MARYLAND AT A GLANCE

WILDLIFE

INSECTS

BUTTERFLIES & MOTHS

[photo, Female (dark morph) Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus) butterfly, Monkton, Maryland] There are over 150 species of butterflies and skippers throughout Maryland. Butterflies, depending on the species, pollinate plants or eat harmful insects, and their presence (or lack thereof) is an indicator of the health of the surrounding environment. Many species are found in a variety of habitats, but some stay within a specific area, close to their food source.

Female (dark morph) Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus) butterfly, Monkton, Maryland, July 2015. Photo by Sarah A. Hanks.

[photo, Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes) caterpillar, Monkton, Maryland] Butterflies go through three stages before they reach the final adult stage: egg, caterpillar or larvae, and pupa or chrysalis. Adult butterflies have four finely-scaled wings, scaled bodies, six legs, two compound eyes, and a proboscis or mouthpart. They are diurnal and can live up to a year, depending on the species, but most live much shorter lives.

Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes) caterpillar, Monkton, Maryland, July 2015. Photo by Sarah A. Hanks.

Butterflies (Rhopalocera). Butterflies belong to the suborder Rhopalocera. They can be further divided into three groups or superfamilies: true butterflies, skippers, and moth-butterflies.

[photo, Cocoon remnant of a Cecropia Moth (Hyalophora cecropia), Monkton, Maryland] Moths (Heterocera). Moths belong to the suborder Heterocera. They generally are dull in color, usually grey or brown, but can have wave-like or swirl patterns on their wings to serve as camouflage. They have stout, hairy-like bodies, broad wings with large scales, feathery, unclubbed antennae, and a proboscis. A frenulum, or a line of tissue connects their wings. Unlike butterflies, most moth caterpillars form a silk cocoon instead of a chysalis. Moths are generally nocturnal.

Cocoon remnant of a Cecropia Moth (Hyalophora cecropia), Monkton, Maryland, July 2015. Photo by Sarah A. Hanks.

[photo, Io Moth, Glen Burnie, Maryland] Butterflies & Moths (order Lepidoptera)
The common belief that moths are furry, while butterflies are not, is scientifically inaccurate. Although individual species may be called either butterfly or moth, the two are so closely related that division even at the family level is not considered sound.

Io Moth, Glen Burnie, Maryland, January 2013. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.

[photo, Spicebush Swallowtail (Papilio troilus) butterfly on Zinnea, Glen Burnie, Maryland] What distinguishes Lepidoptera are their comparatively large wings and antennae. While a small number of species possess crossvein wings, most have large membranous wings of various colors and patterns. Although the colors and patterns of butterflies are beautiful, they serve as camouflage or as a warning to predators.

Spicebush Swallowtail (Papilio troilus) butterfly on Zinnea, Glen Burnie, Maryland, September 2014. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.

[photo, Child butterfly wall mural, Aliceanna St., Baltimore, Maryland] The Baltimore Checkerspot Butterfly (Euphydryas phaeton) is the Maryland State Insect, but is endangered like the Frosted Elfin, the King's Hairstreak and the Olympia Marble.

Child butterfly wall mural, Aliceanna St., Baltimore, Maryland, October 2011. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.

[photo, Catalpa Sphinx caterpillar, Glen Burnie, Maryland] Caterpillars
Caterpillars are the larvae stage of butterflies or moths.


Catalpa Sphinx caterpillar, Glen Burnie, Maryland, September 2014. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.

[photo, Giant Leopard Moth Caterpillar/Giant Woolly Bear (Hypercompe scribonia), Monkton, Maryland] Woolly bears, or woolly worms, are the fuzzy caterpillars that later turn into moths. Their bodies are covered with thick coats of bristles or setae. Woolly bears eat grass, herbs, and plant leaves. They will roll into a defensive ball if disturbed.

Giant Leopard Moth Caterpillar/Giant Woolly Bear (Hypercompe scribonia), Monkton, Maryland, October 2014. Photo by Sarah A. Hanks.

MARYLAND BUTTERFLIES & MOTHS

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
While flying, the colors and patterns on a butterfly's dorsal (back) side, are readily visible; however, when resting, a butterfly usually folds its wings over its back, allowing the colors on the ventral (underside) side, to be displayed. A moth, on the other hand, will spread its wings to the sides, showing its back or dorsal side on top, while at rest.

Admiral, Red (Vanessa atalanta)
Dorsal side: black-brown with white spots and red-orange bands.
Ventral side: red-orange bands and white and blue spots on forewings, and an overall marbled appearance on hindwings.

Drinks tree sap, nectar from clover, daisies and milkweed, and juice from fermenting fruit. Inhabits moist areas, including woods, parks, marshes, and yards. Hibernates over winter.

