Butterflies are a common sight in gardens across Southwest Florida, with Gulf Fritillaries, Monarchs, Queens, Crescent Moons and Horse Chestnut Trees being some of the most popular species. These butterflies are renowned for their vibrant colors and migratory patterns. To spot Monarchs, look for milkweed, as this is the only food source for their caterpillars. When vacationers visit the beach in Florida, they often get to witness a variety of butterflies that they don't usually see in their home state.
Although two species may look similar, their caterpillars can be quite different. The Chrysalis of the Variegated Fritillary is one of the most beautiful butterflies in Florida. Marc has given presentations and workshops on butterflies at local sections of the Florida Native Plant Society, the North American Butterfly Association, the Audubon Society and other conservation groups. Sadly, three native butterfly species have been declared extinct in recent years: the Zestos Skipper from Florida, the Meske Butterfly from Rockland and the Zarucco Skipper from the Keys. Generally speaking, butterflies come in a range of colors such as white, yellow and blue.
American-snouted butterflies migrate north every year but they are rare and hard to spot due to their excellent camouflage. Recently, Marc has been monitoring endangered butterflies in the Florida Keys and other southern areas of the state. Painted Lady butterflies can be found in open areas such as roadsides, grasslands and gardens. As an expert on butterfly identification in Southwest Florida, I can tell you that there are many different species of butterflies that can be found in this region. From Gulf Fritillaries to Monarchs to Variegated Fritillaries, there is a wide variety of colorful and interesting species to observe. To identify these species, it is important to look for certain characteristics such as color patterns, size, and habitat.
For example, Monarchs can be identified by their distinctive orange and black wings and their preference for milkweed plants. Variegated Fritillaries can be identified by their bright orange wings with black spots and their preference for open areas such as roadsides or grasslands. It is also important to be aware of the endangered species of butterflies in this region. Three native butterfly species have been declared extinct in recent years due to habitat loss and other factors.
It is important to be aware of these species so that we can work together to protect them from further decline. Finally, it is important to remember that butterfly identification is not an exact science. Even experienced butterfly enthusiasts may have difficulty identifying some species due to their camouflage or other factors. However, with practice and patience, it is possible to become an expert at identifying different species of butterflies in Southwest Florida.
