Butterflies in San Patricio County, Texas

There are 117 species of butterflies you can find in San Patricio County, Texas. Not all of them are common. In fact, some of the butterflies on our list are quite rare sights in San Patricio County. The butterflies on our list are grouped by the following categories:


Brush-footed Butterflies in San Patricio County, Texas

American Lady

The American Lady butterfly is a small, brightly-colored butterfly that can often be seen flitting around flowers in open spaces. They are common in gardens and woodlands, but can also be found in a variety of other habitats including meadows, fields, and forests.

American Snout

The American Snout butterfly has a dark brown and black body with a distinctive red “snout” on its head. They are found in open habitats with plenty of flowers, including meadows, fields, and forests.

Blue-eyed Sailor

The Blue-eyed Sailor butterfly is a small butterfly with blue eyes. It is found in tropical areas, mainly in forests.

Bordered Patch

A Bordered Patch butterfly is a beautiful, but small butterfly. They are commonly found in open, grassy areas, such as prairies.

Carolina Satyr

Carolina Satyr butterflies are strikingly colorful and have elaborate patterns on their wings. They are found in open areas with dense vegetation, such as forests, woodlands, and swamps.

Common Buckeye

The Common Buckeye butterfly is a small, colorful butterfly with a wingspan of about one and a half inches. They are commonly found in open areas near streams and rivers, and in sunny areas near forests.

Common Mestra

The Common Mestra butterfly has a wingspan of about 1.5 inches and is mostly brown with a blue stripe down the middle. They live in open areas near streams and rivers where they feed on nectar from flowers.

Common Wood-Nymph

Common Wood-Nymph butterflies look like small, dainty butterflies with brown wings. They live in moist forests and gardens, flying around during the day.

Elada Checkerspot

and how it is endangered

The Elada Checkerspot butterfly is a beautiful butterfly that is endemic to the southwestern United States, including portions of Mexico. It is a small butterfly that is mostly brown with a yellow spot on the center of each wing. The butterfly is very endangered, and its habitat is being destroyed by development.

Empress Leilia

The Empress Leilia butterfly is a beautiful, brightly-colored butterfly. They typically inhabit forests and woodlands, but can also be found in gardens and other open areas.

Gemmed Satyr

A Gemmed Satyr butterfly has a light brown body with a dark brown stripe running down its back. They have blue and green wings with a light blue band on each wing. They live in tropical forests and are attracted to flowers.

Goatweed Leafwing

The Goatweed Leafwing butterfly is a small butterfly that typically has a wingspan of about 1.5 inches. They are typically a light green or brown color, with a black or dark brown band across their wings. They are found in open areas, such as meadows and prairies, where they feed on flowers.

Gulf Fritillary

The Gulf Fritillary butterfly is a beautiful and brightly-colored butterfly with a wingspan of about two inches. They are found in open, grassy areas near water, and can be found in all sorts of climates.

Hackberry Emperor

The Hackberry Emperor butterfly is a beautiful butterfly that can be found in the eastern United States. It is a large butterfly with a wingspan of up to 2.5 inches. The Hackberry Emperor is a beautiful butterfly and can be found in a variety of habitats including open forests, fields, and meadows.

Isabella’s Heliconian

Isabella’s Heliconian butterflies live in the high mountain meadows of the American West. They are usually seen basking on sunny rocks or flowers.

Julia Heliconian

A Julia Heliconian butterfly looks like a bright blue or green butterfly with long antennae. They inhabit open areas with lots of flowers, such as meadows, fields, or forests.

Malachite

A Malachite butterfly has a bright green body with a metallic sheen. It has a wingspan of about 2.5 inches. The butterfly is found in the eastern United States, from Pennsylvania to Florida. It is most commonly found in open forests, but can also be found in suburban areas.

Monarch

A Monarch butterfly is a beautiful butterfly with a wingspan of about 2 inches. They are usually light brown or tan with a black band across their wings. They are found in North America, Central America, and South America. They are usually found in open areas with lots of flowers, such as meadows, fields, and gardens.