Azure, Spring (Celastrina ladon)
Dorsal side of wings: brighter blue for male, while female is darker blue and has black markings on forewings' edges.
Ventral side: gray with black spots.

Drinks nectar from blackberry, privet, and milkweed. Inhabits areas near woods, fields, and marshes. As a caterpillar, it secretes a substance or honeydew that ants use as food and, in return, the ants protect the caterpillar from predators.

Blue, Eastern-tailed (Cupido comyntas)
Dorsal side: blue with gray-brown edges for male, while female is brown or charcoal with some blue in Spring.
Ventral side: gray or white with black spots. White fringe is present on wings and orange spots, and a narrow tail appears on the rear of hindwings.

Drinks nectar from wild strawberry, aster, and clover. Inhabits open, sunny areas, including fields, meadows, and parks. The caterpillar secretes a substance or honeydew that ants use as food and, in return, the ants protect the caterpillar from predators.

Buckeye, Common (Junonia coenia)
Dorsal side: brown with two eyespots on both forewings and hindwings. Two orange bars and a whitish band line the forewings, while an orange band stripes the hindwings.
Ventral side: brown in Summer and red in Fall.

Drinks nectar from aster, knapweed, and peppermint. Inhabits open areas, including fields, gardens, and savannas.

Checkerspot, Baltimore (Euphydryas phaeton)
Dorsal side: black with white and orange-red spots along edge.
Ventral side: black, orange, and white.

White spots on abdomen. Drinks nectar from rose, viburnum, and milkweed. Inhabits swamps and meadows. Spends winter as larvae. Named for George Calvert, 1st Lord Baltimore. Maryland State Insect. Classified as endangered in Maryland.

Comma, Eastern (Polygonia comma)
Dorsal side: brown-orange with black spots on forewings, while hindwings, bearing a dark border with paler spots along edge, turn black in summer, then orange with black spots in winter.
Ventral side: mottled brown with a silver-white comma-shaped mark on hindwings.

Drinks tree sap and juice from rotting fruit. Inhabits woods near water and swamps.

[photo, Pearl Crescent, (Phyciodes tharos) butterfly, Monkton, Maryland] Crescent, Pearl (Phyciodes tharos)
Dorsal side: orange with black edges and markings.
Ventral side: orange with dark marks, and a white-pearl crescent-shaped mark within a dark patch.

Male has black antennae. Drinks nectar from milkweed, dogbane, and aster. Inhabits open areas, including fields, open woods, and pastures.

Pearl Crescent, (Phyciodes tharos) butterfly, Monkton, Maryland, October 2015. Photo by Sarah A. Hanks.

Duskywing, Juvenal's (Erynnis juvenalis)
Dorsal side: brown with dark and white marks - spots for male, larger, more pronounced spots, especially on forewings, for female.
Ventral side: brown with two paler spots near hindwings' upper edges.

Drinks nectar from dandelion, blueberry, and lilac. Inhabits scrublands, woods, and fields.

Elfin, Henry's (Callophrys henrici)
Dorsal side: brown, and female has a spot on forewings' edge.
Ventral side: light brown near edges and darker brown-black near body with some white marks separating colors.

Small tail on hindwings. Drinks nectar from redbud, willows, and hawthorn. Inhabits woodlands and barrens.

Elfin, Frosted (Callophrys irus)
Dorsal side: brown, and male has long, dark spot on forewings' edges.
Ventral side: red-brown with dark lines and whitish edges on hindwings, dark spots near small tail.

Drinks flower nectar. Inhabits scrublands, fields, and open woodlands. Classified as endangered in Maryland.

[photo, Great Spangled Fritillary, (Speyeria cybele) butterfly, Monkton, Maryland] Fritillary, Great Spangled (Speyeria cybele)
Dorsal side: orange (darker near body) with black marks for male, while female is usually darker.
Ventral side: orange-yellow with black marks and several silver spots on forewings and brown-orange with silver spots and a wide cream band on hindwings.

Drinks nectar from thistle, coneflower, and milkweed. Inhabits fields, pastures, and woodlands.

Great Spangled Fritillary, (Speyeria cybele) butterfly, Monkton, Maryland, July 2015. Photo by Sarah A. Hanks.

[photo, Variegated Fritillary, (Euptoieta claudia) butterfly, Monkton, Maryland] Fritillary, Variegated (Euptoieta claudia)
Dorsal side: yellow-orange with black lines and black spots near edges. Black-ringed spot on front edges of forewings.
Ventral side: mottled orange, brown, gray, and yellow.

Drinks nectar from violets, coneflowers, and thistles. Inhabits open fields and meadows.

Variegated Fritillary, (Euptoieta claudia) butterfly, Monkton, Maryland, October 2015. Photo by Sarah A. Hanks.

