Butterflies are lepidopteran insects that are among the most beautiful in the world. Their impressive colors and variety of sizes make them one of the most striking and fascinating animals.
Do you know how many species of butterflies exist? The truth is that there are thousands of them, so on our site we present this article about the types of butterflies, their names and classification. Discover the most surprising species! Let's go there!
Characteristics of butterflies
Before talking about the types of butterflies you need to know some general characteristics about them. Butterflies belong to the order Lepidoptera (Lepidoptera), which also includes moths.
The metamorphosis of the butterfly is the process that allows it to become the beautiful winged insect we know. Its lifecycle has four stages: egg, larva, pupa and butterfly. The duration of each stage, as well as the life expectancy of the butterfly, depends on the species.
These insects are distributed almost everywhere in the world, except Antarctica. They feed on the nectar of flowers, which is why they are pollinating animals.
How many kinds of butterflies are there?
The order Lepidoptera includes 34 superfamilies, which are as follows:
- Acanthopteroctetoidea
- Hallucinoid
- Bombycoidea
- Choreutoidea
- Copromorphoidea
- Cossoidea
- Sicklehead
- Epermenioidea
- Eriocranioidea
- Galacticoidea
- Gelechioidea
- Geometroidea
- Gracillarioidea
- Hepialoidea
- Hesperioidea
- Hyblaeoidea
- Incurvarioidea
- Lasiocampoidea
- Micropterygoid
- Mimallonoidea
- Nepticuloidea
- Noctuoidea
- Papilionoidea
- Pterophoroidea
- Pyraloidea
- Schreckensteinioidea
- Sesioidea
- Thyridoidea
- Tineoidea
- Tischerioidea
- Tortricoidea
- Urodoidea
- Yponomeutoidea
- Zygaenoidea
Also, these superfamilies include various families, subfamilies, genera, species, and subspecies, butterflies seem endless! Currently, 24,000 different species of butterflies have been described, although it is very likely that there are many more. Do you want to know the types of butterflies? Here we present them to you!
Types of moths
Many types of butterflies have nocturnal habits. At night they have fewer predators, since most of the birds sleep, so that increases their chances of survival. In addition, the wings of these butterflies have a coloration that allows them to easily camouflage themselves on tree trunks and leaves.
Here are some examples of types of moths:
Elizabethan butterfly (Graellsia isabelae)
The Elizabethan butterfly is the most widely distributed nocturnal species. It is possible to find it in Europe, where lives in the forests of Spain and France It hides in the treetops during the day, but at dusk they are able to travel great distances, especially during the breeding season.
This species is also one of the most beautiful, as its wings have a pattern that combines pistachio green, brown, black and pink.
Zebra butterfly (Heliconius charithonia)
Another nocturnal species is the zebra butterfly. It is the official butterfly of Florida (United States), although it is also distributed in other areas of the country, in addition to being found in South and Central America.
Features black wings crossed by white stripes. In the larval stage, its body is dark and full of villi.
Four-eyed butterfly (Polythysana cinerascens)
One of the most curious types of butterflies is the four eyes. It is a widely distributed species in Chile. Their habits are very particular, since the males are diurnal, but the females are nocturnal.
Its wings have different colors, but they stand out for four circular spots that simulate eyes Thanks to this, it is very possible that the butterfly is capable of distracting the attention of its predators, by confusing it with a bird or other larger animal.
Types of diurnal butterflies
There are also butterflies that complete their life cycle during the day. To this type correspond the most beautiful color species and impressive. Meet these examples of types of diurnal butterflies:
Slender White (Leptidea sinapis)
The first of the diurnal butterfly types is the beautiful slender white. It is a species that is distributed in Europe and Asia, where it lives in meadows and fields. It measures up to 42 millimeters and, unfortunately, its population has declined in recent decades.
This butterfly has a white body and wings with some silvery areas. Sometimes they have small black specks.
Purple hair (Favonius quercus)
The Favonius quercus is a species of butterfly widely distributed in Europe. It measures up to 39 millimeters and nests in trees, where it forms extensive colonies. It feeds on nectar and usually flies during summer evenings.
The males have a simple brown or dark gray coloration, while the females complement them with blue markings on the two upper wings.
