There are over 700 species of butterflies in North America; however, this number narrows when considering each state. South Carolina is home to approximately 165 species of butterflies, though some species are more commonly seen than others.
Common names found in bold type are the 21 Most Common Butterflies Found Across South Carolina. These 21 species are listed by abundance in HGIC 1701, Butterflies in the Garden.
Superfamily Papilionoidea (True Butterflies)
GOSSAMER-WING BUTTERFLIES: Lycaenidae Family | |||
Coppers: Lycaeninae Subfamily | |||
Common Name Scientific Name |
Habitat | Preferred Host Plants | Preferred Nectar Source |
Overwinter Stage | |||
American Copper Lycaena phlaeas |
Disturbed areas: pastures, road edges, old fields | Buckwheat, Sheep Sorrel, Curly Dock | Plants in the Composite Family (Asteraceae), Common Buttercup, White Clover, Butterflyweed, Yarrow |
Larva | |||
Harvesters: Miletinae Subfamily | |||
Common Name Scientific Name |
Habitat | Preferred Host Plants | Preferred Nectar Source |
Overwinter Stage | |||
Harvester Feniseca tarquinius |
Deciduous or mixed woodlands along streams | Woolly Aphids, Scales, and Treehoppers found feeding on Alder, Witch Hazel, Ash, Beech, Hawthorn | Honeydew |
Pupa | |||
Blues: Polyommatinae Subfamily | |||
Common Name Scientific Name |
Habitat | Preferred Host Plants | Preferred Nectar Source |
Overwinter Stage | |||
Eastern Pygmy-Blue Brephidium isophthalma |
Coastal marshes, Tidal flats | Glassworts (Salicornia spp.) | Palmetto Palm, Glassworts |
Pupa | |||
Holly Azure Celastrina idella |
Deciduous woods near streams, Acidic bogs | Hollies (Ilex spp.) | Various nectar plants |
Pupa | |||
Spring Azure Celastrina ladon |
Edges of deciduous woods, Old fields, Wooded freshwater marsh and swamp | Dogwood, New Jersey Tea | Dogbane (poisonous), Privet, New Jersey Tea, Blackberry, Common Milkweed |
Pupa | |||
Summer Azure Celastrina neglecta |
Stream valleys, Right-of-ways, Gardens | Dogwood, New Jersey Tea | Various nectar plants |
Pupa | |||
Appalachian Azure (#) Celestrina neglectamajor |
Deciduous woods near streams | Black Cohosh | Various nectar plants |
Pupa | |||
Eastern Tailed-Blue Cupido comyntas |
Open sunny locations, Weedy areas, Disturbed habitats | Plants in the Pea Family (Fabaceae) | Shepherd’s Needle, Wild Strawberry, Winter Cress, Cinquefoil, Asters |
Larva | |||
Silvery Blue Glaucopsyche lygdamus |
Open woods, Coastal Dunes, Meadows, Road edges, Rocky moist woods, Brushy fields | Plants in the Pea Family (Fabaceae) | Plants in the Composite Family (Asteraceae) |
Pupa | |||
Ceraunus Blue Hemiargus ceraunus |
Open woodland, Dunes, Pasture, Road edges | Plants in the Pea Family (Fabaceae): Cassia spp. | Various nectar plants |
Pupa | |||
Cassius Blue Leptotes cassius |
Thorn scrub, Forest edges, Weedy fields | Leadwort, Rattlebox, Downy Milkpea, Lima Bean | Shepherd’s Needle |
Pupa | |||
Hairstreaks and Elfins: Theclinae Subfamily | |||
Common Name Scientific Name |
Habitat | Preferred Host Plants | Preferred Nectar Source |
Overwinter Stage | |||
Great Purple (Blue) Hairstreak Atlides halesus |
Oak woods, Planted walnut fields, Mixed woods with mistletoe | Mistletoe (Phoradendron spp.) | Goldenrod, Hercules Club, Shepherd’s Needle, Sweet Pepperbush, Wild Plum |
Pupa | |||
Brown Elfin Callophrys augustinus |
Mixed conifer woods, Barrens, Bogs, Sandy coasts | Plants in the Heath Family (Ericaceae)- Eastern US | Blueberry, Spicebush, Willow, Winter Cress, Wild Plum |
Pupa | |||
Juniper Hairstreak Callophrys grynea |
Old fields, Bluffs, Barrens, Juniper woodlands, Cedar breaks | Red Cedar, Juniper | Winter Cress, Dogbane (poisonous), Common Milkweed, Wild Carrot, Shepherd’s Needle, Butterflyweed |
Pupa | |||
Henry’s Elfin Callophrys henrici |
Edges or opening in barrens and pine or pine-oak woodlands | Dahoon Holly, American Holly, Yaupon Holly, Redbud, Blueberry, Huckleberry, Viburnum | Redbud, Willow, Wild Plum, Hawthorn, Swamp Privet |
Pupa | |||
Hessel’s Hairstreak Callophrys hesseli |
Coastal plains swamps and stream banks with associated barrens | Atlantic White-cedar | Swamp Milkweed, Shadbush, Sand Myrtles, Sweet Pepperbush, Highbush Blueberry, Buttonbush, Dogbane |
Pupa | |||
Frosted Elfin Callophrys irus |
Open woods, Forest edges, Fields, Scrub | Plants in the Pea Family (Fabaceae) | Various nectar plants |
Pupa | |||
Eastern Pine Elfin Callophrys niphon |
Small to medium pine forest opening or edges, Old fields | Scrub Pine (Pinus virginiana), White Pine (Pinus strobus) | Blueberry, Cinquefoil, Chickweed, Common Milkweed |
Pupa | |||
Red-banded Hairstreak Calycopis cecrops |
Coastal hammocks, Overgrown fields, Forest edges | Wax Myrtle (fallen leaves), Winged Sumac, Oaks | Yarrow, Wild Cherry, Tickseed Sunflower, Sumac, Sweet Pepperbush, New Jersey Tea, Common Milkweed, Dogbane (poisonous) |
Larva | |||
White M Hairstreak Parrhasius m-album |
Woods with broadleaf trees | Live Oak (Quercus virginiana) and various other oaks | Viburnum, Sumac, Sourwood, Wild Plum, Poinsettia, Sweet Pepperbush, Common Milkweed, Lantana, Dogwood, Goldenrod |
Pupa | |||
Banded Hairstreak Satyrium calanus |
Open forest and adjacent edges, Fields | Oaks (Quercus spp.), Walnuts (Juglans spp.), Hickories (Carya spp.) | Dogbane (poisonous), Common milkweed, Chinquapin, Dogwood, New Jersey Tea, Yarrow |