Hairstreak, Gray (Strymon melinus)
Dorsal side: blue-gray.
Ventral side: light to dark gray with white, black, and orange lines on forewings and hindwings; orange-red and black spot on hindwings.

Male has orange head and abdomen, while female has gray abdomen. Drinks nectar from milkweed, mint, and goldenrod. Inhabits open areas, including fields, parks, and gardens.

Hairstreak, King's (Satyrium kingi)
Dorsal side: light brown.
Ventral side: light brown with brown markings, as well as an orange-topped blue spot and orange and black spots on hindwings.

One long and one short tail on hindwings. Drinks nectar from Allegheny chinquapin and sourwood trees. Inhabits areas near swamps and streams. Classified as endangered in Maryland.

Lady, American (Vanessa virginiensis)
Dorsal side: orange with black marks, and a black patch on forewings, as well as blue and white spots.
Ventral side: olive-brown with a pink area on forewings and a marbled pattern, a streak, and two large eyespots on hindwings.

Drinks nectar from dogbane, aster, goldenrod, and marigold. Inhabits open areas, including meadows, parks, and dunes.

Marble, Olympia (Euchloe Olympia)
Dorsal side: white with few dark patches on forewings and near body.
Ventral side: white with green-yellow marbling.

Drinks nectar of chickweed, houstonia, and phlox. Inhabits meadows, open woodlands, and shale barrens. Classified as endangered in Maryland.

[photo, Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) caterpillars, Dept. of Natural Resources exhibit, Maryland State Fair, Timonium, Maryland] Monarch (Danaus plexippus)
Dorsal side: orange with black edges, veins, and a black patch of scent scales for male, while female is orange-brown with wider black edges and lines. White spots along edges.
Ventral side: orange with black veins and a black patch with white spots on forewings, and brown-yellow with thick black veins. Black edge with white spots.

Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) caterpillars, Dept. of Natural Resources exhibit, Maryland State Fair, Timonium, Maryland, September 2015. Photo by Sarah A. Hanks.

Drinks nectar from milkweed, lilac, and blazing star. Inhabits fields, marshes, and meadows.

Moth, Catalpa Sphinx (Ceratomia catalpae)
Dorsal side: brown-yellow with some black marks and a white spot.
Ventral side: similar to dorsal side.

Body is gray. Inhabits catalpa trees, yards, and woodlands.

Moth, Cecropia (Hyalophora cecropia)
Dorsal side: brown (red near base of forewings) with white and reddish bands, crescent-shaped spots, and tan edges, as well as eyespots on tip of forewings.
Ventral side: similar to dorsal side.

Body is red with white stripes. Male has large, feathery antennae, while female has larger, rounded abdomen. Inhabits .

Moth, Giant Leopard (Hypercompe scribonia)
Dorsal side: white with black spots.
Ventral side: similar to dorsal side.

Abdomen is blue-black with orange-red marks; male has a yellow line along side. Inhabits fields, meadows, and areas near woodlands.

Moth, Io (Automeris io)
Dorsal side: yellow with dark markings on forewings for male, while female has brown-red forewings. Dorsal hindwings are yellow-orange with a large black-blue eyespot.
Ventral side: brown with dark spots on forewings, and small white-silver spots on hindwings.

Male has large antennae. Inhabits forests, parks, and yards.

[photo, Hickory Tussock Moth caterpillar, Friendsville, Maryland] Moth, Hickory Tussock (Lophocampa caryae Harris)
Dorsal side: yellow-brown forewings with darker areas and white spots. Dorsal hindwings are pale, nearly translucent white-yellow.
Ventral side: similar to dorsal side.

Body is brown and hairy. Inhabits hickory, walnut, ash, elms, and other hardwood trees. Caterpillars are toxic and should not be handled. The adults, which may carry some toxins, have organs which allow them to "vocalize." Also known as Hickory Tiger Moth.

Hickory Tussock Moth caterpillar, Friendsville, Maryland, October 2015. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.

Purple, Red-spotted (Limenitis arthemis astyanax)
Dorsal side: blue-green with iridescent colors on hindwings.
Ventral side: brown with two red marks on forewings, and red spots on hindwings.

Drinks sap, juice from rotting fruit, nectar from privet and viburnum. Inhabits forests and plains. Same species as White Admiral.

Skipper, European (Thymelicus lineola)
Dorsal side: orange with black edges and dark veins. Male has a black patch of scent cells on forewings.
Ventral side: orange on forewings, and gray on hindwings.

Drinks nectar from thistles, clover, and milkweed. Inhabits meadows, fields and pastures.

Skipper, Peck's (Polites peckius)
Dorsal side: brown with yellow-orange patches and scent cells on forewings for male, while female is darker with pale spots.
Ventral side: red-brown with a central yellow spot on hindwings.

