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- Red Admiral. Vanessa atalanta. Red Admirals have a wingspan of 1.75 to 2.5 inches. The coloring is dark brown with a reddish circular band and white spots.
- Painted Lady. Vanessa cardui. Painted Lady butterflies have a wingspan of 1.75 to 2.5 inches. The coloring is pinkish-orange, with dark brown to black markings near the wingtips and white spots inside the black markings.
- Monarch. Danaus plexippus. Monarch butterflies have a wingspan of 3.5 to 4 inches. Their recognizable coloring is a “stained glass” pattern of orange with black veins.
- American Lady. Vanessa virginiensis. American Lady Butterflies have a wingspan of 1.75 to 2.5 inches. The coloring of this species is a brilliant orange with dark borders and markings and white and purple spots.
Jan 16, 2024 · N-318 Ag Sciences Center University of Kentucky Lexington, KY 40546-0091. 859-257-1601. Fax (Lexington): 859-257-2859 (Princeton): 270-365-2667 For questions about home gardening, landscaping or commercial horticulture production, please contact your county extension agent.
- Brush-Footed
- Gossamer-winged
- Whites and Sulphurs
- Metalmark
- Swallowtail
- Skipper
White Admiral (Limenitis arthemis arthemis)‘Astyanax‘ Red-spotted Purple (Limenitisarthemis astyanax)Viceroy (Limenitis archippus)Harvester (Feniseca tarquinius)Bronze Copper (Hyllolycaenahyllus)West Virginia White (Pieris virginiensis)Olympia Marble (Euchloe olympia)Northern Metalmark (Calephelis borealis)Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus)Ozark Swallowtail (Papilio joanae)Yucca Giant-Skipper (Megathymus yuccae)Columbine Duskywing (Erynnis lucilius)Dreamy Duskywing (Erynnis icelus)Horace’s Duskywing (Erynnis horatius)Idlewild Butterfly Farm and Insectarium specializes in native butterflies of Kentucky, insect education and protecting and increasing pollinator habitat. Shop for native plants and curated gifts in our butterfly boutique. Join us for a tour, workshop or field trip.
- The Viceroy Butterfly. Limenitis archippus. 2.1–3.2 inches. Orange and black. The viceroy butterfly is orange and black and resembles the monarch butterfly.
- The American Painted Lady Butterfly. Vanessa virginiensis. 2 inches across. Vibrant orange, dark markings, white and purple spots.
- Red Admiral Butterfly. Vanessa atalanta. 1.75–2.5 inches. Deep brown, reddish circular band, white spots. The red admiral can be found in habitats that are moist and near forests.
- The Monarch Butterfly. Danaus plexippus. 3.5–4 inches. Orange, black veins, white dots on the perimeter of wings. The monarch butterfly is one of the most recognizable butterflies in Kentucky and in the world.
With hundreds of different species fluttering across the state, this guide focuses on 39 of the most common and exciting ones. Each butterfly is intricately described, from its unique characteristics and coloring to its preferred habitat, favorite foods, migration patterns, and behavior.
Information on numerous species of butterflies occurring in Kentucky, including distribution maps, species accounts, and species photos of adults and some larvae.
