Most Common Butterflies In Washington : Painted Lady Nectar Plants List

Washington’s diverse ecosystems, from rainforests to alpine meadows, support a wide range of butterfly species. If you’re looking for the most common butterflies in washington, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will help you identify the butterflies you’re most likely to see in your backyard, local park, or on a hike through the Evergreen State.

Butterflies are everywhere in Washington, especially from late spring through early fall. You don’t need to be an expert to start spotting them. Just look for colorful wings fluttering near flowers, mud puddles, or sunny patches of ground.

This article covers the top species you’ll encounter, where to find them, and how to tell them apart. We’ll keep it simple and practical, so you can start identifying butterflies today.

Most Common Butterflies In Washington

Let’s jump right into the list of the butterflies you’ll see most often across the state. These species are widespread and adaptable, thriving in gardens, forests, and even city parks.

Western Tiger Swallowtail

This is one of the largest and most striking butterflies in Washington. You’ll see it from April to September.

Appearance: Bright yellow with black tiger stripes. Hindwings have blue and orange spots.
Wingspan: 3.5 to 4.5 inches.
Habitat: Woodlands, gardens, and streamsides.
Host plants: Willows, cottonwoods, and cherry trees.
Behavior: Males often gather at mud puddles to drink minerals.

You can attract them by planting native willows or cottonwoods. They also love butterfly bushes and lilacs.

Painted Lady

The Painted Lady is found on every continent except Antarctica. In Washington, it’s a common migrant and resident.

Appearance: Orange and brown with white spots on the forewings. The underside is mottled brown and gray.
Wingspan: 2 to 2.9 inches.
Habitat: Open fields, gardens, and roadsides.
Host plants: Thistles, mallows, and hollyhocks.
Behavior: They migrate north in spring and can travel hundreds of miles.

You’ll often see them nectaring on thistle flowers. They are fast fliers and hard to catch.

Red Admiral

This butterfly is easy to spot because of its bold colors. It’s common in both urban and rural areas.

Appearance: Black with red-orange bands and white spots near the wingtips.
Wingspan: 1.75 to 2.5 inches.
Habitat: Gardens, parks, and forest edges.
Host plants: Nettles (stinging nettles are a favorite).
Behavior: Males are territorial and will chase other butterflies.

If you have nettles in your yard, you might see caterpillars. They make a tent of leaves to hide in.

Cabbage White

This is probably the most common butterfly you’ll see in Washington. It’s not native but has become widespread.

Appearance: White or pale yellow with one or two black spots on the forewings.
Wingspan: 1.25 to 1.9 inches.
Habitat: Gardens, farms, and disturbed areas.
Host plants: Cabbage, broccoli, kale, and other brassicas.
Behavior: They fly low and often pause on bare ground.

Gardeners often consider them pests because the caterpillars eat leafy greens. But they are harmless to look at.

Mourning Cloak

This butterfly is one of the first to appear in spring. It can even fly on warm winter days.

Appearance: Dark brown with a yellow border and blue spots inside the border.
Wingspan: 2.25 to 3 inches.
Habitat: Woodlands, parks, and gardens.
Host plants: Willows, elms, and poplars.
Behavior: They hibernate as adults and emerge early.

You might see them sunning themselves on tree trunks or fence posts. They live longer than most butterflies, up to 10 months.

California Tortoiseshell

This species is common in the western part of Washington. It sometimes migrates in large numbers.

Appearance: Orange-brown with dark borders and black spots. The underside looks like dead leaves.
Wingspan: 1.5 to 2.25 inches.
Habitat: Open forests, chaparral, and gardens.
Host plants: Ceanothus (wild lilac) and other shrubs.
Behavior: They often bask with wings open on sunny days.

They are strong fliers and can be seen in groups during migrations.

Milbert’s Tortoiseshell

Also called the “fire-rim tortoiseshell,” this butterfly is common in cooler areas of Washington.

Appearance: Dark brown with a bright orange-yellow band near the wing edges.
Wingspan: 1.5 to 2 inches.
Habitat: Moist woodlands, stream banks, and gardens.
Host plants: Nettles (again, stinging nettles).
Behavior: They hibernate as adults and are often seen in early spring.

They are smaller than the California Tortoiseshell but just as colorful.

Common Buckeye

This butterfly is more common in eastern Washington but can be found statewide.

Appearance: Brown with large eyespots on the wings. The forewings have a white band.
Wingspan: 1.5 to 2.5 inches.
Habitat: Open fields, meadows, and roadsides.
Host plants: Plantain, snapdragons, and verbena.
Behavior: They perch on low plants and are easily approached.

The eyespots help scare away predators. They are very photogenic.

Western Meadow Fritillary

This is a common butterfly in grassy areas and meadows across Washington.

Appearance: Orange-brown with black markings and silver spots on the underside.
Wingspan: 1.5 to 2 inches.
Habitat: Meadows, prairies, and open forests.
Host plants: Violets (the caterpillars eat violet leaves).
Behavior: They fly low and slow, stopping often to nectar.

If you have violets in your lawn, you might see these butterflies laying eggs.

Purple Hairstreak

This small butterfly is often overlooked because it stays high in trees.

Appearance: Dark brown with a purple sheen on the upper side. The underside is gray with a white line.
Wingspan: 1 to 1.25 inches.
Habitat: Oak woodlands and mixed forests.
Host plants: Oaks (especially Garry oak).
Behavior: They feed on honeydew from aphids and rarely visit flowers.

Look up into oak trees on sunny days. You might see them fluttering around the canopy.

Where To Find Butterflies In Washington

Now that you know the species, let’s talk about where to look. Different habitats attract different butterflies.

Gardens And Parks

Your own backyard can be a great spot. Plant native flowers like lupine, aster, and goldenrod. Also include host plants for caterpillars.

