8 Common Backyard Butterflies to Know!

Each of these butterflies can be found throughout much of the US... ... and they can often be found in backyards!

Attract more butterflies to your yard:

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Add a water source.

Grow specific butterfly host plants.

Grow plants native to your area.

Avoid using pesticides (this is important!).

1. MONARCH BUTTERFLY

Let's start with this beloved butterfly! Help Monarchs by planting their host plant, Milkweed, in your garden. 

2. VICEROY BUTTERFLY 

This butterfly mimics the Monarch to fool predators to think it is toxic! It has an extra black line on its hindwing.

3. GULF FRITILLARY

If you live in the Southern U.S. you are likely to see this butterfly.

4. EASTERN TIGER SWALLOWTAIL

This gorgeous yellow and black butterfly is hard to miss! It can be found in the Eastern U.S.

5. BLACK SWALLOWTAIL

Attract this butterfly to your yard by planting fennel, parsley & dill.

6. RED ADMIRAL

This butterfly with orange markings is common throughout much of the world.

7. COMMON BUCKEYE 

Look for the eyespots on the wings to identify this common North America butterfly.

8. GRAY HAIRSTREAK

This little butterfly uses over 90 plant species as its host plant.

Click below to learn about common backyard birds!