Butterflies Found in Michigan

Butterflies often require specific plants and habitats for different stages of their life cycles. A suitable habitat for butterflies has plenty of flowering plants for nectar feeding and a sufficient supply of food plants for caterpillars. Different species of butterflies have various preferences of food plants; for example, the Monarch butterfly relies on milkweed to support its life cycles. Planting a garden with suitable food plants of various types can draw butterflies to specific areas. Using food and nectar plants native to Michigan will attract butterflies and maintain the area's natural integrity.

  1. Swallowtails

    • Butterflies of the subfamily Papilioninae are called swallowtails because of the characteristic wing extensions on the hind wing, which have the appearance of tails; however, some swallowtails are actually tailless. All the swallowtail species found in Michigan will exhibit the characteristic tails. The Papilioninae butterflies are found throughout the world and there are approximately 560 species belonging to the subfamily. Swallowtails achieve more biodiversity in the tropics, where they may be vividly colored. Some species mimic the appearance of foul-tasting species for defense against predators.

    Gossamer-Winged Butterflies

    • There are at least 100 species if the Lycaenidae family, or gossamer-winged butterflies, in North America. Pigmented and light-refracting scales cover the wings of Lycaenidae species, giving them a shimmery appearance. The caterpillars of some gossamer-winged species have an organ which produces a sugary solution in order to attract ants. The ants feed on the secretions and help to protect the caterpillar from predators. Generally, the pupa do not form cocoons, but anchor themselves to structures with a silk girdle. Gossamer-winged butterflies have wingspans of less than 2 inches and are often found near wet or marshy environments in Michigan.

    Brush-Footed Butterflies

    • Brush-footed butterflies are named for their tiny forelegs, which are not used for walking. They are also characterized by long, clubbed antennae and colors of brown or orange. Brush-footed butterflies belong to the family Nymphalidae. With approximately 6,000 species, this is the largest family of butterfly. Around 50 of these species have been found in Michigan, including the popular Monarch butterflies, which feed on milkweed plants and make a mass migration to Mexico for breeding.

    Skippers

    • Skipper butterflies have short antennae, three pairs of walking legs and stout bodies. They belong to the family Hesperiidae, which is richest in tropical areas but is also found throughout North America. The skippers feed on floral nectar through long proboscises, which coil up when not in use. Some species also gain nutrients by feeding on bird droppings. These butterflies typically fly in a rapid pattern, making their wing movements seem blurred. Out of the 3,500 Hesperiidae species, 275 are in North America and many of these can be found in Michigan.