Butterfly Families of our Region
Papilionidae: Swallowtails
Represent by approximately 560 species this group of butterflies is a favorite among butterfly enthusiasts including collectors and photographers. Adults are medium to large with many having "tails" extending from their hind wing. Common colors are black with yellow highlights. They have 3 pairs of walking legs. Most swallowtails overwinter as chrysalises and may spend several years as a pupa before completing their metamorphosis. These high flying butterflies' larvae feed on the citrus, carrot and aristolochia families. See field guide page for Anise Swallowtail and larger images for Giant Swallowtail.
Pieridae: Whites and Sulphurs
Small to medium in size these white, yellow and orange butterflies may be at the root of the "butter" part of butterfly. Quite common in the summer members of this family many be the most abundant species of butterfly on earth. They fly in a seemingly haphazard way and feed primarily on plants in the mustard and clover families. The more temperate members of this group overwinter in the larval or pupa stage while the more tropical species migrate to warm southern areas and recolonize northward in the spring. See field guide pages for Cabbage White, Cloudless Sulphur, and California Dogface.
Lycaenidae: Coppers, Hairstreaks, Blues
Small and delicate these frequently bluish butterflies can be quite common at times. This family contains over 4,700 members. Several members of this group's larvae secrete honeydew which attracts ants and the larvae may even reside in ant nests. Overwintering usually occurs in the egg or pupal stages. See field guide page for Mellissa Blue.
Riodinidae: Metalmarks
Small to medium butterflies with only a few representatives in Southern California. The adults usually have metallic markings on their wings. Controversy surrounds their classification and further research on this group is ongoing.
Nymphalidae: Brushfooted Butterflies
A highly variable family with the largest number of species of all the families. The pair of front legs is reduced in size and not used for walking, hence the name brushfoot. Nymphalids are medium to large butterflies. Frequently eggs are laid in clusters and many larvae are gregarious, like to hang out together as a group. Members of this family are also known for nectaring on sap, rotten fruit, dung, and even animal carcasses. Diapause occurs either in the larval or adult stage. See field guide pages for: California Sister, Gulf Fritillary, Common Buckeye, Mourning Cloak, Red Admiral,
and West Coast Lady.
Nymphalidae subfamily Danainae: Monarchs
See field guide pages for: Queen and Monarch.
Hesperiidae: Skippers
3500 species are found worldwide. These "ancient" butterflies are frequently confused with moths. Their clubbed antenae are frequently hooked and their wings are usually folded back along the body. These small butterflies have large eyes and fly rapidly. This family is split into grass feeders and forb feeders. See field guide page for Fiery Skipper.
Text by Christian Manion. Photos by Bob Parks.