up to two weeks.
• Host Plants: Host plants include stinging nettle, false nettle, and other nettle plants.

The Red Admiral can be seen in Mississippi from late spring to early fall, primarily in wooded areas, gardens, and parks.

Look for its distinctive black wings with orange and white stripes, and bright red bands as it feeds on nectar from flowers or lays its eggs on host plants.

If you spot caterpillars feeding on the leaves of stinging nettle or false nettle, they may develop into adult Red Admirals.

Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui)

The Painted Lady butterfly is one of the most common and widespread butterfly species in the world.

• Habitat: Painted Lady butterflies prefer areas such as meadows, fields, deserts, and gardens.
• Appearance: The upper wings of the Painted Lady butterfly are orange, black, and white. The lower wings are brown and gray, with four small eyespots.
• Size: The wingspan of a Painted Lady butterfly ranges from 2 1/2 to 2 7/8 inches
• Diet: Painted Lady butterflies feed on nectar from flowers, including asters and thistles.
• Reproduction: Male Painted Lady butterflies patrol territories in search of females. The females lay their eggs on host plants, and the caterpillars hatch and feed on the leaves of the plants.
• Lifespan: Painted Lady butterfly lives up to one year, but the adult butterfly lifespan has a short life of two weeks to one month.
• Host Plants: Painted Lady caterpillars feed on a variety of host plants, including asters, mallows, thistles, and hollyhocks.

Painted Lady butterflies can migrate thousands of miles. Their seasonal population booms in numbers, and they play a crucial role in pollination.

Common Buckeye (Junonia coenia)

Common Buckeye butterflies are a familiar and widespread butterfly species in Mississippi.

• Habitat: Common Buckeye butterflies are found in open areas such as fields, meadows, and parks.
• Appearance: The upper wings of the Common Buckeye butterfly are brownish-red with two large eyespots. The lower wings have smaller eyespots and are lighter in color.
• Size: The wingspan of a Common Buckeye butterfly ranges from 1 3/4 to 2 3/4 inches.
• Diet: Common Buckeye butterflies consume nectar from a variety of flowers, including milkweeds, asters, and verbena.
• Reproduction: The Common Buckeye butterfly reproduces through a process called pupation, where the caterpillar undergoes a metamorphosis and transforms into an adult butterfly.
• Lifespan: Common Buckeye butterflies have a lifespan of about one year, with the adult butterfly stage lasting from 2 to 3 weeks.
• Host Plants: Common Buckeye caterpillars feed on the leaves of various host plants, including plantain and monkey flower.

The Common Buckeye has a distinct appearance with its large eyespots, which can help confuse predators. They contribute to the flower pollination with their unique long proboscis.

Mourning Cloak (Nymphalis antiopa)

The Mourning Cloak butterfly is a widespread and long-lived butterfly species in Mississippi.

• Habitat: Mourning Cloak butterflies can be found in a variety of habitats across Mississippi, including woodlands, forests, and meadows.
• Appearance: The wings of the Mourning Cloak butterfly are dark maroon with a yellow border and blue spots. The underside of its wings is a dull brown with a lighter yellow border.
• Size: The wingspan of a Mourning Cloak butterfly ranges from 2 1/4 to 4 inches.
• Diet: Mourning Cloak butterflies feed on tree sap, rotting fruit, and sometimes nectar from flowers.
• Reproduction: Mourning Cloak butterflies reproduce through mating and laying eggs on the leaves of host plants.
• Lifespan: Mourning Cloak butterflies have a lifespan of up to 12 months, depending on the climate.
• Host Plants: Mourning Cloak caterpillars feed on the leaves of a variety of host plants, including willow, elm, birch, and hackberry.

The Mourning Cloak is one of the few butterflies that hibernate during winter months, and will emerge in early spring.

They are unique butterflies with multi-colored spines on their bodies, which can help protect them from predators.

Great Spangled Fritillary (Speyeria cybele)

The Great Spangled Fritillary butterfly is a striking butterfly species found in Mississippi.

• Habitat: Great Spangled Fritillary butterflies live in open fields, meadows, and grassy areas near woods.
• Appearance: The upper wings of the Great Spangled Fritillary butterfly are orange-brown with black spots, while its lower wings have a cream background with silver spots.
• Size: The wingspan of a Great Spangled Fritillary butterfly ranges from 2 1/2 to 4 inches.
• Diet: Great Spangled Fritillary butterflies feed on the nectar of many flowers, including milkweeds, thistles, and purple coneflowers.
• Reproduction: Great Spangled Fritillary butterflies reproduce through mating and laying eggs on the leaves of host plants.
• Lifespan: Great Spangled Fritillary butterflies have a lifespan of about one year, with the adult butterfly stage lasting from 1 to 2 weeks.
• Host Plants: Great Spangled Fritillary caterpillars feed on the leaves of various host plants, including violets, plantains, and turtleheads.

