There are 229 species of butterflies you can find in Santa Cruz County, Arizona. Not all of them are common. In fact, some of the butterflies on our list are quite rare sights in Santa Cruz County. The butterflies on our list are grouped by the following categories:
Brush-footed Butterflies in Santa Cruz County, Arizona
American Lady
The American Lady butterfly is a delicate butterfly with a wingspan of around one and a half inches. It has a bright blue wing with a white cross in the middle. The American Lady butterfly is a common butterfly found throughout the United States, and is commonly seen flitting around flowers.
American Snout
The American Snout butterfly is a beautiful insect with a long snout. They live inopen areas with lots of brush, such as woods and fields.
Angled Leafwing
A Angled Leafwing butterfly is typically a pale green or brown with white markings on the wings. They are often seen in forest habitats.
Arachne Checkerspot
Arachne Checkerspot butterflies are small, colorful butterflies that are commonly found in open areas with lots of flowers. They are usually found in the eastern United States, but have been found as far west as Texas. These butterflies are usually found near streams, ponds, and other wet areas.
Arizona Red-spotted Purple
The Arizona Red-spotted Purple butterfly is a beautiful butterfly with a bright red spot on its hindwing. They are found in the Sonoran Desert in Arizona.
Arizona Sister
The Arizona Sister butterfly is a small, colorful butterfly that lives in the Sonoran desert. It is a member of the tiger family and has a wingspan of about 1.5 inches. The Arizona Sister butterfly is a migratory butterfly and can be found in many different parts of the United States, including California, Arizona, and Texas.
Black Checkerspot
The Black Checkerspot butterfly has a reddish-brown wingspan and a black disc at the center of each wing. They are found in open habitats with plenty of flowers, such as meadows and gardens.
Blackened Bluewing
The Blackened Bluewing butterfly is a beautiful butterfly that is found in the eastern United States. It is a migratory butterfly, so it will fly to different parts of the United States each year. The Blackened Bluewing butterfly is found in open areas with lots ofleafy trees and flowers.
Bordered Patch
A Bordered Patch butterfly has a wingspan of about 1 1/2 inches. It is a light brown butterfly with a black border around each wing. It is found in the Amazon rainforest.
California Tortoiseshell
The California Tortoiseshell butterfly is a beautiful insect with a wingspan of about 2 inches. It is a member of the Lycaenidae family and is native to California. The butterfly is usually seen flying around in search of nectar sources in open areas such as fields, meadows, and forests.
Canyonland Satyr
The Canyonland Satyr butterfly is a metallic blue butterfly with a white spot on each wing. They live in the canyons and slopes of the Rocky Mountains.
Common Buckeye
The Common Buckeye butterfly is a brightly colored butterfly with a wingspan of about 2 inches. They are found in open areas with plenty of flowers, such as fields, meadows, and gardens.
Common Mestra
A Common Mestra butterfly is a brightly-colored butterfly that can be found in many different habitats, such as forests, meadows, and gardens.
Dingy Purplewing
The Dingy Purplewing butterfly is a small butterfly with a wingspan of about 2.5 inches. The wings are a dingy purple, and the butterflies have a bright green-yellow band on each wing. The Dingy Purplewing butterfly is found in open, grassy areas throughout the United States, but is especially common in the Midwest.
Dotted Checkerspot
A Dotted Checkerspot butterfly looks like a brightly-colored butterfly with a checkerboard pattern on its wings. They are usually found in open, sunny areas such as meadows, fields, and forests.
Dusky Emperor
The Dusky Emperor butterfly is a beautiful butterfly with a dark brown body and wings. They are found in tropical rainforest regions.
Elada Checkerspot
The Elada Checkerspot butterfly is a beautiful butterfly that can be found in the United States, Mexico, and Central America. They are typically found in open areas with plenty of flowers, such as meadows and gardens.
Elf
A Elf butterfly is typically a small, delicate-looking creature. They have delicate wings and typically feed on nectar from flowers. Elf butterflies are usually found in temperate climates, in areas with lots of flowering plants.