Egg | |||
Edward’s Hairstreak Satyrium edwardsii |
Oak thickets in rocky open habitats, sand, shale barrens, or limestone ridges | Black Oak (Quercus velutina) | Dogbane (poisonous), Goldenrod, Milkweed, New Jersey Tea |
Egg | |||
Oak Hairstreak Satyrium favonius |
Oak woodlands and hammocks | Oaks (Quercus spp.) | Various nectar plants |
Egg | |||
King’s Hairstreak Satyrium kingi |
Hardwood hammocks, Wooded streams, Swamp edges | Horse Sugar (Symplocos tinctoria) | Allegheny Chinquapin, Sourwood |
Egg | |||
Striped Hairstreak Satyrium liparops |
Deciduous forest openings and edges, Shaded swamps, Acidic barrens, Prairies streamsides and copses | Plants in the Rose Family (Rosaceae) and Heath Family (Ericaceae), Hornbeam, Oaks, Willow | Chinquapin, Common Milkweed, Dogbane (poisonous), Goldenrod, New Jersey Tea, Viburnum |
Egg | |||
Coral Hairstreak Satyrium titus |
Shrubby areas, Brushlands, Woodland openings, Barrens, Neglected pastures | Plants in the Rose Family (Rosaceae): Wild Cherry, Wild Plum, Chokeberry | Butterflyweed, New Jersey Tea, Dogbane (poisonous) |
Egg | |||
Gray Hairstreak Strymon melinus |
Open non-forested sites, Weedy disturbed areas | Plants in the Pea Family (Fabaceae) and Mallow Family (Malvaceae) | Dogbane (poisonous), Milkweed, Mints, Winter Cress, Goldenrod, Tick Trefoil |
Pupa | |||
BRUSHFOOT BUTTERFLIES: Nymphalidae Family | |||
Emperors: Apaturine Subfamily | |||
Common Name Scientific Name |
Habitat | Preferred Host Plants | Preferred Nectar Source |
Overwinter Stage | |||
Hackberry Emperor Astercampa celtis |
Wooded streams, Forest glades, River edges, Wooded roadsides | Hackberry (Celtis spp.) and Sugarberry (C. laevigata) | Tree Sap, Rotting Fruit, Dung, Carrion |
Larva | |||
Tawny Emperor Astercampa clyton |
Densely wooded riparian areas, Dry woods, Open woods | Plants in the Elm Family (Ulmaceae) | Tree Sap, Rotting Fruit, Dung, Carrion |
Larva | |||
Leafwings: Charaxinae Subfamily | |||
Common Name Scientific Name |
Habitat | Preferred Host Plants | Preferred Nectar Source |
Overwinter Stage | |||
Goatweed Leafwing Anaea andria |
Deciduous woods and scrub along waterways, Open fields, Roadsides | Goatweed (Croton spp.) | Sap, Rotting Fruit, Dung, Bird Droppings |
Adult | |||
Monarchs and Queens (Milkweed Butterflies): Danainae Subfamily | |||
Common Name Scientific Name |
Habitat | Preferred Host Plants | Preferred Nectar Source |
Overwinter Stage | |||
Queen (*) Danaus gilippus |
Open sunny areas: fields, roadsides, pastures, dunes, washes, and waterways | Milkweed (Asclepias spp.) | Milkweed; Early Season: Shepherd’s Needle, Dogbane (poisonous), Lilac, Red Clover, Lantana, Thistle; Late Season: Goldenrod, Blazing Star, Ironweed, Tickseed Sunflower |
Migratory | |||
Monarch Danaus plexippus |
Open habitats: fields, meadows, weedy areas, marshes, and roadsides | Milkweed (Asclepias spp.) | Milkweed; Early Season: Shepherd’s Needle, Dogbane (poisonous), Lilac, Red Clover, Lantana, Thistle; Late Season: Goldenrod, Blazing Star, Ironweed, Tickseed Sunflower |
Migratory | |||
Heliconians and Fritillaries: Heliconiiae Subfamily | |||
Common Name Scientific Name |
Habitat | Preferred Host Plants | Preferred Nectar Source |
Overwinter Stage | |||
Gulf Fritillary Agraulis vanillae |
Pastures, Open fields, Moist broadleaf (subtropical) forests and edges | Passion-vine (Passiflora spp.) | Lantana, Shepherd’s Needle, Asters, Verbena, Phlox |
Adult | |||
Meadow Fritillary (#) Clossiana bellona |
Marsh areas | Violets (Viola spp.) | Plants in the Composite Family (Asteraceae), Verbena, Dogbane |
Larva | |||
Julia Heliconian (+) Dryas iulia |
Moist broadleaf (subtropical) forest openings or edges, and nearby fields | Passion-vine (Passiflora spp.) | Lantana, Shepherd’s Needle |
Migratory | |||
Variegated Fritillary Euptoieta claudia |
Open sunny areas: prairies, fields, pastures, road edges | Passion-vine (Passiflora spp.), Violets, Purslane, Stonecrop, Moonseed | Butterflyweed, Common Milkweed, Swamp Milkweed, Dogbane (poisonous), Peppermint, Red Clover, Tickseed Sunflower |
Adult | |||
Zebra Heliconian (*) Heliconius charithonia |
Moist forests and adjacent edges, Open fields | Passion-vine (Passiflora spp.) | Lantana, Shepherd’s Needle |
Adult | |||
Aphrodite Fritillary (#) Speyeria aphrodite |
Moist prairies, High mountain meadows, Barrens, Brushland, Dry fields, Open oak woods, Bogs | Violets (Viola spp.) | Milkweed |
Larva | |||
Great Spangled Fritillary (#) Speyeria cybele |
Open moist fields, Valleys, Pastures, Right-of-ways, Meadows, Open woodland, Prairies | Violets (Viola spp.) | Milkweed, Thistle, Ironweed, Dogbane (poisonous), Mountain Laurel, Verbena, Vetch, Bergamot, Red Clover, Joe-Pye Weed, Purple Coneflower |
Larva | |||
Diana Fritillary (#) Speyeria diana |
Fields, Moist openings in forested mountains and valleys | Violets (Viola spp.) | Common Milkweed, Swamp Milkweed, Ironweed, Red Clover |
Larva | |||
Snouts: Libytheinae Subfamily | |||
Common Name Scientific Name |
Habitat | Preferred Host Plants | Preferred Nectar Source |
Overwinter Stage | |||
American Snout Libytheana carinenta |
Forest clearings and edges, Thorn scrub, Brushy fields, Roadsides | Hackberry (Celtis spp.)