They are common in fields and open areas but can be found in shaded forest areas as well.

The Great Spangled Fritillary has a beautiful iridescent shine on its wings, making it stand out among other butterfly species.

They are an essential pollinator for many plant species, creating mutual benefits for the plants and the butterfly in their habitat.

Variegated Fritillary (Euptoieta claudia)

The Variegated Fritillary butterfly is one of the most common butterfly species in Mississippi.

• Habitat: Variegated Fritillary butterflies inhabit open fields, meadows, and gardens.
• Appearance: The upper wings of the Variegated Fritillary butterfly are orange-brown with black spots, while its lower wings have a blackish-brown undersides with light markings.
• Size: The wingspan of a Variegated Fritillary butterfly ranges from 2 to 2 3/4 inches.
• Diet: Variegated Fritillary butterflies feed on the nectar of many flowers, including milkweeds, ironweeds, goldenrods, and violets.
• Reproduction: Variegated Fritillary butterflies reproduce through mating and laying eggs on the leaves of host plants.
• Lifespan: Variegated Fritillary butterflies have a lifespan of about one year, with the adult butterfly stage lasting from 1 to 2 weeks.
• Host Plants: Variegated Fritillary caterpillars feed on the leaves of various host plants, including violets and passionflowers.

They are often seen in open grassy areas, gardens, and meadows.

The Variegated Fritillary has a distinct wing color with the underside being a paler shade, making it easier to distinguish from other butterfly species.

They play an important role as a pollinator in their habitat and help ease the production of many plant species, depending on them for survival.

Pearl Crescent (Phyciodes tharos)

The Pearl Crescent butterfly is a common butterfly species found in Mississippi.

• Habitat: Pearl Crescent butterflies can be found in a variety of habitats, including fields, meadows, roadsides, gardens, and open woodland edges.
• Appearance: The upper wings of the Pearl Crescent butterfly are orange-brown with black spots, while its lower wings have a dark base with a band of pearl-white spots.
• Size: The wingspan of a Pearl Crescent butterfly ranges from 1 3/8 to 1 5/8 inches.
• Diet: Pearl Crescent butterflies feed on the nectar of many flowers, including asters, goldenrods, and sunflowers.
• Reproduction: Pearl Crescent butterflies reproduce through mating and laying eggs on the leaves of host plants.
• Lifespan: Pearl Crescent butterflies have a lifespan of about one year, with the adult butterfly stage lasting from 1 to 2 weeks.
• Host Plants: Pearl Crescent caterpillars feed on the leaves of various host plants, including asters and black-eyed susans.

They are often found in open areas and are very active in sunny weather conditions.

The Pearl Crescent has a unique pattern that resembles a pearl necklace along the edges of its wings, making it easily distinguishable from other butterfly species.

They contribute to the flower pollination and helps sustain the environment they live in.

Eastern Comma (Polygonia comma)

The Eastern Comma butterfly is a distinctive and widespread butterfly species found in Mississippi.

• Habitat: The Eastern Comma butterfly is found in wooded areas, forests, and streamsides across Mississippi.
• Appearance: The upper wings of the Eastern Comma butterfly are a mix of orange, brown, and black, while its lower wings have a mottled, speckled look.
• Size: The wingspan of an Eastern Comma butterfly ranges from 1 3/4 to 2 inches.
• Diet: Eastern Comma butterflies feed on the nectar of flowers, including asters, goldenrods, and dogbane.
• Reproduction: The Eastern Comma butterfly reproduces through mating and laying eggs on the undersides of host plant leaves.
• Lifespan: The Eastern Comma butterfly has a lifespan of about one year, with the adult butterfly stage lasting from 2 to 3 weeks.
• Host Plants: Eastern Comma caterpillars feed on the leaves of a variety of host plants, including elm, nettle, and false nettle.

The Eastern Comma has an unusual wing pattern, with its jagged edges and mottled gray and brown color.

They are known for their winter survival behavior, which is hibernation as an adult butterfly.

They play an essential role in pollination and contribute to the healthy ecosystem of the wooded areas they inhabit.