Lucina (Hamearis lucina)
The lucina is one of the most popular types of butterflies in Spain, although it can also be found in England. It measures up to 32 millimeters and lives in prairie or forest areas, where it lives in colonies. As for its coloration, it has a black body marked by a pattern of orange spots. The caterpillar, meanwhile, is white with black dots and some hairs.
Types of small butterflies
Some butterflies have impressive wingspans, while others are small and delicate. In general, the smaller butterflies have a shorter life expectancy and have a simple coloration and, in many cases, a single color.
Discover these examples of types of small butterflies:
Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta)
The red admiral butterfly reaches only 4 centimeters in wingspan, so it is one of the smallest butterflies. It is distributed in North America, Asia and Europe, where it lives in forests.
This species is migratory and is one of the last to leave with the arrival of winter. Its wings have a combination of brown with orange areas and white stripes.
Striped Cinnamon (Lampides boeticus)
The ribbed cinnamon measures only 42 millimeters. It is distributed in England and Scotland, where it lives in gardens or meadows. It is a migratory species capable of traveling from the Mediterranean to England.
As for its appearance, it has delicate bluish wings with gray edges. The proportion of blue and gray varies in each species.
Dark Goblin (Cupidus minimus)
Another species of small butterflies is the dark elf, a species that is distributed in England, Scotland and Ireland. It is often seen in gardens, meadows and near roads.
The dark elf is between 20 and 30 millimeters. Its wings are dark gray or silver, with some bluish areas near the body. When folded, its wings are white or very light gray with darker circular spots.
Types of large butterflies
Butterflies are not only inconspicuous little animals, some species have a size that will surprise you. Can you imagine finding a butterfly that measures 30 centimeters? In some parts of the world it is possible to come across impressive insects like these.
Here are some examples of large butterflies:
Birdwing butterfly (Ornithoptera alexandrae)
The birdwing butterfly is considered the largest butterfly in the world, as its wingspan reaches 31 centimeters. It is an endemic species of Papua and New Guinea, where it lives in rain forests.
This butterfly has chestnut wings with some white spots on the females, while the males have green and blue tones.
Atlas butterfly (Attacus atlas)
Another of the largest butterflies is the atlas, whose wings reach up to 30 centimeters in length. It can be found in China, Malaysia and Indonesia, where it lives in the forests.
This butterfly's wings have a pattern that combines colors such as auburn, pale green, and cream. It is a species bred to obtain wax.
Emperor butterfly (Thysania agrippina)
The emperor butterfly is also called ghost butterfly It is another species that reaches 30 centimeters. It is another type of nocturnal butterfly and has an appearance that allows it to be distinguished from others: the white wings have a delicate pattern of undulating lines in black.
Types of pretty butterflies
The beauty of butterflies gives them an appeal that few species possess. Some are similar to delicate flowers, the color of others amazes those who contemplate them. Do you know some of these types of pretty butterflies? Discover the most beautiful ones below!
Blue morpho butterfly (Morpho menelaus)
The blue morpho butterfly is one of the most beautiful in existence, thanks to its exotic and brilliant blue color. It is distributed in the forests of Central and South America, where they live among the bushes to feed on caterpillars and nectar from flowers.
In addition to its special coloration, measures up to 20 cm in length, making it one of the largest butterfly species in the world.
Aurora butterfly (Anthocharis cardamines)
The aurora butterfly is one of the most beautiful in existence. It is distributed in Europe and Asia, where it grows on grasslands and in areas with abundant vegetation.
With outstretched wings, the aurora butterfly shows a white coloration with a large orange area. However, when folded, its wings have a striking and bright combination of greens, which allows it to blend in with plants.
Peacock butterfly (Aglais io)
Another of the most beautiful types of butterflies that exist is the Aglais io or peacock butterfly. It is distributed in Europe, especially in England, Scotland and Ireland. It measures up to 69 millimeters and can be found in multiple habitats.
This butterfly has a beautiful color pattern: brown, orange, yellow, black, white and blue adorn its wings. In addition, the pattern simulates eyes in some areas, elements that could serve to scare away or confuse predators.
Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus)
The monarch butterfly is one of the best-known butterfly species worldwide for its beautiful appearance. It lives in North America and is characterized by orange wings with black lines and white dots, a real beauty!