|
Asters, Dogbane (poisonous), Dogwood, Goldenrod, Sweet Pepperbush |
Adult | |||
Viceroys and Admirals: Limenitidinae Subfamily | |||
Common NameScientific Name | Habitat | Preferred Host Plants | Preferred Nectar Source |
Overwinter Stage | |||
Red-spotted Purple Limenitis arthemis astyanax |
Deciduous or mixed forests, Moist uplands, Valley bottoms, Coastal plains | Wild Cherry, Poplar, Cottonwood, Oaks, Hawthorn, Birch, Willow, Basswood, Serviceberry, Deerberry | Tree Sap, Rotting Fruit, Carrion, Dung, Aphid Honeydew, Spirea, Privet, Viburnum |
Larva | |||
Viceroy Limenitis archippus |
Shrubby areas along lake and swamp edges, Willow thickets, Wet meadows, Roadsides | Willow, Poplar, Cottonwood | Aphid Honeydew, Carrion, Dung, Decaying Fungi, Asters, Goldenrod, Joe-Pye Weed, Shepherd’s Needle, Thistle |
Larva | |||
“True” Brushfoots: Nymphalinae Subfamily | |||
Common Name Scientific Name |
Habitat | Preferred Host Plants | Preferred Nectar Source |
Overwinter Stage | |||
White Peacock (*) Anartia jatrophae |
Pond and stream edges, Shallow ditches, Weedy fields | Plants in the Acanthus Family (Acanthaceae): Wild Petunia, Water Hyssop | Shepherd’s Needle |
Migratory | |||
Texan Crescent Anthanassa texana |
Open areas, Streamsides, Road edges | Plants in the Acanthus Family (Acanthaceae): Wild Petunia | Various nectar plants |
Larva | |||
Gorgone Checkerspot Chlosyne gorgone |
Open areas: ridges, prairies, streamsides, hardwood forests and edges, Old fields | Plants in the Composite Family (Asteraceae) | Various nectar plants (especially yellow colored) |
Larva | |||
Silvery Checkerspot Chlosyne nycteis |
Streamsides, Meadows, Forest openings | Plants in the Composite Family (Asteraceae) | Red Clover, Common Milkweed, Dogbane (poisonous) |
Larva | |||
Baltimore Checkerspot (#) Euphydryas phaeton |
Wet meadows, Bogs, Marshes, Wooded hillsides | Turtlehead, Hairy Beardtongue, English Plantain, False Foxglove; Overwinter: Arrowood, Common Lousewort, Japanese Honeysuckle, White Ash | Milkweed, Viburnum, Wild Rose |
Larva | |||
Common Buckeye Junonia coenia |
Open, sunny areas with low vegetation and some bare ground | Snapdragons, Toadflax, Plantains, Wild Petunia | Asters, Chicory, Knapweed, Tickseed Sunflower, Dogbane (poisonous), Gumweed, Peppermint |
Adult | |||
Phaon Crescent (*) Phyciodes phaon |
Openings in thorn forests, Open areas near cropped plants, Dunes, Pastures, Roadsides | Plants in the Verbena Family (Verbenaceae) | Plants in the Composite Family (Asteraceae) |
Adult | |||
Pearl Crescent Phyciodes tharos |
Open pastures, Road edges, Fields, Open pine woods | Smooth-leaved Asters (Aster pilosus and A. laevis) | Dogbane (poisonous), Swamp Milkweed, Shepherd’s Needle, Asters, Winter Cress |
Larva | |||
Mourning Cloak Nymphalis antiopa |
Migrates: found almost anywhere host plants are present, Riparian areas | Willow, American Elm, Cottonwood, Paper Birch, Hackberry | Tree Sap of Oaks (Quercus spp.), Rotting Fruit |
Adult | |||
Small Tortoiseshell (+) Nymphalis urticae |
Gardens, Weedy areas, Migrates to mountains | Plants in the Nettle Family (Urticaceae) | Various nectar plants |
Adult | |||
Eastern Comma Polygonia comma |
Deciduous woodlands, Woods near water sources: rivers, marshes, swamps | Plants in the Elm Family (Ulmaceae) and Nettle family (Urticaceae) | Tree Sap, Rotting Fruit |
Adult | |||
Green Comma (#) Polygonia faunus |
Forests, Mountain streamsides, Canyons | Pussy Willow, Black Birch, Alder, Gooseberry | Various nectar plants, Dung, Carrion |
Adult | |||
Question Mark Polygonia interrogationis |
Wooded areas with openings, Parks, Fencerows | American Elm, Hackberry, Nettles, False Nettle | Tree Sap, Rotting Fruit, Dung, Carrion, Common Milkweed, Sweet Pepperbush, Asters |
Adult | |||
Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta |
Migrates: found in moist woods, yards, parks, marshes, seeps, fields | Plants in the Nettle Family (Urticaceae) | Tree Sap, Fermenting Fruit, Bird Droppings, Common Milkweed, Red Clover, Asters, Alfalfa |
Adult | |||
Painted Lady Vanessa cardui |
Almost everywhere: open or disturbed areas, Gardens, Old fields, Dunes | Plants in the Composite Family (Asteraceae), Mallow family (Malvaceae), and Pea Family (Fabaceae) | 3-6 ft. tall Composites: Thistle, Cosmos, Blazing Star, Ironweed, Joe-Pye Weed, Zinnia; Buttonbush, Privet, Milkweed |
Adult | |||
American Lady Vanessa virginiensis |
Open places with low vegetation: dunes, meadows, parks, vacant lots, forest edges | Plants in the Composite Family (Asteraceae): Rabbit Tobacco, Plantain-leaved Pussy Toes, Wormwood, Ironweed | Dogbane (poisonous), Asters, Goldenrod, Marigold, Common Milkweed, Vetch, Heal-all |
Adult | |||
Nymphs and Satyrs: Satyrinae Subfamily | |||
Common Name Scientific Name |
Habitat | Preferred Host Plants | Preferred Nectar Source |
Overwinter Stage | |||
Common Wood Nymph Cercyonis pegala |