Question Mark (Polygonia interrogationis)

The Question Mark butterfly is a unique and widespread butterfly species in Mississippi.

• Habitat: The Question Mark butterfly is commonly found in wooded areas, forests, and streamsides across Mississippi.
• Appearance: The upper wings of the Question Mark butterfly are rust-colored with black markings, while its lower wings have a mottled, camouflaged look.
• Size: The wingspan of a Question Mark butterfly ranges from 2 1/2 to 3 inches.
• Diet: Question Mark butterflies feed on tree sap, rotting fruit, and occasionally nectar from flowers.
• Reproduction: The Question Mark butterfly reproduces through mating and laying eggs on the undersides of host plant leaves.
• Lifespan: The Question Mark butterfly has a lifespan of about one year, with the adult butterfly stage lasting from 2 to 3 weeks.
• Host Plants: Question Mark caterpillars feed on the leaves of various host plants, including hackberry and elm trees.

The Question Mark butterfly has an unusual wing pattern on the undersides, resembling a punctuation mark called a question mark.

They are commonly found in woody areas, where they blend in effortlessly with the bark of trees.

They are not commonly seen on flowers, but rather feeding on rotting fruits or sap oozing from trees.

They are an important aspect of the ecosystem within the forests and wooded areas they inhabit.

American Copper (Lycaena phlaeas)

The American Copper butterfly is a colorful and widespread butterfly species in Mississippi.

• Habitat: American Copper butterflies can be found in open fields, meadows, and along the edges of wooded areas.
• Appearance: The upper wings of the American Copper butterfly are a bright orange with black spots, while its lower wings have brown spots with a coppery sheen.
• Size: The wingspan of an American Copper butterfly ranges from 7/8 to 1 1/8 inches.
• Diet: American Copper butterflies feed on the nectar of flowers, including asters and goldenrods.
• Reproduction: American Copper butterflies reproduce through mating and laying eggs on the undersides of host plant leaves.
• Lifespan: American Copper butterflies have a lifespan of about one year, with the adult butterfly stage lasting from 2 to 3 weeks.
• Host Plants: American Copper caterpillars feed on the leaves of various host plants, including sorrel and clovers.

They are often seen in open fields and meadows, where they can blend in seamlessly with the surrounding flowers and plants.

The American Copper has a bright orange color with black splotches, which makes it easily distinguishable from other butterfly species.

They play an essential role in pollination and contribute to the healthy environment of their habitat.

Bronze Copper (Lycaena hyllus)

• Habitat: Bronze Coppers are found in open fields and grasslands with moderate moisture levels.
• Appearance: Bronze Coppers have a wingspan of approximately 0.75 to 1 inch and their wings are brown to orange with black spots.
• Size: The wingspan of Bronze Coppers ranges from 0.75 to 1 inch.
• Diet: Bronze Coppers primarily feed on the nectar of plants such as milkweed and thistles.
• Reproduction: Bronze Coppers lay their eggs on the underside of leaves and the eggs hatch into caterpillars after a few days.
• Lifespan: Bronze Coppers have a lifespan of approximately one month.
• Host Plants: The host plants for Bronze Coppers include clovers, lupines and milkweeds.

The Bronze Copper is a small butterfly with a wingspan ranging from 0.75 to 1 inch. These butterflies can be easily identified by their orange and brown wings that are adorned with black spots.

Bronze Coppers are often found in open fields and grasslands with moderate moisture levels.

These butterflies feed on the nectar of flowers such as milkweed and thistles.

They also lay their eggs on the underside of leaves which hatch into caterpillars after a few days. Bronze Coppers have a short lifespan of approximately one month, during which they mostly feed on nectar.

The host plants for Bronze Coppers include clovers, lupines, and milkweeds.

Spring Azure (Celastrina ladon)

• Habitat: Spring Azures are found in open woods, fields and along the edges of forests.
• Appearance: Spring Azures have a wingspan of about 0.75 inch, and their wings are a pale blue-gray color with white borders.
• Size: The wingspan of Spring Azures ranges from 0.75 to 1 inch.
• Diet: Spring Azures primarily feed on the nectar of flowers such as dogwood and blueberry.
• Reproduction: Spring Azures lay their eggs on flower buds or tips of branches, and the eggs hatch into tiny caterpillars.
• Lifespan: Spring Azures have a lifespan of about one week in their adult form.
• Host Plants: The host plants for Spring Azures include dogwood, New Jersey tea, and blueberry.

