Butterfly Photo Gallery

In addition to entertaining us with their bright colors and interesting life histories, butterflies serve as easily observed indicators of the biotic diversity and the true degree of unaltered natural environment retained in local  areas. This is due to their attachment to an array of specialized host plants and to their notable sensitivity to environmental disturbances and introduced chemical agents during the larval stage. Thus, the variety of butterfly species obtained from a local survey and photographic record can contribute to an environmental understanding, and the survey and photographic activity can offer a pleasant pastime and beautiful photo-record for sunny spring  and summer days spent outdoors.

The information below has been adapted from the trifold The Butterflies of Howard County, Maryland: A Biological Summary and Checklist (rev. 8/16) by Richard Smith with additional comments by the author. Download a PDF version.

Butterflies and Moths of North America (BAMONA) has additional information; it is a non-profit organization that depends on the generosity of its users (like us), so be generous in these trying times and consider making a financial contribution to them. There is also a USGS list of Butterflies of Howard County that has similar information. The photo page for each species has links to the appropriate BAMONA and USGS page with more information on food preferences and other information. Just select the link for  that will help you when you are searching.

BugGuide  is another valuable web resource.

In this gallery, males and females will be noted when appropriate (since they may look different).

Click on one of the major phylogenetic photographs to go to that section.

Place name abbreviations: MPEA – Middle Patuxent Environment Area; PRSP – Patuxent River State Park; PVSP – Patapsco River Valley State Park.