Large areas with sun: prairies, open meadows, Bogs, Old fields | Purpletop (Tridens flavus) and other grasses | Rotting Fruit, Various nectar plants |
Larva | |||
Gemmed Satyr Cyllopsis gemma |
Open wet woodlands, Grassy areas near water, Streams, Ponds | Bermuda Grass (Cynodon dactylon) most likely | Not reported |
Larva | |||
Intricate Satyr Hermeuptychia intricata |
Woodlands
Larva |
Unknown | Unknown |
Carolina Satyr Hermeuptychia sosybius |
Grassy areas, Woodlands | Carpet Grass, Centipede Grass, St. Augustine Grass, Kentucky Bluegrass | Tree Sap, Rotting Fruit |
Larva | |||
Northern Pearl-eye Lethe anthedon |
Damp deciduous woods, Marshes and waterways, Mixed or grassy woodlands | Plants in the Grass Family (Poaceae): Erianthus spp., Uniola latifolia, Leersia erectum | Dung, Fungi, Carrion, Sap from Willow, Poplar, Birch |
Larva | |||
Appalachian Brown Lethe appalachia |
Wooded swamps, Shrub swamp, Forest edges, Along slow-moving streams | Narrowfruit Horned Beaksedge (Rhynchospora inundata) | Tree Sap |
Larva | |||
Creole Pearl-eye Lethe creola |
Dense moist woods near swamps and upland forests | Switch Cane (Arundinaria tecta) | Rotting Fruit, Tree Sap, Dung, Carrion |
Larva | |||
Southern Pearl-eye Lethe portlandia |
Shady, damp woods near stream fed swamps | Switch Cane (Arundinaria tecta) | Rotting Fruit, Tree Sap, Dung, Carrion |
Larva | |||
Little Wood-Satyr Megisto cymela |
Grassy woods and openings, Old fields with basic soil | Orchard Grass, Centipede Grass | Tree Sap, Aphid Honeydew |
Larva | |||
Viola Wood-Satyr (*) Megisto viola |
Grassy woods | Orchard Grass, Centipede Grass | Sap, Aphid Honeydew, Rarely Flower Nectar |
Larva | |||
Georgia Satyr Neonympha areolata |
Grassy opening in sandy pinewoods or pine barrens | Plants in the Sedge Family (Cyperaceae) | Not Reported |
Larva | |||
Helicta Satyr Neonympha helicta |
Dry or wet areas | Unknown | Unknown |
Larva | |||
SWALLOWTAILS AND PARNASSIANS: Papilionidae Family | |||
True Swallowtails: Papilioninae Subfamily | |||
Common Name Scientific Name |
Habitat | Preferred Host Plants | Preferred Nectar Source |
Overwinter Stage | |||
Pipevine Swallowtail Battus philenor |
Woods, Open brush | Pipevine (Aristolochia spp.) | Thistle, Bergamot, Azalea, Phlox, Lilac, Verbena |
Pupa | |||
Zebra Swallowtail Eurytides marcellus |
Open, moist woods | Pawpaw (Asimina triloba) | Blueberry, Blackberry, Lilac, Redbud, Verbena, Common Milkweed, Dogbane (poisonous) |
Pupa | |||
Appalachian Tiger Swallowtail (#) Papilio appalachiensis |
Wooded areas, High elevation | Wild Black Cherry | Azalea, Mountain Laurel, Blackberry, Multiflora Rose |
Pupa | |||
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Papilio glaucus |
Moist, wooded areas | Black Cherry, Sweetbay, Basswood, Tulip Poplar, Birch, Ash, Cottonwood, Willow | Wild Cherry, Lilac, Milkweed, Joe-Pye Weed |
Pupa | |||
Giant Swallowtail Paplio cresphontes |
Woods, Brush, Citrus Groves | Common Hoptree (Ptelea trifoliata) | Azalea, Goldenrod, Japanese Honeysuckle, Swamp Milkweed |
Pupa | |||
Palmedes Swallowtail Papilio palamedes |
Wet woods near rivers, Swamps | Redbay, Swampbay, Sassafras | Sweet Pepperbush, Thistle, Blue Flag Iris, Azalea |
Pupa | |||
Black Swallowtail Papilio polyxenes |
Opens areas | Dill, Parsley, Fennel, Queen Anne’s Lace | Red Clover, Milkweed, Thistle |
Pupa | |||
Spicebush Swallowtail Papilio troilus |
Woods, Brush areas | Spicebush, Sassafras, Tulip Poplar, Sweetbay, Redbay, Camphor | Japanese Honeysuckle, Jewelweed, Thistle, Milkweed, Azalea, Sweet Pepperbush |
Pupa | |||
YELLOWS, SULPHURS, WHITES, AND ORANGETIPS: Pieridae Family | |||
Yellows and Sulphurs: Coliadinae Subfamily | |||
Common Name Scientific Name |
Habitat | Preferred Host Plants | Preferred Nectar Source |
Overwinter Stage | |||
Orange Sulphur Colias eurytheme |
Open fields, Meadows, Roadsides | Plants in the Pea Family (Fabaceae): Alfalfa, Clover | Dandelion, Milkweed, Goldenrod, Asters, Marigold, Zinnia |
Pupa | |||
Clouded Sulphur Colias philodice |
Open fields, Meadows, Roadsides | Plants in the Pea Family (Fabaceae) | Various nectar plants |
Larva | |||
Barred Yellow Eurema daira |
Pastures, Open pine woods | Plants in the Pea Family (Fabaceae): Pencil Flower, Vetch | Vetch, Shepherd’s Needle |
Adult | |||
Little Yellow Eurema lisa |
Roadsides, Open areas, Sandy fields | Plants in the Pea Family (Fabaceae): Partridge Pea, Wild Sensitive Plant | Plants in the Composite Family (Asteraceae) |
Pupa | |||
Sleepy Orange Eurema nicippe |
Pine flats, Road edges, Low elevation | Plants in the Pea Family (Fabaceae): Cassia spp. | Plants in the Composite Family (Asteraceae): Shepherd’s Needle |
Adult | |||
Dainty Sulphur Nathalis iole |
Open fields | Plants in the Composite Family (Asteraceae): Shepherd’s Needle, Sneezeweed, Marigold | Asters, Marigold |
Adult | |||
Large Orange Sulphur (+) Phoebis agarithe |