The Spring Azure is a butterfly species with a wingspan of about 0.75 inch, and their wings are a pale blue-gray color with white borders.

These butterflies are found in open woods, fields, and along the edges of forests. Spring Azures primarily feed on the nectar of flowers such as dogwood and blueberry.

The females lay their eggs on flower buds or the tips of branches, and these eggs hatch into tiny caterpillars.

Spring Azures have a short lifespan of about one week in their adult form, during which they spend most of their time searching for a mate and laying eggs.

The host plants for Spring Azures include dogwood, New Jersey tea, and blueberry.

Silvery Blue (Glaucopsyche lygdamus)

The Silvery Blue can be found in a variety of open areas, including prairies, meadows, fields, clearings, and power line rights-of-way.

They are most commonly found throughout the state in the spring and early summer.

• Habitat: The Silvery Blue can be found in a variety of open areas, including prairies, meadows, fields, clearings, and power line rights-of-way.
• Appearance: The wings of the male are a bright, iridescent blue with a white fringe, and the wings of the female are a light, powdery blue with a white fringe. Both sexes have a white spot near the edge of their wings.
• Size: The wingspan of Silvery Blue ranges from ¾ – 1 inch.
• Diet: The Silvery Blue’s larvae feed on the flowers and seedpods of wild lupines and other members of the pea family. The adult Silvery Blue feeds on the nectar from a variety of flowers, including milkweed and dogbane.
• Reproduction: Females lay their eggs on the underside of leaves in the host plant during the breeding season. The eggs hatch in approximately one week and the larvae feed until they reach maturity and pupate.
• Lifespan: The lifespan of the Silvery Blue ranges from one to two weeks.
• Host Plants: The host plants of the Silvery Blue are members of the pea family, including wild lupines.

The Silvery Blue is a gorgeous butterfly species found in Mississippi that serves as an important part of the ecosystem.

Horace’s Duskywing (Erynnis horatius)

Horace’s Duskywing is one of the most common duskywings in the eastern United States and can be found throughout Mississippi in woodland and forest habitats.

• Habitat: Horace’s Duskywing can be found in woodland and forest habitats throughout Mississippi.
• Appearance: The wings of the Horace’s Duskywing are brown with a short, broad forewing. The underside of the wings is a lighter brown with small white spots.
• Size: The wingspan of Horace’s Duskywing ranges from 1 – 1¼ inches.
• Diet: The larvae feed on the leaves of oak trees, while adults feed on nectar from flowers such as dogwood, blackberry, and hawthorn.
• Reproduction: Females lay their eggs on the undersides of oak leaves during the breeding season. The eggs hatch in approximately a week and the larvae feed for about a month before pupating.
• Lifespan: The lifespan of Horace’s Duskywing ranges from one to two weeks.
• Host Plants: Horace’s Duskywing caterpillars feed on oak trees, as well as hickories and walnuts.

Horace’s Duskywing is a beautiful butterfly species that thrives in the woodlands and forests of Mississippi.

It has an important role in pollination and also serves as a food source for predators such as birds and spiders.

Leonard’s Skipper (Hesperia leonardus)

Leonard’s Skipper is a small, brown butterfly species that is commonly found throughout Mississippi in fields and meadows.

• Habitat: Leonard’s Skipper can be found in fields and meadows throughout Mississippi.
• Appearance: The wings of Leonard’s Skipper are brown with a bronze sheen, and the tips of the forewings have an orange band. The undersides of the wings have white spots.
• Size: The wingspan of Leonard’s Skipper ranges from 1¼ – 1⅜ inches.
• Diet: The larvae feed on various grasses, while adults feed on the nectar from flowers such as thistles, goldenrods, and asters.
• Reproduction: Females lay their eggs on the stems and leaves of grasses during the breeding season. The eggs hatch in approximately a week and the larvae feed for about a month before pupating.
• Lifespan: The lifespan of Leonard’s Skipper ranges from one to two weeks.

Leonard’s Skipper is a common butterfly species that contributes to the pollination of many wildflowers found in fields and meadows throughout Mississippi.

It is also an important source of food for predators such as birds and spiders.

Cabbage White (Pieris rapae)

The Cabbage White is a white butterfly species with black spots that is commonly found throughout Mississippi in gardens, fields, and parks.