Best for: Cabbage White, Painted Lady, Red Admiral, Western Tiger Swallowtail.
Tips: Provide a shallow water dish with sand for puddling. Avoid pesticides.

Forests And Woodlands

Washington’s forests are home to many species. Look for sunny clearings and trails.

Best for: Mourning Cloak, California Tortoiseshell, Milbert’s Tortoiseshell, Purple Hairstreak.
Tips: Walk slowly and watch for butterflies on tree trunks and leaves.

Meadows And Prairies

Open grassy areas with wildflowers are butterfly magnets.

Best for: Western Meadow Fritillary, Common Buckeye, Painted Lady.
Tips: Visit in mid-morning when butterflies are most active.

Streams And Riversides

Butterflies gather near water for drinking and minerals.

Best for: Western Tiger Swallowtail, Red Admiral, Milbert’s Tortoiseshell.
Tips: Look for muddy banks and wet sand.

How To Identify Butterflies In Washington

Identifying butterflies takes practice. Here are some steps to help you.

Look at the size: Is it small (less than 1.5 inches) or large (over 3 inches)?
Check the color: Is it mostly orange, yellow, white, or dark?
Notice the wing shape: Are the wings rounded, pointed, or scalloped?
Look for patterns: Stripes, spots, eyespots, or borders.
Watch the behavior: Does it fly fast or slow? Does it bask with wings open or closed?
Note the habitat: Is it in a garden, forest, or meadow?
Take a photo: Use a field guide or app to compare.

With practice, you’ll recognize the common species quickly.

Butterfly Life Cycle In Washington

Understanding the life cycle helps you know when and where to look.

Egg

Female butterflies lay eggs on specific host plants. The eggs are tiny and often hard to see.

Caterpillar (Larva)

Caterpillars eat leaves and grow quickly. They molt several times before pupating.

Chrysalis (Pupa)

The caterpillar forms a hard shell. Inside, it transforms into a butterfly. This stage lasts from a week to several months.

Adult Butterfly

The adult emerges, expands its wings, and starts flying. It lives from a few weeks to several months, depending on the species.

In Washington, most butterflies have one or two generations per year. Some, like the Mourning Cloak, overwinter as adults.

How To Attract Butterflies To Your Yard

You can create a butterfly-friendly garden with a few simple steps.

Plant nectar flowers: Choose a variety of colors and bloom times. Good choices include butterfly bush, coneflower, lavender, and zinnia.
Include host plants: Caterpillars need specific plants. For example, plant nettles for Red Admirals, violets for fritillaries, and willows for swallowtails.
Provide water: A shallow dish with wet sand or mud works well.
Add sunning spots: Flat rocks or bare soil give butterflies a place to warm up.
Avoid pesticides: They kill butterflies and caterpillars. Use natural pest control instead.
Leave some weeds: Thistles and dandelions are good nectar sources.

Even a small container garden can attract butterflies. Start with a few plants and expand over time.

Common Look-Alikes And How To Tell Them Apart

Some butterflies look similar. Here are tips to distinguish them.

Painted Lady Vs. Red Admiral

Painted Lady: Orange with white spots on forewings. No red bands.
Red Admiral: Black with red-orange bands. White spots near wingtips.

California Tortoiseshell Vs. Milbert’s Tortoiseshell

California Tortoiseshell: Orange-brown with dark borders. Underside looks like dead leaf.
Milbert’s Tortoiseshell: Dark brown with bright orange-yellow band near edges. Smaller.

Western Tiger Swallowtail Vs. Pale Swallowtail

Western Tiger Swallowtail: Bright yellow with black stripes. Blue and orange spots on hindwings.
Pale Swallowtail: Creamy white with black stripes. No orange spots.

Pay attention to color and pattern details. A field guide or app can help.

Seasonal Guide To Butterfly Watching In Washington

Butterflies are active from early spring to late fall. Here’s what to expect each season.

Spring (March To May)

Early species emerge. Look for Mourning Cloak, Milbert’s Tortoiseshell, and Western Tiger Swallowtail.

Summer (June To August)

Peak butterfly season. Most species are active, including Painted Lady, Red Admiral, and Cabbage White.

Fall (September To October)

Some species still fly. Look for late-season Painted Ladies and Common Buckeyes. Migrating species pass through.

Winter (November To February)

Few butterflies are active. Mourning Cloaks may fly on warm days. Most are hibernating.

Plan your outings for sunny, warm days with little wind. Mid-morning to early afternoon is best.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common butterfly in Washington?

The Cabbage White is likely the most common butterfly you’ll see. It’s found in gardens, farms, and urban areas across the state.

Are there any rare butterflies in Washington?

Yes, some species like the Taylor’s Checkerspot and the Oregon Silverspot are rare and protected. They are found in specific habitats.

When is the best time to see butterflies in Washington?

Late spring through early fall is best. July and August are peak months for most species.

What plants attract the most butterflies in Washington?

Native plants like lupine, aster, goldenrod, and ceanothus are excellent. Butterfly bush and lavender also work well.

Do butterflies migrate in Washington?

Yes, some species like the Painted Lady migrate north in spring. Others, like the Monarch, are rare but do pass through.

Final Tips For Butterfly Watching

Butterfly watching is a relaxing hobby. You don’t need special equipment, just patience and a good eye.

Dress in neutral colors: Bright colors can scare butterflies.
Move slowly: Sudden movements make them fly away.
Use binoculars: They help you see details without getting too close.
Keep a journal: Note the species, date, and location.
Join a community: Local butterfly clubs offer field trips and ID help.

Washington is a great place for butterfly watching. With this guide, you can identify the most common species and enjoy their beauty. Get outside and start looking today.