Open lowlands including: gardens, pastures, road edges, trails, parks | Plants in the Pea Family (Fabaceae) | Lantana, Shepherd’s Needle, Bougainvillea, Rose Periwinkle, Turk’s Cap, Hibiscus |
Adult | |||
Orange-barred Sulphur (+) Phoebis philea |
Open lowland sites: gardens, forest edges, parks, road edges | Cassias (Cassia sp.) | Various nectar plants |
Adult | |||
Cloudless Sulphur Phoebis sennae |
Open fields | Plants in the Pea Family (Fabaceae): Cassia spp. | Long tubular flowers: Bougainvillea, Cardinal Flower, Hibiscus, Lantana, Wild Morning Glory |
Adult | |||
Southern Dogface Zerene cesonia |
Open fields | Plants in the Pea Family (Fabaceae) | Alfalfa, Coreopsis, Houstonia, Verbena |
Adult | |||
Whites and Orangetips: Pierinae Subfamily | |||
Common Name Scientific Name |
Habitat | Preferred Host Plants | Preferred Nectar Source |
Overwinter Stage | |||
Great Southern White (*) Ascia monuste |
Salt marshes, Coastal dunes, Open fields | Plants in the Mustard Family (Brassicaceae): Cabbage, Radish, Peppergrass and the Caper Family (Capparidaceae) | Saltworts, Lantana, Verbena |
Pupa | |||
Falcate Orangetip Anthocharis midea |
Open woodlands | Plants in the Mustard Family (Brassicaceae) | Mustards, Violets |
Pupa | |||
Cabbage White Pieris rapae |
All open areas | Plants in the Mustard Family (Brassicaceae) and the Caper Family (Capparidaceae) | Mustards, Dandelion, Red Clover, Asters, Purple Coneflower, Joe-Pye Weed, Mints, Verbena |
Pupa | |||
West Virginia White (#) Pieris virginiensis |
Moist woodlands | Toothworts (Cardamine diphylla and C.laciniata) | Toothworts, Spring Beauty, Violets |
Pupa | |||
Checkered White Pontia protodice |
Meadows, Fields | Plants in the Mustard Family (Brassicaceae) and the Caper Family (Capparidaceae) | Mustards, Asters, Alfalfa |
Pupa | |||
METALMARKS: Riodinidae Family | |||
True Metalmarks: Riodininae Subfamily | |||
Common Name Scientific Name |
Habitat | Preferred Host Plants | Preferred Nectar Source |
Overwinter Stage | |||
Little Metalmark Calephelis virginiensis |
Coastal plains with grassy areas or open pinewoods, Savannah, Salt-marsh meadows | Yellow Thistle (Cirsium horridulum) | Short-flowered Asters, Lance-leaved Coreopsis, Sneezeweed, Blue Mistflower |
Larva |
Superfamily Hesperoidea (Skippers)
SKIPPERS: Hesperiidae Family | |||
Grass Skippers: Hesperiinae Subfamily | |||
Common Name Scientific Name |
Habitat | Preferred Host Plants | Preferred Nectar Source |
Overwinter Stage | |||
Lace-winged Roadside-Skipper Amblyscrites aesculapius |
Moist, dense woods with cane growth | Cane (Arundinaria spp.) | Elephant’s Foot, Sweet Pepperbush, Blackberry, Dutch White Clover, Heal-all, Dogbane (poisonous) |
Larva | |||
Dusky Roadside-Skipper Amblyscrites alternata |
Open pinewoods | Not reported | Various nectar plants |
Larva | |||
Bell’s Roadside-Skipper Amblyscrites belli |
Grassy areas near creeks, woodland openings and edges, gardens | Indian Woodoats Grass (Chasmanthium latifolia) | Various nectar plants |
Larva | |||
Pepper and Salt Skipper Amblyscrites hegon |
Near stream edges in forest glades | Kentucky Bluegrass (Poa pratensis), Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans and S. secundum), River Oats (Chasmanthium latifolium) | Viburnum, Blackberry |
Larva | |||
Reversed Roadside-Skipper Amblyscrites reversa |
Swampy or wet woods near slow streams with cane growth | Switch Cane (Arundinaria tecta) | Various nectar plants |
Larva | |||
Common Roadside- Skipper Amblyscirtes vialis |
Open areas in or near woodlands, especially close to streams | Wild Oats, Bent Grass, Bluegrass, Bermuda Grass, River Oats | Verbena, Heal-all |
Larva | |||
Delaware Skipper Anatrytone logan |
Moist areas: marshes, prairies, fields, roadsides | Big Bluestem, Switchgrass, Plume Grass | Common Milkweed, Mountain Mint, Houstonia, Marsh Fleabane, Sweet Pepperbush, Buttonbush, Thistle, Pickerelweed |
Larva or Pupa | |||
Least Skipper Ancyloxypha numitor |
Moist or wet open areas with tall grass, Marshes, Ditches, Slow streams, Hillsides and old fields with tall grasses | Marsh Millet (Zizaniopsis miliacea), Rice Cutgrass (Leersia oryzoides), Cultivated Rice (Oryza sativa) | Wood Sorrel, Swamp Verbena, Pickerelweed, Chicory, Dutch White Clover |
Larva | |||
Sachem Atalopedes campestris |
Disturbed open areas: roadsides, landfills, pastures, meadows, fencerows, yards, parks, lawns | Bermuda Grass, Crabgrass, St. Augustine Grass, Goosegrass | Common Milkweed, Swamp Milkweed, Buttonbush, Dogbane (poisonous), Peppermint, Red Clover, Tickseed Sunflower, Thistle, Ironweed, Marigold, Asters |
Larva | |||
Arogos Skipper Atrytone arogos |
Undisturbed areas: grasslands, prairies, sand prairies, serpentine barrens | Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardi) | Purple Vetch, Canada Thistle, Dogbane, Stiff Coreopsis, Purple Coneflower, Green Milkweed, Ox-Eye Daisy |
Larva | |||
Dusted Skipper Atrytonopsis hianna |
