Butterfly species

The Butterfly species section covers groups of day-flying Lepidoptera most often encountered in nature: day-flying and nocturnal, small and large, common and rare. Each group page describes typical representatives, distinguishing features, and observation tips. Individual species pages are in the species catalog.

How to find a species

If you already know the name, use search. If you saw a butterfly but do not know what it is, start with the identification guide — it helps narrow down the species by colour, wing shape, or where you saw it. For in-depth study of families, see families.