Butterfly identification in Maine centers on wing color patterns, host plant preferences, and flight periods that vary by species. This Maine Butterflies Identification Guide will help you name the butterflies you see in your garden, along a trail, or near a pond. We cover the most common species, their key markings, and the best times to spot them across the Pine Tree State.
Maine has over 120 species of butterflies, but you will only see about 30 to 40 regularly. The rest are rare visitors or have very limited ranges. Knowing a few basics makes identification much easier.
Start by looking at wing color. Is it orange, yellow, white, or brown? Then check for patterns like spots, stripes, or eye-like markings. Finally, note the size. A small butterfly like a Skipper is very different from a large Swallowtail.
Maine Butterflies Identification Guide
Key Features For Identifying Maine Butterflies
Before we list species, learn the four main features to observe. These will help you use any field guide or app more effectively.
- Wing Shape and Size: Swallowtails have pointed tails. Fritillaries have angular wings. Skippers have stout bodies and hooked antennae.
- Color Patterns: Look for orange with black lines (Monarch), yellow with black stripes (Tiger Swallowtail), or white with black spots (Cabbage White).
- Flight Behavior: Some butterflies glide, others dart quickly. Monarchs fly slowly and deliberately. Skippers zip around fast.
- Habitat and Host Plants: Milkweed means Monarchs. Violets mean Fritillaries. Nettles mean Red Admirals.
Swallowtails: The Large And Showy
Swallowtails are among the largest and most striking butterflies in Maine. They have distinctive tails on their hindwings.
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
This is one of the most common large butterflies in Maine. Males are yellow with four black tiger stripes on each forewing. Females come in two forms: yellow like the male, or all black. The black form is often mistaken for a different species.
- Wingspan: 3.5 to 5.5 inches
- Flight period: May to August
- Host plants: Wild cherry, tulip tree, ash
- Where to see: Forest edges, gardens, parks
Black Swallowtail
Similar to the black female Tiger, but with a row of yellow spots across the middle of the wings. The male has a yellow band near the wing edge. Both sexes have a small orange eyespot near the tail.
- Wingspan: 2.5 to 3.5 inches
- Flight period: May to September
- Host plants: Parsley, dill, carrots, fennel
- Where to see: Meadows, gardens, roadsides
Spicebush Swallowtail
This is a dark swallowtail with a greenish-blue sheen on the hindwings. It has a row of pale spots along the wing edge. The underside has bright orange spots.
- Wingspan: 3.5 to 4.5 inches
- Flight period: May to August
- Host plants: Spicebush, sassafras
- Where to see: Moist woodlands, swamps
Brush-Footed Butterflies: The Diverse Group
This large family includes Monarchs, Fritillaries, Crescents, and Anglewings. They all have reduced front legs that look like brushes.
Monarch
The most recognizable butterfly in America. Orange wings with thick black veins and white spots on the black border. Caterpillars feed only on milkweed.
- Wingspan: 3.5 to 4 inches
- Flight period: June to October
- Host plants: Milkweed species
- Where to see: Fields, meadows, roadsides
Viceroy
Looks very similar to the Monarch but is slightly smaller. The Viceroy has a black line across the hindwing that the Monarch lacks. It also has a single row of white spots in the black border.
- Wingspan: 2.5 to 3 inches
- Flight period: June to September
- Host plants: Willow, poplar, cottonwood
- Where to see: Wetlands, streamsides
Great Spangled Fritillary
A large orange butterfly with silver spots on the underside of the hindwing. The upperside has black lines and spots. It is common in meadows.
- Wingspan: 2.5 to 3.5 inches
- Flight period: June to September
- Host plants: Violets
- Where to see: Open fields, forest clearings
Pearl Crescent
A small orange butterfly with black markings. The underside of the hindwing has a pale patch with a dark border. It is very common in grassy areas.