Grasslands, Prairies, Barrens, Old fields | Little Bluestem (Andropogon scoparius), Big Bluestem (A. gerardi) | Japanese Honeysuckle, Wild Strawberry, Blackberry, Wild Hyacinth, Phlox, Vervain, Red Clover |
Larva | |||
Loammi Skipper (*) Atrytonopsis loammi |
Barrier islands | Seaside Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium littorale) | Unknown |
Larva | |||
Brazilian Skipper Calpodes ethlius |
Gardens, Residential areas | Canna lily, Cultivated plants in the Arrowroot Family (Marantaceae) | Woody lianas (vines), trees and shrubs with white or pale yellow flowers |
Larva | |||
Southern Skipperling Copaeodes minimus |
Grassy areas, Open fields, Flats | Bermuda Grass | Fine-leaved Sneezeweed |
Larva | |||
Berry’s Skipper (*) Euphyes berryi |
Marshy areas near ponds, swamps, canals | Not reported | Pickerelweed |
Larva | |||
Two-spotted Skipper Euphyes bimacula |
Marshes, Bogs, Streamsides, Wet sedge meadows | Plants in the Sedge Family (Cyperaceae) | Pickerelweed, Sweet Pepperbush, Blue Flag, Common Milkweed, Spirea |
Larva | |||
Dion Skipper Euphyes dion |
Swamps, Open marshes, Bogs | Plants in the Sedge Family (Cyperaceae) | Pickerelweed, Sneezeweed, Buttonbush |
Larva | |||
Duke’s Skipper (*) Euphyes dukesi |
Shady tupelo swamps, Partially shaded ditches and marshes | Plants in the Sedge Family (Cyperaceae) | Pickerelweed, Sneezeweed, Hibiscus, Blue Mistflower |
Larva | |||
Palatka Skipper (*) Euphyes pilatka |
Coastal brackish and freshwater marshes | Sawgrass Sedge (Cladium mariscus ssp. jamaicensis) | Pickerelweed |
Larva | |||
Dun Skipper Euphyes vestris |
Wet areas near deciduous forests: meadows, seeps, swamp edges, streams | Yellow Nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus) | Common Milkweed, Purple Vetch, Heal-all, Peppermint, Dogbane (poisonous) New Jersey Tea |
Larva | |||
Dotted Skipper Hesperia attalus |
Short-grassed prairies, Pine barrens, Woodland meadows | Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), Fall Witchgrass (Leptoloma cognatum) | Prickly Pear Cactus, Alfalfa, Thistles, Purple Coneflower |
Larva | |||
Leonard’s Skipper Hesperia leonardus |
Open grassy areas: prairies, fields, meadows | Plants in the Grass Family (Poaceae): Little Bluestem, Blue Grama, Bentgrass | Blazing Star, Thistles, Asters, Teasel |
Larva | |||
Meske’s Skipper Hesperia meskei |
Sparse open woods, Grassy areas | Little Bluestem (Andropogon scoparius), Arrowfeather Threeawn (Aristida purpurascens) | Blazing Star, Pickerelweed |
Larva | |||
Cobweb Skipper Hesperia metea |
Dry, grassy open areas: woods, pine barrens, oak savannah, sandy scrub, burned areas, old pastures | Little Bluestem (Andropogon scoparius), Big Bluestem (A. gerardi) | Wild Strawberry, Blackberry, Bird’s Foot Violet, Winter Cress, Red Clover, Lilac, Vervain, Carolina Larkspur, Wild Hyacinth |
Larva | |||
Fiery Skipper Hylephila phyleus |
Sunny, open areas: fields, lawns, gardens, levees, roadsides, second-growth scrub | Bermuda Grass, Crabgrass, St. Augustine Grass | Sweet Pepperbush, Swamp Milkweed, Asters, Sneezeweed, Knapweed, Ironweed, Thistle |
Pupa | |||
Eufala Skipper Lerodea eufala |
Open, sunny areas: vacant lots, agricultural areas, road edges, lawns | Johnson Grass (Sorghum halepense), Bermuda Grass (Cynodon dactylon) | Alfalfa, Asters |
Larva | |||
Clouded Skipper Lerema accius |
Forest edges, Clearings near rivers and swamps | St. Augustine Grass (Stenotaphrum secundatum) | Shepherd’s Needle, Heal-all, Vervain, Buttonbush, Lantana |
Pupa | |||
Swarthy Skipper Nastra lherminier |
Grassy open areas: sand barrens, meadows, hillsides, fields | Little Bluestem (Andropogon scoparius) | Heal-all, Red Clover, Tick Trefoil, Purple Vetch, New Jersey Tea, Peppermint |
Larva | |||
Neamathla Skipper Nastra neamathla |
Open, moist areas: marsh edges | Plants in the Grass Family (Poaceae) | Various nectar plants |
Pupa | |||
Twin-Spot Skipper Oligoria maculata |
Coastal swamps and pinewoods | Plants in the Grass Family (Poaceae) | Pickerelweed |
Larva | |||
Ocola Skipper Panoquina ocola |
Low, damp fields and pastures | Cultivated Rice (Oryza sativa) | Lantana, Shepherd’s Needle, Swamp Milkweed, Buttonbush, Pickerelweed |
Pupa | |||
Salt Marsh Skipper (*) Panoquina panoquin |
Coastal salt or brackish marshes and adjacent fields or wood edges | Seashore Saltgrass (Distichlis spicata) | Privet, Sweet Pepperbush, Red Clover, Salt Marsh Fleabane, Blue Mistflower, Thistle, Verbena |
Larva | |||
Aaron’s Skipper (*) Poanes aaroni |
Coastal salt marshes | Possibly Smooth Cordgrass (Spartina alternifolia var. glabra) | Pickerelweed, Salt Marsh Fleabane, Coreopsis |
Larva | |||
Hobomok Skipper Poanes hobomok |
Openings and edges of damp woods, Edges of bogs, Light gaps along streams, City parks | Panic Grasses (Panicum spp.), Bluegrasses (Poa spp.) | Milkweed, Henbit, Blackberry |
Larva | |||
Broad-winged Skipper Poanes viator |
Fresh and saltwater marshes | Reed (Phragmites communis), Wild Rice, Marsh Millet | Inland: Swamp Milkweed, Purple Loosestrife, Blue Vervain; Coastal: Dogbane (poisonous), Swamp Milkweed, Pickerelweed, Thistle, Salt Marsh Fleabane |
