![]() ![]() These plants host on the pawpaw plant where females will lay individual eggs on the underside of leaves. Mostly white, with zebra-like stripes on its wings. This butterfly gets its name because of its striking color and pattern. The Zebra Swallowtail is found in the Eastern United States, including parts of Minnesota, where it is rather rare. Zebra Swallowtail Zebra swallowtail butterfly These butterflies feed mainly on flower nectar as adults and Milkweed and Butterfly Bush are great choices to attract these to your garden. Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Eastern tiger swallowtail on plants | image by Judy Gallagher via Flickr | CC BY 2.0Īs their name suggests, these butterflies are found in Minnesota as well as most of the eastern United States, parts of northern Mexico, and southern Canada.Įaster Tiger Swallowtails are sexually dimorphic with males being solid yellow with black tiger stripes and females being similarly colored, but with blue at the bottom of their tail.įemales can also come in a dark form which mimics the Pipevine Swallowtail, though males are reluctant to breed with these females. They spend most of their time in Hackberry trees which is where they get most of their nourishment from the time they leave the egg until they die. Unless you have Hackberry trees in your yard or garden it is unlikely Hackberry Emperors will be paying you a visit. This butterfly is a member of the brush-footed family of butterflies, which are recognizable due to their fluffy legs and feet. Hackberry Emperor Hackberry emperor butterfly by khteWisconsin via Flickr The White Admiral is mostly black with white bars on its wings, while the Red Spotted Purple is a dark purple with blue near its tail. What separates the two is the Red Spotted Purple’s mimicry of the Pipevine Swallowtail. The White Admiral is similar to the Red Spotted Purple, so similar in fact that the two species are capable of reproducing together and creating viable offspring. ![]() Scientific name: Limenitis arthemis arthemis White Admiral White admiral butterfly on a leaf | image by BMR Images via Flickr | CC BY 2.0 This evolved defense has made them less likely to be eaten by predators. Red Spotted Purples are about 3 inches in size and are known for their vibrant mimicry of the Pipevine Swallowtail, which is poisonous. ![]() These butterflies are found in the eastern half of the US, including Minnesota, and interestingly enough, can breed and produce viable young with the White Admiral butterfly. The Red Spotted Purple Butterfly (pictured above) is considered more of a forest butterfly, due to its preference for tree sap, but it is often found in gardens with nectar-producing flowers as well. Scientific name: Limenitis arthemis astyanax Red Spotted Purple Red-spotted purple admiral | image by ALAN SCHMIERER via Flickr Who knew something so pretty would eat something so unappealing? 12 common butterflies in Minnesota 1. Most of these butterflies are flower-feeding pollinators, but surprisingly, some also feed on things like dung and carrion. There are dozens of species of butterflies in Minnesota, but for this article, we have highlighted 12 of the most notable species. It’s no surprise that a state known for its beautiful forests and lakes is also home to a wide variety of butterflies. ![]()
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