Mourning Cloak

A Mourning Cloak butterfly looks like a black and brown butterfly with a white wingtip. They live in the Appalachian Mountains and have a habitat of open woods.

Painted Lady

A Painted Lady butterfly looks like an orange and black butterfly with blue and white markings. They typically reside in open areas such as fields and meadows, but can also be found in suburban areas. They are not aggressive and are not known to bite.

Pearl Crescent

A Pearl Crescent butterfly is a small, brightly colored butterfly with a crescent-shaped wingspan. They are found in forests throughout North America. They are most commonly found near streams and other moist habitats.

Phaon Crescent

The Phaon Crescent butterfly has a wingspan of around 2 inches. It is a metallic blue with a white stripe down the middle of each wing. It is found in the tropical forests of Central and South America.

Queen

A Queen butterfly has a wingspan of about 1.5 inches. The wings are a deep purple with a white border. They live in open areas with lots of flowers.

Question Mark

The Question Mark butterfly is a small, brown and white butterfly with a black dot on its wing. They are found in open, sunny areas with a lot of flowers.

Red Admiral

The Red Admiral butterfly is a large, brightly colored butterfly. They are found in warm, tropical climates, and are usually seen flying near flowers.

Red Rim

The Red Rim butterfly is a beautiful butterfly that frequents open areas with a lot of vegetation. They are mainly found in North America, but have been spotted in Europe as well. They are a striking red color with a yellow band across their wings.

Red Satyr

The Red Satyr butterfly is a colorful butterfly with a wingspan of about two inches. They are common in open habitats such as meadows and forests, but can also be found in urban areas. They are attracted to nectar sources, and are often seen perched on flowers.

Soldier

A Soldier butterfly has a mainly black body with some yellow and green on the wings. They are found in open areas with lots of flowers, such as fields and meadows.

Tawny Emperor

The Tawny Emperor butterfly is a beautiful butterfly that is found in the tropical forests of Central and South America. They are very active fliers and can be seen flying around in search of food.

Texan Crescent

A Texan Crescent butterfly has a triangular shaped body and is orange with black stripes. They live in the prairies and meadows of Texas.

Theona Checkerspot

A Theona Checkerspot butterfly has a brightly colored wingspan and is typically found in open, sunny areas. They are often seen flitting from flower to flower.

Tiny Checkerspot

The Tiny Checkerspot butterfly is a small butterfly that is predominantly black with a few white stripes. They are found in open areas such as meadows, gardens, and forest edges.

Tropical Leafwing

The Tropical Leafwing is a beautiful butterfly with a wingspan of about 2 inches. It is a tropical butterfly found in the Americas. It is a member of the family Nymphalidae. The Tropical Leafwing frequents forests and gardens.

Variegated Fritillary

A Variegated Fritillary butterfly is a light brown and white butterfly with a pattern of yellow and brown on its wings. They are found in forested areas and often perch on trees to feed on nectar.

Vesta or Graphic Crescent

The Vesta or Graphic Crescent butterfly is a beautiful butterfly that is native to North America. It is a member of the family Nymphalidae and the subfamily Heliconiinae. These butterflies have a wingspan of about 1.5 inches. They are primarily brown and black, with yellow and white markings on their wings. They are attracted to flowers, and can be found in open areas near forests.

Viceroy

A Viceroy butterfly is a beautiful butterfly that can be found in warm areas of the world. They are usually brightly coloured and have a wingspan of about 2.5 inches. The habitat of a Viceroy butterfly is typically warm and humid environments, such as rain forests or orchards.

White Peacock

The White Peacock butterfly is a beautiful butterfly with a wingspan of up to 3.3 inches. They are commonly seen flitting around flowers in open habitats such as meadows and fields.

Zebra Heliconian

A Zebra Heliconian butterfly has a wingspan of about 1.5 inches and is a bright yellow with black stripes. They are found in hot, dry areas of North America, such as the southwestern United States and Mexico. They feed on nectar from flowers.