- Wingspan: 1 to 1.5 inches
- Flight period: May to October
- Host plants: Asters
- Where to see: Lawns, meadows, roadsides
Red Admiral
Black wings with a red-orange band across the middle of the forewing and along the edge of the hindwing. White spots near the wing tips.
- Wingspan: 1.75 to 2.5 inches
- Flight period: May to October
- Host plants: Nettles
- Where to see: Gardens, woods, edges
Painted Lady
Orange and brown wings with black and white spots. The underside has four small eyespots. This species migrates from the south each year.
- Wingspan: 2 to 2.5 inches
- Flight period: May to October
- Host plants: Thistles, mallows
- Where to see: Open areas, gardens
American Lady
Similar to Painted Lady but has two large eyespots on the underside of the hindwing. The upperside has a white dot in the orange area near the wing tip.
- Wingspan: 1.75 to 2.25 inches
- Flight period: May to October
- Host plants: Pearly everlasting, pussytoes
- Where to see: Fields, roadsides
Comma and Question Mark
These are anglewing butterflies with ragged wing edges. The Comma has a small white C-shaped mark on the underside. The Question Mark has a dot below the C, making it look like a question mark.
- Wingspan: 1.5 to 2.5 inches
- Flight period: March to November (adults overwinter)
- Host plants: Nettles, elm, hackberry
- Where to see: Woodlands, gardens
Whites And Sulphurs: The Pale Butterflies
These are mostly white or yellow butterflies. They are small to medium sized and often seen in open areas.
Cabbage White
White wings with one or two black spots on the forewing. The male has one spot, the female has two. The underside is pale yellow-green.
- Wingspan: 1.5 to 2 inches
- Flight period: April to October
- Host plants: Cabbage, mustard, broccoli
- Where to see: Gardens, fields, roadsides
Clouded Sulphur
Yellow wings with a black border. The male is bright yellow, the female is pale yellow or white. Both have a dark spot in the middle of the forewing.
- Wingspan: 1.5 to 2 inches
- Flight period: May to October
- Host plants: Clover, alfalfa
- Where to see: Meadows, lawns
Orange Sulphur
Similar to Clouded Sulphur but the male has orange on the forewing. The female is yellow or white. Both have a dark spot on the forewing.
- Wingspan: 1.5 to 2 inches
- Flight period: May to October
- Host plants: Clover, alfalfa
- Where to see: Fields, roadsides
Blues And Coppers: The Small Jewel-Toned Butterflies
These are tiny butterflies with bright blue or copper colors. They are often overlooked because of their size.
Eastern Tailed-Blue
The male is bright blue with a small tail on the hindwing. The female is brown with blue near the body. Both have orange spots on the hindwing edge.
- Wingspan: 0.75 to 1 inch
- Flight period: April to October
- Host plants: Clover, vetch, peas
- Where to see: Meadows, fields
Summer Azure
Pale blue wings with a white fringe. No tails. The underside is pale with small dark spots. Very common in summer.
- Wingspan: 0.75 to 1 inch
- Flight period: May to September
- Host plants: Dogwood, viburnum, sumac
- Where to see: Wood edges, gardens
American Copper
Orange-red wings with black spots. The hindwing has a orange band with black dots. The underside is pale with orange spots.
- Wingspan: 0.75 to 1 inch
- Flight period: May to September
- Host plants: Sheep sorrel, dock
- Where to see: Fields, roadsides
Skippers: The Fast And Furry
Skippers are small to medium butterflies with thick bodies and hooked antennae. They fly in a quick, skipping pattern.
Silver-Spotted Skipper
Brown wings with a large silver-white patch on the underside of the hindwing. The upperside has a gold band. This is the largest skipper in Maine.
- Wingspan: 1.5 to 2 inches
- Flight period: June to September
- Host plants: Locust, wisteria
- Where to see: Fields, gardens
European Skipper
Bright orange wings with dark brown borders. The veins are dark. Very common in grassy areas in early summer.
