Butterflies and Moths

LEPIDOPTERA

Did you know that Lepidoptera means scale wings? This describes the overlaying tile pattern this is found on the wings of its members. 

The Lepidopteran Order:

 The Lepidopteran order houses the second largest group of insects in the world and definitely one of the most beloved; butterflies and moths! From their brightly colored wings to their interesting shape, design, and symmetry, they are enamored by naturalists worldwide. One of the most interesting things about butterflies and moths is their life cycle; in particular, the metamorphosis they undergo from larval caterpillar to winged adult. 

The peacock butterfly, typically found in Europe and parts of Asia.

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THE LEPIDOPTERAN LIFE CYCLE

Stage 1: Beginning as an Egg

Both butterflies and moths begin life as eggs that are laid onto host plants by the adult female of the species. Interesting, some females have been known to lay up to 1000 eggs at a time while others do not even reach 100(Forest, n.d., p. [Page 2])

Stage 2: Life as a Larvae

When the eggs hatch into caterpillars they have reached a stage in the life cycle called the larval stage. As caterpillars(larvae), they eat and growing, nourishing themselves on the host plant their parent chose for them. As they do this, they move through a series of developmental stages called instars

Stage 3: Life as a Pupa

Once fully matured, the larva develops into a pupa. During this stage, the pupae are inactive and usually not able to move. This stage occurs between the larval and adult stage, and it is when the adult structures of the insect are formed and the larval structures are broken down. 

This occurs inside the encasing known as “chrysalis”. The term describes both the harder outer casing and the pupal stage of butterflies. In moths, the “chrysalis”. The term describes both the harder outer casing and the pupal stage of butterflies. In moths, the chrysalis stage is often in the form of a softer casing such as silk and the structure is known as a “cocoon”. Emergence from the chyrsalis marks the the end of the pupal stage and the beginning of life as a winged adult. 

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BUTTERFLY VS. MOTH
CAN YOU TELL THE DIFFERENCE?

The first thing many amateur lepidopterists do is learn how to identify the difference between a moth and a butterfly. To help you on your journey to achieving your “lepidopteran badge,” we have given some tips to get started! After reviewing the tips below, you can go out and impress your family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and even strangers on your newfound knowledge! 

WINGS – When at rest, butterflies and moths hold their wings in different positions.

ANTENNAE – Although there are always exceptions, the shape of the antennae is a great identifier.

BEHAVIOR– In general, one species likes to travel during the day and one at night. Can you guess who works in the sun and who takes the night shift?

ANATOMY– If you spot a wing coupling device its a moth! The frenulum work as a coupling mechanism for the front and rear wings. This tip is more for the professional Lepidopterists among you

BUTTERFLIES AND MOTHS IN YOUR ATLANTA POLLINATOR GARDEN

Overview

Life in the pollinator garden for butterflies and moths changes depending on what part of the life cycle they are in. Please continue reading for more information on what the actions of these pollinators may look like at various life stages!

Caterpillars

Caterpillars are equipped with biting mouthparts, hence you will likely find them chewing through leaves on the host plants that they were born onto! 

Adults

Butterflies and moths will visit your garden as winged adults to consume nectar only.  Unlike bees, they do not actively feed on pollen or use it to nourish their young. As an adult with wings and mouthparts they will:

  1. Live and chew through the leaves on their host plants.
  2. Fly and forage for nectar from many different species

Males especially will be can be found on the ground near wet mud puddles or small pools of water where they draw nutrients and minerals. It is also likely that you will see moths flying around your garden at night which makes them the most important group of pollinators for most night-blooming plants. Moths are also more likely to collect pollen as they brush up against the anther of a flower due to their added fuzziness/furriness. 

To see what host and nectar plants we advise you plant in your Atlanta butterfly garden, visit the species spotlight page

 

Moth/Butterfly Garden Preferences:

Butterflies in particular need warm temperatures and sunshine in order to fly. This is why a pollinator garden that incorporates warm rocks, paths, or landing places will attract many butterfly visitors. 