Larva | |||
Yehl Skipper Poanes yehl |
Clearings in wet or swampy woodlands | Cane (Arundinaria spp.) | Sweet Pepperbush, Chinquapin, Pickerelweed, Swamp Milkweed |
Larva | |||
Zabulon Skipper Poanes zabulon |
Brushy openings near moist forests and streams | Love Grass, Purpletop, Bluegrass, Orchardgrass, Bentgrass | Japanese Honeysuckle, Red Clover, Heal-all, Blackberry, Purple Vetch, Common Milkweed, Buttonbush, Joe-Pye Weed, Thistle |
Larva | |||
Crossline Skipper Polites origenes |
Open grassy areas: prairies, hillsides, barrens, power line cuts, old fields, forest openings | Purpletop (Tridens flavus), Little Bluestem (Andropogon scoparius) | White, Pink, Purple Flowers preferred: Purple vetch, Red Clover, Heal-all, Dogbane, Shrub Houstonia, New Jersey Tea, New York Ironweed |
Larva | |||
Peck’s Skipper (#) Polites peckius |
Open grassy habitats: meadows, prairies, lawns, marshes, landfills, roadsides, vacant lots, power line right-of-ways | Rice Cutgrass (Leersia oryzoides); Bluegrass (Poa pratensis) | Red Clover, Purple Vetch, Thistles, Heal-all, New York Ironweed, Blue Vervain, Common Milkweed, Swamp Milkweed, Dogbane, New Jersey Tea |
Larva | |||
Tawny-edged Skipper Polites themistocles |
Moist grassy areas: prairie swales, pastures, lawns, roadsides, vacant lots | Panic Grasses (Panicum sp.), Slender Crabgrass (Digitaria filiformis), Bluegrass (Poa pratensis) | Alfalfa, Red Clover, Dogbane, Shrub Houstonia, Purple Coneflower, Thistles, Chicory |
Pupa | |||
Whirlabout Polites vibex |
Scrubby or open habitats: dunes, fields, pinewoods, roadsides, forest openings, yards, parks | Bermuda Grass, St. Augustine Grass, Thin Paspalum | Shepherd’s Needle, Lantana |
Pupa | |||
Little Glasswing Pompeius verna |
Moist areas near shaded wood edges | Purpletop (Tridens flavus) | White, Pink, Purple Flowers preferred: Dogbane, Heal-all, Peppermint, Joe-Pye Weed, Common Milkweed, Swamp Milkweed; Yellow flowers visited when others are not available |
Larva | |||
Rare Skipper (*) Problema bulenta |
Brackish river marshes, Abandoned rice patties | Not reported | Pickerelweed, Swamp Milkweed |
Larva | |||
Byssus Skipper Problema byssus |
Edges of coastal marshes | Eastern Gamma Grass (Tripsacum dactyloides) | Pickerelweed |
Larva | |||
European Skipper (#) Thymelicus lineola |
Open grassy areas: meadows, hayfields, pastures, abandoned homesteads, road edges | Plants in the Grass Family (Poaceae): Timothy Grass (Phleum pratense) | Orange Hawkweed, Thistles, Ox-Eye Daisy, Fleabane, White Clover, Red Clover, Heal-all, Deptford Pink, Common Milkweed, Swamp Milkweed |
Egg | |||
Northern Broken-Dash Wallengrenia egeremet |
Opens areas near woods or scrubs | Panic Grasses (Panicum spp.) | White, Pink, Purple Flowers preferred: Dogbane, Red Clover, New Jersey Tea, Sweet Pepperbush |
Larva | |||
Southern Broken-Dash Wallengrenia otho |
Openings near wooded rivers or swamps | Paspalum Grass, St. Augustine Grass | Pickerelweed, Heal-all, Sweet Pepperbush |
Larva | |||
Giant-Skippers: Megathyminae Subfamily | |||
Common Name Scientific Name |
Habitat | Preferred Host Plants | Preferred Nectar Source |
Overwinter Stage | |||
Cofaqui Giant-Skipper Megathymus cofaqui |
Coastal dunes, Pinewoods, Shrubland | Bear Grass (Yucca filamentosa), Spanish Bayonet (Y. aloifolia), Small’s Yucca (Y. smalliana) | Adults do not feed; Males sip moisture from mud
|
Larva | |||
Yucca Giant-Skipper Megathymus yuccae |
Coastal dunes, Open: yucca flats, woodland, grassland, old field | Bear Grass (Yucca filamentosa), Spanish Bayonet (Y. aloifolia), Small’s Yucca (Y. smalliana), Spanish Dagger (Y. glorisa) | Adults do not feed; Males sip moisture from mud |
Larva | |||
Spread-wing Skippers: Pyrginae Subfamily | |||
Common Name Scientific Name |
Habitat | Preferred Host Plants | Preferred Nectar Source |
Overwinter Stage | |||
Hoary Edge Achalarus lyciades |
Open woodland, Brushy areas, Often pine or oak woods with sandy soils | Plants in the Pea Family (Fabaceae): Beggar’s Ticks, False Indigo, Lespedeza | Common Milkweed, Dogbane (poisonous), Buttonbush, Japanese Honeysuckle, New Jersey Tea |
Pupa | |||
Golden Banded-Skipper Autochton cellus |
Damp, wooded ravines with permanent water sources | Hog Peanut (Amphicarpa bracteata) | Trailing Arbutus, Blackberry, Abelia, Hollyhock |
Pupa | |||
Silver-spotted Skipper Epargyreus clarus |
Disturbed open woods, Foothill stream courses, Prairie waterways | Black Locust, Honey Locust, False Indigo | Common Milkweed, Red Clover, Buttonbush, Blazing Star, Thistles (almost never visits yellow flowers) |
Pupa | |||
Wild Indigo Duskywing Erynnis baptisiae |
Open woods, Barrens, Highways roadsides, Railroad beds, Upland fields, Areas with crown vetch | Wild Indigo, Wild Blue Indigo, Lupine | Blackberry, Dogbane (poisonous), Sunflower, Crimson Clover |
Larva | |||
Sleepy Duskywing Erynnis brizo |