• Habitat: Cabbage White can be found in gardens, fields, and parks throughout Mississippi.
• Appearance: The wings of the Cabbage White are white with black spots on the forewings. The male of the species has one black spot on each forewing, while the female has two.
• Size: The wingspan of Cabbage White ranges from 1½ – 2 inches.
• Diet: The larvae feed on plants in the mustard family, including broccoli, cabbage, and kale. Adults feed on the nectar from a variety of flowers.
• Reproduction: Females lay their eggs on the underside of leaves during the breeding season. The eggs hatch in approximately a week, and the larvae feed for about two weeks before pupating.
• Lifespan: The lifespan of Cabbage White ranges from one to two weeks.
• Host Plants: Mustard plants, broccoli, cabbage, and various other related plants in the Brassicaceae family.

The Cabbage White is a popular butterfly species in Mississippi. It has become more prevalent in the state over the years, likely due to the increased cultivation of mustard family crops.

It has an important role in pollination and also serves as a food source for predators such as birds and spiders.

However, it is also considered a pest due to its larvae’s appetite for certain crops.

Orange Sulphur (Colias eurytheme)

The Orange Sulphur is a bright, orange-yellow butterfly species found throughout Mississippi in a variety of open habitats.

• Habitat: Orange Sulphur can be found in a variety of open habitats, including fields, meadows, grasslands, and marshes.
• Appearance: The wings of the Orange Sulphur are bright, orange-yellow with black borders and veins. The underside of the wings is a mottled yellow and gray.
• Size: The wingspan of Orange Sulphur ranges from 1½ – 2 inches.
• Diet: The larvae feed on the leaves of plants in the legume family, while adults feed on flower nectar from a wide variety of sources, including clovers, thistles, and asters.
• Reproduction: Females lay their eggs on the undersides of leaves in the host plant during the breeding season. The eggs hatch in approximately a week and the larvae feed for about three weeks before pupating.
• Lifespan: The lifespan of Orange Sulphur ranges from one to two weeks.
• Host Plants: The host plants for the larvae of the Orange Sulphur include various species of clover and alfalfa.

The Orange Sulphur is a beautiful butterfly species that contributes to the ecosystem through pollination and as a food source for predators such as birds and spiders.

While their larvae can sometimes be considered pests, the Orange Sulphur is an important part of the Mississippi ecosystem.

Dainty Sulphur (Nathalis iole)

The Dainty Sulphur is a small, delicate butterfly species that is common throughout Mississippi in a variety of open habitats.

• Habitat: Dainty Sulphur can be found in a variety of open habitats, including fields, meadows, gardens, and roadsides.
• Appearance: The wings of the Dainty Sulphur are bright yellow with small black spots on the forewings. The underside of the wings is a pale yellow with a greenish tint.
• Size: The wingspan of Dainty Sulphur ranges from ¾ – 1 inch.
• Diet: The larvae feed on plants in the legume family, while adults feed on the nectar from various flowers, including clovers, dandelions, and asters.
• Reproduction: Females lay their eggs on the undersides of leaves in the host plant during the breeding season. The eggs hatch in approximately a week and the larvae feed for about two weeks before pupating.
• Lifespan: The lifespan of Dainty Sulphur ranges from one to two weeks.
• Host Plants: Dainty Sulphur has several host plants, including clover, alfalfa, and various legumes.

The Dainty Sulphur is a beautiful and important butterfly species in Mississippi.

It serves as a pollinator and a food source for predators such as birds and spiders.

The Dainty Sulphur’s bright yellow coloration makes it easily recognizable and a welcome sight in gardens and meadows throughout the state.

Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus)

The Gray Hairstreak is a small, gray butterfly species with a distinctive orange marking found throughout Mississippi in a variety of open habitats.

• Habitat: Gray Hairstreak can be found in a variety of open habitats, including fields, meadows, gardens, and roadsides.
• Appearance: The wings of the Gray Hairstreak are mostly gray with a white fringe, and the underside of the wings has a distinctive orange marking near the rear of the hindwing. The abdomen of the butterfly is black.
• Size: The wingspan of Gray Hairstreak ranges from 1 – 1¼ inches.
• Diet: The larvae feed on a variety of plants, including members of the legume family and mallow family. Adults feed on the nectar from a variety of flowers, including thistles, milkweeds, and dandelions.
• Reproduction: Females lay their eggs on the flowers and stems of the host plant during the breeding season. The eggs hatch in approximately a week, and the larvae feed for about two weeks before pupating.
• Lifespan: The lifespan of Gray Hairstreak ranges from one to two weeks.
• Host Plants: The Gray Hairstreak primarily uses legumes as its host plants.

The Gray Hairstreak is an important butterfly species in Mississippi. It serves as a pollinator and a food source for predators such as birds and spiders.