Gossamer-wing Butterflies in San Patricio County, Texas

Cassius Blue

The Cassius Blue butterfly is a small, dark blue butterfly found in North America. They are found in open areas with plenty of flowers, such as fields, meadows, and woodlands.

Ceraunus Blue

The Ceraunus Blue butterfly is a small, blue butterfly found in open areas, such as meadows, fields, and woods. It is most commonly found in the eastern United States. The butterflies prefer warm, sunny areas where they can feed on nectar from flowers.

Clytie Ministreak

The Clytie Ministreak butterfly is a small, colorful butterfly found in the southeastern United States. This butterfly is usually seen flitting around near streams and rivers.

Cyna Blue

The Cyna Blue butterfly is a beautiful butterfly with a blue wing and brown body. They are found in tropical forests and gardens.

Dusky-blue Groundstreak

A Dusky-blue Groundstreak butterfly is a small, black and blue butterfly found in open areas near streams and lakes.

Eastern Tailed-Blue

Eastern Tailed-Blue butterflies are typically a light blue color with a dark blue tail. They live in open areas such as fields and meadows.

Gray Hairstreak

The Gray Hairstreak butterfly is a beautiful and popular butterfly. They are mostly found in open areas with lots of flowers, but can also be found in suburban areas. They are typically gray or light blue with a metallic sheen, and can have a wingspan of up to 3.5 inches.

Gray Ministreak

The Gray Ministreak butterfly (Limenitis Grayi) is a small, gray butterfly with a black band across its wings. They are found in open areas with lots of flowering plants, such as fields, meadows, and gardens.

Great Purple Hairstreak

A Great Purple Hairstreak butterfly is a beautiful, colorful butterfly that can be found in various habitats throughout North America. They are usually found near open areas such as fields, meadows, and woodlands. They are attracted to flowers, and can often be seen perched on a branch or flower.

Lacey’s Scrub-Hairstreak

Lacey’s Scrub-Hairstreak butterflies are small, brown butterflies with speckled wings. They are found in scrubby areas near streams and lakes.

Lantana Scrub-Hairstreak

The Lantana Scrub-Hairstreak butterfly is a small butterfly with a brown and black wings. The habitat of the Lantana Scrub-Hairstreak butterfly is scrubby areas near streams and ponds.

Mallow Scrub-Hairstreak

Mallow Scrub-Hairstreak butterflies are a small, brightly-colored butterfly that can be found in open, sandy areas near marshes. They are usually seen flitting around flowers, but can also be seen hunting small insects.

Marine Blue

A Marine Blue butterfly has a wingspan of around 2 inches and a light blue color. They are found in coastal areas and are attracted to flowers.

Oak Hairstreak

The Oak Hairstreak butterfly is a beautiful looking butterfly with a bright orange wings and a brown body. They are found in open areas with lots of oak trees, and they prefer to fly during the day.

Reakirt’s Blue

A Reakirt’s Blue butterfly has a bright blue body with a white spot on its wings. They live in open areas with lots of flowers and trees.

Silver-banded Hairstreak

The Silver-banded Hairstreak butterfly is a beautiful butterfly with a metallic sheen on its wings. It is found in open areas with plenty of flowers, such as prairies and meadows.

Soapberry Hairstreak

This butterfly is a beautiful orange and black and has a wingspan of about 3 inches. It is found in the eastern United States, and its habitat is deciduous and mixed forests.

Western Pygmy-Blue

Western Pygmy-Blue butterflies are a small butterfly that can be found in open habitats such as prairies and open woodlands.


Metalmark Butterflies in San Patricio County, Texas

Fatal Metalmark

The Fatal Metalmark butterfly is typically dark brown with a metallic sheen. They are found in open country such as fields and meadows, and in oak and pine forests.

Red-bordered Metalmark

The Red-bordered Metalmark butterfly is a small butterfly that is a metallic blue color with a red border. The butterfly lives in open areas such as prairies, meadows, and open woods.