- Wingspan: 1 to 1.25 inches
- Flight period: June to July
- Host plants: Timothy grass
- Where to see: Lawns, meadows
Least Skipper
Very small. Orange-brown wings with no markings. The underside is pale. Flies low in wet grass.
- Wingspan: 0.75 to 1 inch
- Flight period: May to September
- Host plants: Grasses
- Where to see: Wet meadows, marshes
How To Use This Maine Butterflies Identification Guide
Follow these steps when you see a butterfly you want to identify.
- Take a photo if possible. A picture lets you look at details later.
- Note the size compared to something familiar, like a quarter or your thumb.
- Look at wing color and patterns from above. If it lands with wings closed, check the underside.
- Observe flight behavior. Does it glide, dart, or hover?
- Check the habitat. Are you in a field, forest, or garden?
- Note the date. Some species only fly for a few weeks.
- Compare with the descriptions above. Start with the most common species.
Best Places For Butterfly Watching In Maine
Some locations are especially good for seeing a variety of species.
- Acadia National Park: Diverse habitats from coast to mountain. Look for Atlantis Fritillary and White Admiral.
- Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge: Salt marshes and fields. Good for Monarchs and Sulphurs.
- Grafton Notch State Park: Northern species like the White Mountain Fritillary.
- Your own garden: Plant native flowers and host plants to attract butterflies.
Common Mistakes In Butterfly Identification
Even experienced watchers make errors. Here are the most common ones.
- Confusing Monarch and Viceroy: Look for the black line on the Viceroy’s hindwing.
- Mistaking female Tiger Swallowtail for Black Swallowtail: The female Tiger has a row of yellow spots near the wing edge, not in the middle.
- Calling all small orange butterflies “Fritillaries”: Many are actually Crescents or Coppers. Check the underside.
- Thinking all white butterflies are Cabbage Whites: Look for the black spots. Checkered Whites have different patterns.
Seasonal Guide To Maine Butterflies
Knowing when to look helps narrow down possibilities.
Spring (April – May)
Look for overwintering adults like Comma and Mourning Cloak. Early species like Spring Azure and Eastern Tailed-Blue appear.
Early Summer (June – July)
Peak season for Swallowtails, Fritillaries, and Skippers. European Skipper is everywhere in lawns.
Late Summer (August – September)
Monarchs are migrating. Look for Viceroys and Red Admirals. Sulphurs are common.
Fall (October)
Late migrants like Painted Lady and Clouded Sulphur. Some species still fly on warm days.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maine Butterflies
What is the most common butterfly in Maine?
The Cabbage White is likely the most common butterfly you will see. It is in almost every garden and field from spring to fall.
Are there any endangered butterflies in Maine?
Yes, the Karner Blue is endangered and very rare in Maine. It is found only in a few locations in the southwestern part of the state. The Frosted Elfin is also a species of concern.
How can I attract more butterflies to my yard?
Plant native flowers like milkweed, asters, coneflowers, and goldenrod. Provide host plants for caterpillars. Avoid pesticides. Leave some areas wild.
What is the best time of day to see butterflies?
Late morning to early afternoon is best. Butterflies need warm temperatures to be active. They are most active between 10 AM and 3 PM on sunny days.
Do butterflies in Maine migrate?
Yes, Monarchs migrate south in fall. Painted Ladies and Red Admirals also migrate, but their patterns are less predictable. Most other species overwinter as eggs, caterpillars, or adults.
Resources For Further Learning
If you want to go deeper, consider these tools.
- Field guides: “Butterflies of the Northeast” by Rick Cech and Guy Tudor is excellent.
- Websites: The Maine Butterfly Survey website has county checklists and photos.
- Apps: iNaturalist and Butterflies of North America help with identification.
- Local groups: Join the Maine Entomological Society for field trips and talks.
Remember, practice makes perfect. The more you look, the better you will get at identifying butterflies. Start with the common species in this Maine Butterflies Identification Guide and work your way up to the rarer ones. Keep a notebook or use an app to track what