Drinks nectar from clover, milkweed, and purple vetch. Inhabits meadows, yards, and marshes.

Skipper, Silver-spotted (Epargyreus clarus)
Dorsal side: black-brown with square yellow spots on forewings.
Ventral side: dark brown with silver-white mark across hindwings.

Drinks nectar from non-yellow flowers, including milkweed, clover, and blazing star. Inhabits woods, gardens, and fields.

[photo, Zabulon Skipper (Poanes zabulon) butterfly, Baltimore, Maryland] Skipper, Zabulon (Poanes zabulon)
Dorsal side: orange with brown-black edges for male, while female is brown with pale spots on forewings.
Ventral side: orange-yellow with brown outer edges, brown-red spots, and a yellow spot for male; while female is brown-red with some gray-purple and a white line on hindwings.

Zabulon Skipper (Poanes zabulon) butterfly, Baltimore, Maryland, August 2015. Photo by Sarah A. Hanks.

Drinks nectar from clover, blackberry, and thistle. Inhabits woodlands, parks, and gardens.

Sulphur, Clouded (Colias philodice)
Dorsal side: yellow with black edges, as well as dark spots on forewings, and a silver spot on hindwings for male. Female is either white or else yellow with white-yellow spots in black edges.
Ventral side: yellow for male, and yellow or white for female. Brown-ringed spot on hindwings.

Drinks nectar of milkweed, butterfly bush, and coneflower. Inhabits meadows, yards, and alfalfa and clover fields.

Sulphur, Orange (Colias eurytheme)
Dorsal side: yellow and orange with black edges for male, while female is yellow and has yellow spots through her black edges. Like the Clouded Sulphur, females also may be white in overall color. Dark spot on forewings.
Ventral side: yellow-orange with small black spots and a central silver spot.

Drinks nectar from milkweed, coneflower, and butterfly bush. Inhabits open areas, including alfalfa and clover fields, pastures, and meadows.

[photo, Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes) butterfly, Monkton, Maryland] Swallowtail, Black (Papilio polyxenes)
Dorsal side: black with orange-black spot on hindwings, and pale spot on forewings' edges. Male has a yellow band and spots across wings, while female has smaller yellow spots, as well as a large blue band on hindwings.
Ventral side: black, yellow, and blue.

Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes) butterfly, Monkton, Maryland, July 2015. Photo by Sarah A. Hanks.

Drinks nectar from clover, coneflowers, and milkweed. Inhabits gardens, fields, and marshes. Fastest swallowtail.

Swallowtail, Eastern Tiger (Papilio glaucus)
Dorsal side: yellow with four black stripes and black edges for male, while female can be similarly colored (yellow morph), or black with black stripes (dark morph). Both female forms have a blue band on hindwings near tail. Male also has a few orange-red and blue spots near tail.
Ventral side: yellow and black with yellow spots along edges. Female shows some blue coloration on hindwings, as well as a row of orange spots.

Drinks nectar from cherry, lilac, and milkweed. Inhabits parks, gardens, and forests.

Swallowtail, Spicebush (Papilio troilus)
Dorsal side: black-brown with cream-colored spots along edges. Hindwings have green-blue patch for male, and an orange spot and a blue patch for female. The subspecies Papilio troilus ilioneus may have yellow spots instead of blue, as well as blue marks down the tail.
Ventral side: black with two rows of orange spots, and green or blue coloration between rows.

Drinks nectar from coneflower, milkweed, and butterfly bush. Inhabits meadows, gardens, and swamps.

Swallowtail, Zebra (Eurytides marcellus)
Dorsal side: white-green with black stripes, and two blue dots and a red dot on hindwings.
Ventral side: similar to dorsal side, but also runs a red stripe across hindwings.

Triangular wings and very long tails. Drinks nectar from blueberry, verbena, and milkweed, as well as water from sand. Inhabits swamps, fields, and woodlands.

Viceroy (Limenitis archippus)
Dorsal side: orange and black with a thin black line cutting through the dark veins on hindwings, and white dots along black edges.
Ventral side: similar to dorsal side.

Drinks nectar from milkweed, goldenrod, and thistle. Inhabits areas near water, meadows, and fields.

White, Admiral (Limenitis arthemis arthemis)
Dorsal side : black with white stripes, as well as blue and red marks on hindwings.
Ventral side: brown-red with white stripes.

Drinks tree sap, juice from rotting fruit, nectar from privet and viburnum, and aphid secretions. Inhabits forests. Same species as Red-Spotted Purple.

White, Cabbage (Pieris rapae)
Dorsal side: white with black patch on forewings' tip. Male has one black spot on forewings, while female has two.
Ventral side: gray-yellow with faint black dots or specks.

Drinks nectar from dandelion, mustard, and mint. Inhabits gardens, parks, and fields.

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