Rounded Metalmark

A Rounded Metalmark butterfly is a brightly colored butterfly that is found in open areas near water. They are usually found resting on flowers or leaves.


Parnassian and Swallowtail Butterflies in San Patricio County, Texas

Black Swallowtail

The Black Swallowtail butterfly is one of the most beautiful butterflies in the world. They are usually black with orange and yellow markings. They are usually found in open areas with lots of flowering plants.

Giant Swallowtail

The Giant Swallowtail butterfly is one of the largest butterflies in North America. They have a wingspan of up to 3.5 inches. The Giant Swallowtail is a member of the Papilionidae family, which is the largest family of butterflies in the world. They are found in open areas with lots of flowers, including prairies, meadows, and forests.

Palamedes Swallowtail

The Palamedes Swallowtail butterfly is a beautiful butterfly that is found in areas that have dense vegetation. It is a migrant butterfly and is often seen in areas near the coast.

Pipevine Swallowtail

The Pipevine Swallowtail butterfly is a beautiful butterfly that can be found in a range of habitats, including forests, meadows, and agricultural areas. These butterflies are typically seen flying around during the day and can be quite elusive.

Polydamas Swallowtail

The Polydamas Swallowtail butterfly is a beautiful butterfly with bright blue wings. They are found in the United States, Mexico, and Central America. They prefer open areas with lots of flowers and trees.


Skipper Butterflies in San Patricio County, Texas

Brazilian Skipper

A Brazilian Skipper butterfly is a small, brown and yellow butterfly that is found in eastern North America. They are commonly seen flitting about near ponds and streams.

Celia’s Roadside-Skipper

The Celia’s Roadside-Skipper butterfly is a small, brown butterfly with light brown markings on the wings. It is found in open, grassy areas throughout the United States and southern Canada.

Clouded Skipper

A Clouded Skipper butterfly looks like a small butterfly with a dark brown body and light brown wings. They live in warm, temperate environments, such as forests and gardens.

Common Sootywing

The Common Sootywing butterfly is a large butterfly with a wingspan of about two inches. It has a black and brown body with a metallic sheen. It is found in open areas, such as fields and meadows, and prefers to rest on vertical surfaces.

Common Streaky-Skipper

The Common Streaky-Skipper butterfly is a small butterfly that is typically brown, but can also be yellow or orange. These butterflies are found in open areas, such as fields and meadows, and are usually seen flying around during the day.

Coyote Cloudywing

The Coyote Cloudywing butterfly has a wingspan of about 1.5 inches and is mostly black with a few white stripes. They are found in the eastern U.S. and Canada and live in forests, but can also be found in light woodland.

Desert Checkered-Skipper

The Desert Checkered-Skipper butterfly is a bright yellow and black butterfly with a checkered pattern on its wings. It is found in the desert regions of North America.

Dorantes Longtail

A Dorantes Longtail butterfly is a beautiful creature with a long, slender body and bright orange wings. They are found in warm, tropical climates, and are often seen flitting around flowers. Their habitat is often dense vegetation, where they can find nectar and pollen.

Dun Skipper

The Dun Skipper butterfly is a small butterfly that is usually brown or black. They have white markings on their wings. They live in open habitats, such as meadows, fields, and gardens.

Eufala Skipper

The Eufala Skipper butterfly is a small, brown and white butterfly. They have a wingspan of about 1.5 inches. They are found in dry open areas with short grasses and flowers.

False Duskywing

False Duskywings are small, dark brown butterflies with a distinctive dusky border. They are found in open, dry habitats with plenty of flowers.

Fiery Skipper

A Fiery Skipper is a small, colorful butterfly that is found in tropical and subtropical areas. They are usually seen flying around flowers in search of nectar.

Funereal Duskywing

Funereal Duskywings are dark brown with light brown markings. They are found in open forests and woodlands.

