Is it a Butterfly?![]() Black swallowtail
*Antennae are clubbed or shaped like fish hook
*Body and legs are thin *Pupa is a chrysalis *Usually bask with wings open *Wings usually closed at rest *Fly during the day *Arkansas has over 134 species recorded, including migrants, and some stray sightings. Keep up with a life list? There is a checklist in the back of my book to help you keep up with your sightings. For more butterfly lists, visit www.butterfliesandmoths.org |
Or is it a Moth?![]() Cecropia moth
*Antennae are threadlike or featherlike
*Body and legs hairy, plump *Pupa may be enclosed within cocoon *Many rest with wings open *Many are active at night, some active during day, some active day and night *Arkansas has nearly 3,000 species (still counting), including migrants, and some stray sightings * For moth lists, visit www.butterfliesandmoths.org |
Get Outside!

Fall fun: large tolype
Lepidoptera (meaning, "scale wing") are some of the best known and beloved insects, with millions of websites devoted to them. Here are a few of the most common and spectacular butterflies you may see in Arkansas, including behaviors such as nectaring, basking, and puddling. For a variety of reason, this is all I can post at this time. Besides, this is meant to be a tool to get you away from the monitor and outside enjoying our rich Lepidoptera heritage! A library of field guides (and corresponding apps) are recommended when you are outside, too, because no one volume can provide every piece of information or photos. Also, check the blogs for focus on specific species throughout the year. Happy "lepping!"
Look for caterpillars, too! Some of the most fun you may have learning about butterflies and moths is to watch the entire metamorphosis.