Empress Leilia
The Empress Leilia butterfly has a wingspan of about 2.5 inches. The wings are a light green with black stripes and a subtle purple sheen. The butterfly can be found in open woods, meadows, and gardens.
Fulvia Checkerspot
The Fulvia Checkerspot butterfly is a beautiful butterfly with a bright blue wing color. They are found in open areas with plenty of flowering plants, such as oak trees and willow trees. They are also found in meadows and grasslands.
Goatweed Leafwing
The Goatweed Leafwing butterfly is a small butterfly that can be found in open habitats including meadows, fields, and forests.
Gulf Fritillary
A Gulf Fritillary butterfly has a reddish brown body with a black border around each wingtip. They are found in open areas with lots of flowers, such as meadows, forests, and fields.
Hackberry Emperor
The Hackberry Emperor butterfly is a beautiful butterfly that can be found in the forests of North America. They are usually seen flying around during the day and can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests and meadows.
Malachite
A Malachite butterfly has a beautiful metallic green coloring on its wings. They are found in forests and gardens, and sometimes near streams. They are active during the day, but can be seen resting on leaves at night.
Mexican Fritillary
The Mexican Fritillary butterfly is a small, brightly-colored butterfly that can be found in a variety of habitats throughout North America. They are typically seen flying around flowers during the day, but can also be found resting on tree trunks at night.
Monarch
A Monarch butterfly is a colorful butterfly with a wingspan of up to 2.5 inches. They are found in North America, and are known for their long migrations. They are mostly found in open areas with plenty of flowers, but they can also be found in forests.
Mourning Cloak
A Mourning Cloak butterfly is typically a pale blue or black butterfly with a wingspan of about 2 inches. They are found in open areas with lots of flowers, such as meadows, woodlands, and gardens.
Mylitta Crescent
A Mylitta Crescent butterfly has a pale brown wings with black markings. They are found in open areas with lots of wildflowers.
Nabokov’s Satyr
The Nabokov’s Satyr butterfly is a beautiful butterfly with a wingspan of about two inches. It is dark brown with lighter brown stripes and a yellow band on the wings. It is found in the Amazon rainforest.
Painted Crescent
A Painted Crescent butterfly has a deep orange wings with black and white stripes, and a white tail. They live in open areas with lots of flowers, such as fields, gardens, and meadows.
Painted Lady
The Painted Lady butterfly is a colorful butterfly with a wingspan of about one inch. They are mostly found in the eastern United States, but can also be found in parts of the west. They prefer to live in open areas such as fields, meadows, and gardens.
Pearl Crescent
The Pearl Crescent butterfly is a colorful butterfly that is found in the eastern United States. The butterfly is usually found in areas with moist woodlands and orchards.
Phaon Crescent
The Phaon Crescent butterfly is a beautiful butterfly that lives in the open spaces of the natural world. They are usually found near water sources, such as rivers, lakes, or ponds.
Queen
The Queen butterfly is a beautiful butterfly with a wingspan of up to two inches. They are found in diverse habitats, from forests to deserts. They are attracted to flowers, and can be found flitting around in groups.
Question Mark
A Question Mark butterfly has a dark brown body with a light brown and white wing pattern. They live in open areas with plenty of flowers, such as meadows and prairies.
Red Admiral
The adult Red Admiral butterfly has a wingspan of about 1.5 inches. Their wings are bright red, with a narrow black border. They usually feed on nectar from flowers, but can also eat small insects. They live in open areas with lots of flowers, such as meadows, woodlands, and gardens.
Red Satyr
The Red Satyr butterfly is a beautiful butterfly with a red body and black markings. They are found in open areas with lots of flowers, such as meadows and fields.
Red-bordered Satyr
Red-bordered Satyr butterflies are very beautiful insects. They have a wingspan of about 2 inches, and their wings are a bright red color. They are found in warm climates, and they often spend their time perched on flowers.
Red-spotted Purple or White Admiral
The Red-spotted Purple or White Admiral butterfly is a beautiful butterfly that is found in a variety of habitats, including forests, meadows, and gardens. These butterflies are typically seen flitting around flowers, but can also be found resting on trees or bushes.