Horace’s Duskywing

The Horace’s Duskywing butterfly is a small black and brown butterfly that lives in open woodland.

Julia’s Skipper

A Julia’s Skipper butterfly has a wingspan of about 2 inches, with a bright orange and yellow band across the middle of each wing. They are attracted to open areas, such as fields and meadows, where they can find nectar and mates.

Laviana White-Skipper

A Laviana White-Skipper butterfly is a small butterfly with a wingspan of about 1.5 inches. They are mostly white, but have a patches of colorful markings on their wings. They are found in the tropical forests of Central and South America.

Least Skipper

A Least Skipper butterfly is a small, brown butterfly that is often seen resting on flowers. They are typically found in open areas near water, such as meadows, ponds, and streams.

Long-tailed Skipper

The Long-tailed Skipper butterfly is a beautiful butterfly with a wingspan of up to three inches. They are usually seen flitting around flowers in open habitats such as fields and meadows.

Manfreda Giant-Skipper

The Manfreda Giant-Skipper butterfly is a large butterfly with a wingspan of up to three inches. The butterfly is found in the tropical forests of Central and South America. The habitat of the butterfly is dense, high-growth forests.

Mazans Scallopwing

A Mazans Scallopwing butterfly has beautiful, bright colors and is found in open habitats such as meadows and prairies.

Mournful Duskywing

A Mournful Duskywing butterfly looks like a dark brown or black butterfly with a black border around each wing. They are found in the eastern United States and can be found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, pastures, and gardens.

Northern Cloudywing

Northern Cloudywings are a common butterfly in North America. They are mostly found in open areas with some vegetation, but are also found near streams and in areas with plenty of flowers.

Northern Sicklewing

Northern Sicklewing butterflies are primarily found in the northern United States and Canada. They are mostly found in open areas with some trees, but can also be found in gardens and parks.

Nysa Roadside-Skipper

The Nysa Roadside-Skipper butterfly is a small, colorful butterfly that is found in open areas with some grassy areas. They are typically found near streams, marshes, and ponds.

Obscure Skipper

The Obscure Skipper butterfly is a small butterfly with a black and yellow wings. They are found in open areas with long grasses and flowers.

Ocola Skipper

A Ocola Skipper butterfly is a small brown and white butterfly with a prominent white stripe running the length of its wings. They are found in open areas with short grasses and flowers, often near water.

Orange Skipperling

The Orange Skipperling butterfly is a small butterfly with a wingspan of about 2 inches. They are mostly light green, with brown and yellow markings on their wings. They are found in open areas, such as fields and meadows, and are attracted to light.

Sachem

A Sachem butterfly looks like a small, colorful butterfly with a wingspan of about 2-3 inches. They are usually found in open, sunny areas near water, such as meadows or forests.

Southern Broken-Dash

The Southern Broken-Dash Butterfly is a small butterfly that is typically found in open habitat with plenty of flowers.

Southern Skipperling

The Southern Skipperling butterfly is a small butterfly with a wingspan of about 2 inches. It is a dull brown color with a yellow-orange border. They are found in open areas with lots of flowers, such as meadows and fields.

Swarthy Skipper

A Swarthy Skipper butterfly is a medium-sized butterfly with a black and brown body and a yellow and black wings. They usually inhabit mixed forests and woodlands, but can also be found in gardens and parks.

Texas Powdered Skipper

The Texas Powdered Skipper butterfly is a small butterfly that is common in open, grassy areas.

Turk’s-cap White-Skipper

Turk’s-cap White-Skipper butterflies live in open areas, such as prairies, meadows, and open woodland. They are usually seen flying around flowers or feeding on nectar.

Whirlabout

A Whirlabout butterfly is a beautiful, colorful butterfly that is found in rainforests and other tropical areas. They are usually seen flying around in circles, and they are known for their unique wing shape.

White Checkered-Skipper

The White Checkered-Skipper butterfly is a colorful butterfly with a white and black checkered pattern on its wings. They are found in open habitats with lots of flowers, such as meadows, forest edges, and gardens.