Oak or oak-pine scrub, Barrens, On well-drained sandy or shale soils | Oaks (Quercus spp.) | Azalea, Blueberry, Blackberry, Dandelion |
Larva | |||
Funereal Duskywing (+) Erynnis funeralis |
Warm or arid lowlands, Roadsides | Plants in the Pea Family (Fabaceae) | Various nectar plants |
Larva | |||
Horace’s Duskywing Erynnis horatius |
Open woodlands and edges, Clearings, Fencerows, Wooded swamps, Power line right-of-ways, Open fields, Roadsides | Willow Oak, Northern Red Oak, Water Oak, Post Oak, Live Oak | 4.5 ft. tall plants: Dogbane (poisonous), Buttonbush, Sneezeweed, Goldenrod, Peppermint, Boneset, Winter Cress |
Larva | |||
Dreamy Duskywing (#) Erynnis icelus |
Woodland opening or edges | Willow, Poplar, Birch | Blueberry, Wild Strawberry, Blackberry, Dogbane, New Jersey Tea, Winter Cress, Purple Vetch, Lupine |
Larva | |||
Juvenal’s Duskywing Erynnis juvenalis |
Oak woods or scrub with associated edges or fields | Oaks (Quercus spp.) | Winter Cress, Dandelion, Wild Plum, Wisteria, Blueberry, Vetch, Redbud, Lilac |
Larva | |||
Mottled Duskywing Erynnis martialis |
Open woodland, Barrens, Prairie hills, Open bushy fields | Plants in the Buckthorn Family (Rhamnaceae): Wild Liliacs, New Jersey Tea, RedRoot (Ceanothus herbaceus var. pubescens) | Bush Houstonia, Gromwell, Hoary Vervain |
Larva | |||
Zarucco Duskywing Erynnis zarucco |
Wood edges, Open fields, Scrub | Plants in the Pea Family (Fabaceae): Black Locust, Lespedeza | Shepherd’s Needle |
Larva | |||
Common Sootywing Pholisora catullus |
Open or disturbed areas: landfills, vacant lots, gardens, roadsides, fields, pastures | Lambsquarter, Amaranth, Cockscomb | Dogbane (poisonous), Marjoram, Oxalis, Dutch White Clover, Common Milkweed, Peppermint, Cucumber, Melon |
Larva | |||
White Checkered- Skipper Pyrgus albescens |
Open sunny areas with low vegetation, Bare soils: prairies, fields, roadsides, yards | Plants in the Mallow Family (Malvaceae)- not well reported | Various nectar plants |
Pupa | |||
Common Checkered- Skipper Pyrgus communis |
Open sunny areas with low vegetation, Bare soils: prairies, meadows, fields, roadsides, landfills, yards, pastures, Opening and trails in woods | Plants in the Mallow Family (Malvaceae) | Shepherd’s Needle, Fleabane, Asters, Red Clover, Knapweed, Beggar’s Tick |
Larva | |||
Tropical Checkered- Skipper Pyrgus oileus |
Open, sunny areas: pastures, brushy fields, wooded trails, thorn-scrub, roadsides | Plants in the Mallow Family (Malvaceae) | Shepherd’s Needle |
Larva | |||
Hayhurst’s Scallopwing Staphylus hayhurstii |
Vacant weed lots, Suburban gardens, Woods: openings, rustic roads, trails | Plants in the Amaranth Family (Amaranthaceae) | Marigold, Knotweed, Spearmint, Wild Marjoram, Cucumber, Dogbane (poisonous), Dutch White Clover |
Larva | |||
Southern Cloudywing Thorybes bathyllus |
Open scrubby areas: dry meadows, burned areas, dry prairie hills, Power line right-of-ways | Plants in the Pea Family (Fabaceae): Beggar’s Tick, Lespedeza, Clover
|
Dogbane (poisonous), Heal-all, Vetch, Japanese Honeysuckle, Thistle, Common Milkweed
|
Larva | |||
Confused Cloudywing Thorybes confusis |
Near swamps and marshes, Woods in river valleys | Plants in the Pea Family (Fabaceae) | Various nectar plants |
Larva | |||
Northern Cloudywing Thorybes pylades |
Open or scrubby boreal woodland and forest edges | Plants in the Pea Family (Fabaceae): Beggar’s Tick, Lespedeza, Clover | Dogbane (poisonous), Heal-all, Vetch, Japanese Honeysuckle, Thistle, Hoary Vervain, Common Milkweed |
Larva | |||
Dorantes Longtail Urbanus dorantes |
Roadsides, Overgrown fields, Wood edges and clearings, Along trails in hardwood hammocks | Wild and Cultivated Beans (Phaseolus spp.) | Shepherd’s Needle, Lantana, Ironweed, Bougainvillea |
Larva | |||
Long-tailed Skipper Urbanus proteus |
Brushy fields, Edges of woods, Gardens, Open disturbed areas | Wild and Cultivated Beans (Phaseolus spp.): Hog Peanut, Beggar’s Tick, Wisteria | Bougainvillea, Lantana, Shepherd’s Needle |
Larva | |||
Butterfly species list for South Carolina compiled by LayLa Burgess, Cooperative Extension, Clemson University. Species list verified using the Checklist of the Butterflies of SC (Dec 2016) developed by Brian Scholtens (Professor, Department of Biology, College of Charleston) and Dr. Dennis Forsythe (Emeritus Professor, The Citadel). Preferred habitat, host plants, nectar sources, and overwintering stage were added by LayLa Burgess, Clemson Extension. * Essentially restricted to the coast # Essentially restricted to the mountains + Limited Note: Habitat, host plants, and nectar sources listed are those preferred by each butterfly species; however, most butterflies will use a variety of habitats and plants when available and necessary. |
Additional Information: HGIC 1734, Urban Wildlife – Butterflies
Online Resources:
- The Lepidopterists’ Society
- Butterflies and Moths of North America
Originally published 06/18