Rosita Patch
The Rosita Patch butterfly is a small butterfly that is usually blue or black. They are found in the Texas Hill Country and the Chihuahuan Desert. They are usually found in open areas with lots of flowers.
Ruddy Daggerwing
The Ruddy Daggerwing butterfly is a beautiful butterfly with bright red and black wings. They are found in warm, tropical climates. They live in forests, but can also be found in open areas. They are attracted to flowers, but also feed on nectar from other plants.
Satyr Comma
The Satyr Comma butterfly has a wingspan of about 2 inches, and is mostly black with white spots on the wings. They are found in open habitats with plenty of flowers, such as meadows and fields.
Soldier
A Soldier butterfly is a large butterfly with a wingspan of up to three inches. It has a dark brown body with a light brown stripe down the center of each wing. The butterfly is found in open areas with lots of flowers, such as meadows and fields.
Tawny Emperor
A Tawny Emperor butterfly is typically a dark brown or black butterfly with a wingspan of up to three inches. They are found in forested areas in the eastern United States, but can also be found in more open areas in the west. They are usually seen flitting around flowers in search of nectar.
Texan Crescent
The Texan Crescent butterfly is a beautiful butterfly with a wingspan of 1.5 inches. The wings are a rich pink with a yellow and black band. The butterfly is found in the Texas Hill Country and the Chihuahuan Desert. Its habitat is open, grassy areas with flowers.
Theona Checkerspot
Theona Checkerspot butterflies are orange with black spots and have a wingspan of about 2.5 inches. They are found in the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts in the United States. They live near cacti and other desert plants.
Tiny Checkerspot
The Tiny Checkerspot butterfly is a small butterfly that is typically dark brown and has a checkerboard pattern on its wings. They are found in open areas near water, such as meadows, fields, and forests.
Tropical Buckeye
A Tropical Buckeye butterfly is a beautiful butterfly with a bright yellow body and a purple fringe on the wings. They are found in the rainforest and are attracted to the nectar of many flowers.
Tropical Leafwing
Tropical Leafwings are beautiful butterflies that can be found in the rainforest environments of the world. They have a wingspan of about 2 inches and are mainly brown with colorful patterns on their wings. They are attracted to light and are known to fly quickly.
Tulcis Crescent
The Tulcis Crescent butterfly is a small, colorful butterfly with a distinctive crescent-shaped wingtip. They are found in a variety of habitats, including woodland, meadows, and gardens.
Variegated Fritillary
A Variegated Fritillary butterfly has a wingspan of about 3 inches and is light green with a white and yellow band across the wings. It is found in open woods and gardens, and sometimes flies near roads.
Vesta or Graphic Crescent
The Vesta or Graphic Crescent butterfly is a small butterfly that is typically light brown or gray with a white or yellow band across the wing. They are commonly found in open areas near water, such as meadows and fields, and are also found in forests.
Viceroy
A Viceroy butterfly has a wingspan of about 2-3 inches. They are mostly light brown, with a black spot on the wing near the shoulder. They are found in temperate areas of the world, typically in areas with lots of grass and flowers.
West Coast Lady
West Coast Lady butterflies are typically a bright yellow or orange with black markings on the wings. They are found in coastal areas throughout North America.
White Morpho
A White Morpho butterfly is a delicate and colorful butterfly that can be found in warm, tropical climates. They are typically found in forests, but can also be found near streams and other moist areas. They are typically active during the day, but can be seen flying around at night as well.
White Peacock
A White Peacock butterfly is a beautiful butterfly with a distinctive brown and white pattern. They are usually found in open spaces, such as meadows, but can also be found in forests.
Zebra Heliconian
A Zebra Heliconian butterfly has a black and white wings with a complex pattern. They live in tropical forests and can be found resting on the tips of leaves.
Gossamer-wing Butterflies in Santa Cruz County, Arizona
Acmon Blue
The Acmon Blue butterfly is a beautiful butterfly that is found in the eastern US. The butterfly is a blue color with a white dot on the wings. The butterfly is found in open woodlands and meadows.
