Washington Butterflies

Washington currently has approx. 149 butterfly species. No matter where you live in our state, butterflies may be found nearby. We invite you to both see and learn about our kaleidoscope of butterfly species…when they fly, where to see them, and the plants that support them. Learn about their remarkable life history, their behavior and what you may do to raise appreciation of their value for our future.

Click on any photo to view larger in galleries and see more information in the captions.

One of the best ways to learn about butterflies and discover where and when they might be found is to join our organization and take part in a field trip with one of our knowledgeable leaders. We are a non-collecting organization. On our trips we may net species and place them in small containers for participants to view. The butterflies are then released. Binoculars may be used for closer viewing and cameras provide images for study later at home.

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Where to Find Butterflies in the Puget Sound Area

Butterfly Exhibits & Gardens

We have a WBA Butterflying Site List for our members. If you would like us to send you the list, join today, then send us a note asking for the list.

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Seasons

In our area butterflies may be seen from spring to fall, generally March to early October in most years. As they are cold-blooded, in order to fly a temperature of 55-60 degrees is needed for their flight muscles to warm. The best time of day to see butterfly activity is generally from mid morning to late afternoon, depending on the temperature, sun and weather conditions.

Habitats

Washington has a variety of habitats including high alpine meadows, lowland forests, coastal areas, grasslands and shrub steppe. Some butterfly species are habitat specific, while others may be found throughout the state. Abundance of butterflies and diversity of species will vary from location to location, and from month to month. By following the season’s progression, it is possible to view butterflies in early spring by visiting lowland areas and moving to higher elevations when the snow melts and meadows burst into bloom. A few species emerge late in the season, and a few others return to the lower areas for egg laying. Following these seasonal and locality changes allows for productive butterfly viewing.

Whether you are in the lowlands early in the season or later in higher elevation meadows, nectar sources and host plants are critical to a healthy butterfly habitat. Creeks, streams, marshes, and drainage areas support plant growth and are good places to explore. Stands of flowers along roadsides or when hiking may have butterfly activity. Seeps or puddles can be attract hundreds of butterflies on warm days. Even a fire pit in a campground may attract a few species as a source of mineral salts.

Metamorphosis

Throughout the year eggs, larvae (caterpillars), pupae (chrysalides) and adults may be found. As varying species overwinter at each stage of metamorphosis, there is life to be discovered even in our colder months. Most are well camouflaged and have taken refuge in well protected places. However, on a warm January day you may be surprised to see a butterfly in flight. In January a few years ago a woman reported a Red Admiral landing on her leg, seemingly attracted to her body’s warmth. Although a rare sight, several of our species overwinter as adults and may be drawn out of diapause, but will return to that state of rest once the temperature cools again.

To learn more, we invite you to explore our blog archive. It’s filled with over 25 years  of the collective butterfly knowledge from our members, dedicated to the appreciation, understanding, and conservation of butterflies and other pollinators and their ecology. And we’d love to see you on one of our field trips.