White-patched Skipper

A White-patched Skipper butterfly is a small, light-colored butterfly with a checkerboard pattern on its wings. They are found in open, grassy areas with scattered trees, such as meadows.

White-striped Longtail

A White-striped Longtail butterfly has a wingspan of about two inches. It is a beautiful butterfly with a white stripe that goes down its back. The butterfly is found in tropical and subtropical areas, typically near water.


White and Sulphur Butterflies in San Patricio County, Texas

Checkered White

The Checkered White butterfly is a beautiful butterfly that can be found throughout the United States. They are mainly found in open habitats such as fields, meadows, and woods.

Cloudless Sulphur

A Cloudless Sulphur butterfly is a beautiful, delicate butterfly with a wingspan of about 2 inches. They are usually found in open areas with lots of flowers, such as meadows, prairies, and woodlands. They are very active fliers and are known to feed on nectar from a variety of flowers.

Dainty Sulphur

Dainty Sulphur butterflies can be found in the eastern United States, from Florida to New England. They are found in deciduous and mixed forests, and are usually seen in sunny areas. They are predators, and feed on nectar from flowers.

Falcate Orangetip

The Falcate Orangetip butterfly is a large butterfly with a long tail. It is typically a bright orange or yellow, and its wings are divided into several segments. This butterfly is found in tropical forests, and is known to feed on nectar from flower petals.

Giant White

A Giant White Butterfly is a large butterfly with a wingspan of up to three inches. They are commonly found in open areas such as meadows, fields, and prairies. They are also found in gardens and orchards.

Great Southern White

The Great Southern White butterfly has a wingspan of about 2 inches. It is light brown with a white band down the center of its wings. This butterfly lives in the southern United States, where it is often seen on flowers.

Large Orange Sulphur

The Large Orange Sulphur butterfly is a large butterfly with orange wings and a black border. They are found in the forests of the eastern US and Canada.

Little Yellow

A Little Yellow butterfly is a small, delicate creature with a wingspan of about a quarter of an inch. It has a yellow body with black markings and a black tail. It is found in open areas, such as meadows, woods, and fields, and sometimes settles on flowers.

Lyside Sulphur

The Lyside Sulphur butterfly has a striking blue and yellow wings. They are found in open areas with plenty of flowers, typically in the warmer parts of the world. They are quite common, and are not endangered.

Mexican Yellow

The Mexican Yellow butterfly is typically a large, bright yellow butterfly with black markings on its wings. They are found in the warmer parts of Mexico, Central America, and South America. They are usually found in open, sunny areas near flower gardens.

Mimosa Yellow

A Mimosa Yellow butterfly is typically a smaller butterfly that has a bright yellow body with brown markings. They are usually found in forests, meadows, and gardens, but can also be found in urban areas.

Orange Sulphur

The Orange Sulphur butterfly is a small, brightly-colored butterfly found in the eastern United States and Canada. They are commonly seen at feeders, and are known to inhabit deciduous and mixed forests.

Orange-barred Sulphur

The Orange-barred Sulphur butterfly has a wingspan of about 1.5 inches. The wings are a deep orange with black bands. The butterflies live in open areas, such as meadows and fields, and are attracted to flowers.

Sleepy Orange

A Sleepy Orange butterfly has a dark brown body and wings, with bright orange spots on the wings. They live in warm, dry areas, such as deserts.

Southern Dogface

The Southern Dogface butterfly is a small, striking butterfly with a yellow and black patterned wings. They are found in warm, dry areas across much of the south, including Florida, Texas, and Arizona. They are often seen flying around flowers.

Yellow Angled-Sulphur

A Yellow Angled-Sulphur butterfly is a small butterfly with a yellow and black wings. They are found in open areas with lots of flowers.


That’s the end of our look at the butterflies in San Patricio County, Texas. Interested in learning about more butterflies in Texas? We have lists for each of the 254 counties in the state.