There are a plethora of butterfly species you can spot when outside in South Florida and plenty of places to see them, from Butterfly World in Coconut Creek to the Wings of the Tropics Butterfly Sanctuary in Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Coral Gables. Here are just a few to keep an eye out for during this Florida Wildlife Week.
Monarch butterfly
Perhaps the most well-known South Florida butterfly is the monarch butterfly because of its vibrant orange, black and white colors. Monarchs aren’t just known in South Florida, but worldwide, and not only are they beautiful, but they help the planet by pollinating flowers and being a food source to birds, small animals and other insects.
with permission to print from F. Mireles
Julia butterfly
Another species that is known for its vibrant orange color is the Julia butterfly, a species of brush-footed butterfly that can be found in Florida, Brazil and southern Texas. You can spot this beautiful butterfly at your local park, sunbathing on plants.
with permission to print from F. Mireles
Glasswing butterfly
Abundant in Mexico, Panama and Columbia, glasswing butterflies are known for their almost transparent wings, which they use to hide from predators. Fully transparent glasswings are rare, but on occasion, they can be spotted having amber-colored wings. Sometimes, glasswings will migrate naturally to Florida, so keep an eye out for your lucky chance at spotting this beauty.
with permission to print from F. Mireles
White and Blue Morpho butterflies
Morpho butterflies are known for the eye-like patterns found on the outside of their wings, which are meant to ward off predators. Mostly, morpho butterflies are spotted in their signature iridescent blue, but on occasion, one may be able to spot a white morpho, which is a rare sight. White and blue morphos are native to the rainforests of Mexico and Central and South America, but can also be found in Florida at places that host nonnative butterfly species.
with permission to print from F. Mireles
with permission to print from F. Mireles
Whether you can make it out to a butterfly sanctuary or can spot some at your local park or while out on a stroll, remember to appreciate one of nature’s most beautiful creatures this Florida Wildlife Week.