The distinctive orange marking on the underside of the wings makes it easily recognizable in the field, and its small size allows it to thrive in a variety of open habitats throughout the state.

Red-banded Hairstreak (Calycopis cecrops)

The Red-banded Hairstreak is a small, gray-blue butterfly species with a distinctive red band found throughout Mississippi in a variety of open habitats.

• Habitat: Red-banded Hairstreak can be found in a variety of open habitats, including fields, meadows, gardens, and roadsides.
• Appearance: The wings of the Red-banded Hairstreak are mostly gray-blue with a distinctive red band across both wings near the base. The underside of the wings is a mottled gray with a white stripe and orange spots.
• Size: The wingspan of Red-banded Hairstreak ranges from ¾ – 1 inch.
• Diet: The larvae feed on a variety of plants, including members of the sumac family. Adults feed on the nectar from a variety of flowers, including honeysuckle, milkweeds, and vetches.
• Reproduction: Females lay their eggs on the flowers and buds of the host plant during the breeding season. The eggs hatch in approximately two weeks, and the larvae feed for about two to three weeks before pupating.
• Lifespan: The lifespan of Red-banded Hairstreak ranges from one to two weeks.
• Host Plants: Winged sumac, bayberries.

The Red-banded Hairstreak is a beautiful and important butterfly species in Mississippi. It serves as a pollinator and a food source for predators such as birds and spiders.

The distinctive red band makes it easily recognizable in the field and a welcome sight in gardens, meadows, and fields throughout the state.

Great Purple Hairstreak (Atlides halesus)

The Great Purple Hairstreak is a beautiful butterfly species found throughout Mississippi in a variety of open habitats, including woodland and forest edges.

• Habitat: Great Purple Hairstreak can be found in a variety of open habitats, including woodland and forest edges throughout Mississippi.
• Appearance: The wings of the Great Purple Hairstreak are mostly green, with a large purple patch on the wing base. The undersides of the wings are a mottled gray-brown.
• Size: The wingspan of Great Purple Hairstreak ranges from 1 – 2 inches.
• Diet: The larvae feed on the flowers and buds of the host plant, while adults feed on the nectar from a variety of flowers.
• Reproduction: Females lay their eggs on the undersides of leaves during the breeding season. The eggs hatch in approximately a week, and the larvae feed for about two weeks before pupating.
• Lifespan: The lifespan of Great Purple Hairstreak ranges from one to two weeks.
• Host Plants: The caterpillars of the Great Purple Hairstreak feed on the flowers and foliage of a variety of plants, including oak mistletoe, buckwheat, and California lilac.

The Great Purple Hairstreak is an important butterfly species in Mississippi. It serves as a pollinator and a food source for predators such as birds and spiders.

Its stunning green and purple coloration makes it easily recognizable in the field, and its presence in woodland and forest edges highlights the importance of these habitats in the state’s ecosystem.

Atala Hairstreak (Eumaeus atala)

Here are the key facts you need to know about Atala Hairstreak, a butterfly species found in Mississippi:

• Habitat: This species is commonly found in tropical and subtropical environments, including coastal areas, hardwood hammocks, and mangrove swamps.
• Appearance: Atala Hairstreak butterflies have a unique, striking appearance with bold colors of iridescent blue, black, rust-red, and white.
• Size: The wingspan of an adult Atala Hairstreak butterfly ranges from 1 to 1.5 inches.
• Diet: The primary food source for caterpillars is the coontie plant, while adult Atala Hairstreak butterflies feed on nectar.
• Reproduction: Females lay a cluster of eggs on coontie leaves, and the larvae feed on the leaves until they reach maturity and form a chrysalis.
• Lifespan: The life cycle of an Atala Hairstreak butterfly ranges from four to six weeks from egg to adult.
• Host Plants: The coontie plant, also called the Florida arrowroot, is the only known host plant for Atala Hairstreak butterflies in Mississippi.

Atala Hairstreak butterflies have a unique appearance and depend on the coontie plant for survival.

If you’re interested in butterfly watching in Mississippi, this is a species to look out for!

Conclusion

Mississippi is home to a diverse and beautiful collection of butterfly species, ranging from the familiar Monarch to the lesser-known Atala Hairstreak.

Whether you’re a seasoned butterfly expert or a curious observer, there’s something for everyone to appreciate in the world of butterflies.

So, get out there and start exploring! Which butterfly species in Mississippi is your favorite? Leave a comment below and let us know.