To see how you can introduce artificial elements into your garden that will provide shelter and nesting opportunities for Georgia butterflies, scroll to the butterfly section on the page listed here.

For more information and tips on how to enhance the natural features in your pollinator garden to attract butterflies, scroll to the butterfly section of the page listed here. 

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IDENTIFY THE POLLINATORS IN YOUR GARDEN

Generally in Georgia, you will see butterflies beginning to emerge in your gardens around July and flutter through your area until the end of September, depending on seasonal weather and the species you are attracting. Here are 5 species that are more common in the metro Atlanta area. Please check the recommended links at the bottom of this page for a more extensive list. Remember, it is always fun to identify and learn about the visitors in your garden!

1. MONARCH BUTTERFLY

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Common NameMonarch Butterfly
Scientific NameDanaus plexippus
IdentificationBright orange with black lines and a slow wing beat. It is one of the most easily identified species in the US.  Yellow, brown, and white can be seen on the wings as well
Caterpillar hostsCommon milkweed, swamp milkweed, and showy milkweed
Adult nectar plantsNectar from all milkweeds
FactoidThere is a specific glycoside present in most milkweeds, the plants that are the exclusive host food for monarch caterpillars.  Upon ingestion of the host leaves, the compound is stored inside the caterpillar and still present in winged adults. These chemicals make the butterfly particularly “untasty” and cause an emetic reaction in most birds.
Chrysalis

The outside of the chrysalis is actually clear. However, it will look green in the beginning(because you are seeing the green caterpillar through the clear casing) and it will develop into brown and black as the caterpillar begins to pupate into an adult and develop these colorings. 

2. GULF FRITILLARY

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Common NameGulf Fritillary
Scientific NameAgraulis vanillae
IdentificationBright orange with black markings. Three black encircled white dots on forewing leading edge. Underwings have iridescent silver spots
Caterpillar hostsVarious passion vine species such as maypop and running pop
Adult nectar plantsLantana and verbena
FactoidThe toxicity of the caterpillar protects it from predators. The black spines, although soft, also protect the butterfly from danger.
ChrysalisBrown, can be similar looking to a dead leaf

3. CLOUDLESS SULPHUR

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Common NameCloudless Sulphur
Scientific NamePhoebis sennae
IdentificationAdult wing span is 4.8-6.5 cm, usually bright yellow in color, although some summer forms are paler in color.
Caterpillar hostsPartridge pea, clovers, or other legumes
Adult nectar plantsFeed from long tubed nectar species such as bougainvillea, lantana, hibiscus
FactoidIts genus is derived from Phoebe, a titan from Greek mythology.
Chrysalisgreen or pink with yellow lines

4. EASTERN TIGER SWALLOWTAIL

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Common NameEastern Tiger Swallowtail
Scientific NamePapilio glaucus
IdentificationMale is yellow with black tiger stripes, female can have the same form or take the form of a darker black colour with black shadowed lines. Both female forms have bright iridescent chevrons on the hindwings
Caterpillar hostsEggs are laid on Magnoliaceae and Roseaceae families
Adult nectar plantsNectar from wild cherry, lilac, and milk weed
FactoidCaterpillars rest on “silken mats” woven ontop of their host leaves
ChrysalisVaries, whitish colour to brown

5. SILVER-SPOTTED SKIPPER

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Common NameSilver-Spotted Skipper
Scientific NameEpargyreus clarus
IdentificationBrown-black, with lobed hindwings, translucent gold spots on forewing, and silvery stripes on hind wings
Caterpillar hostsHerbs, vines, trees, and shrubs from the pea family, including locust tree, wisteria and alfalfa
Adult nectar plantsMilkweed, clover and everlasting pea; almost never visits yellow flowers
FactoidFemales lay eggs near, but not on host plants.  Caterpillars have to find their own way to the host plants. This is very rare.
ChrysalisBrown, slightly pointed at one end

For a more extensive list of butterflies in Georgia, please check out the complete list found here and here