Arizona Hairstreak
The Arizona Hairstreak butterfly is a beautiful butterfly with light brown wings and a black stripe on the wingtip. They are found in open areas with lots of flowers, such as meadows, fields, and forests. They are also found in a variety of habitats, including dry forests, pine forests, and chaparral.
Black Hairstreak
The Black Hairstreak butterfly is a beautiful butterfly that can be found in many different habitats. They can be found in forests, meadows, and fields.
Brown Elfin
The Brown Elfin butterfly is a small butterfly that is typically brown in color. They are found in open habitats such as meadows, prairies, and forests.
Ceraunus Blue
A Ceraunus Blue butterfly is a small, blue butterfly. It is found in open habitats, such as meadows and fields.
Clytie Ministreak
The Clytie Ministreak butterfly is a brightly colored butterfly with a long tail. They are found in open areas with lots of flowers, such as meadows and fields.
Colorado Hairstreak
A Colorado Hairstreak butterfly is a brightly-colored butterfly with a wingspan of about two inches. They are found in the Colorado Rockies and other high elevations in the United States. They prefer dry, open areas with plenty of flowers.
Creamy Stripestreak
The Creamy Stripestreak butterfly is a beautiful butterfly that can be found in the Appalachian Mountains. They are usually found near streams and other water sources.
Eastern Tailed-Blue
The Eastern Tailed-Blue butterfly is a blue butterfly with a white tail. They live in forests and other wooded areas.
Echo Azure
The Echo Azure is a beautiful butterfly that is found in the United States. It is a blue butterfly with a white patch near the bottom of its wings. The butterfly is found in the eastern and central United States, as well as in Canada. It is known to inhabit woodlands, but can also be found in gardens and other open areas.
Gray Hairstreak
The Gray Hairstreak is a butterfly that is found in the eastern United States and Canada. It has a wingspan of about 3 inches. The wings are a light gray color with a few dark markings. The Gray Hairstreak is most commonly found in open areas with lots of flowering plants.
Gray Ministreak
Gray Ministreak butterflies are small, with a wingspan of about 2 inches. They are typically light gray, but can vary in color depending on their surroundings. Gray Ministreaks are most commonly found in open areas with lots of flowers, but can also be found near water.
Great Purple Hairstreak
A Great Purple Hairstreak butterfly can be identified by its bright purple wings and tails. They can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, gardens, and meadows.
Juniper Hairstreak
The Juniper Hairstreak butterfly is a beautiful butterfly with a mix of brown, black, and white. They usually inhabit open areas with plenty of flowers, such as fields, woodlands, and meadows.
Lantana Scrub-Hairstreak
The Lantana Scrub-Hairstreak butterfly is a small, brown butterfly with yellow and black markings on its wings. It is found in scrubby areas near streams and ponds where it feeds on nectar.
Leda Ministreak
The Leda Ministreak butterfly is a beautiful butterfly that is found in tropical regions. They have a wingspan of about 2 inches. They are mostly brown and have orange markings on their wings. They prefer to live in open areas where there is a lot of vegetation and flowers.
Lupine Blue
A Lupine Blue butterfly is typically a bright blue color with black markings on the wings. They are found in open areas with lots of flowers, such as meadows, fields, and forests.
Mallow Scrub-Hairstreak
The Mallow Scrub-Hairstreak butterfly is a small, brown butterfly with yellow and brown markings. They live in scrubby areas near streams and ponds.
Marine Blue
A Marine Blue butterfly is a beautiful, delicate butterfly with a blue wingspan. They are found in open habitats, such as fields, meadows, and forests, and are usually seen flitting around in search of nectar.
Reakirt’s Blue
The Reakirt’s Blue is a small, blue butterfly found in open woods and meadows.
Red-lined Scrub-Hairstreak
The Red-lined Scrub-Hairstreak butterfly is a beautiful butterfly that can be found in scrubby areas near streams and rivers. They are usually seen flying around in small groups.
Rita Dotted-Blue
A Rita Dotted-Blue butterfly is a small, brightly-colored butterfly found in North America. They are usually found in open, sunny areas, such as fields, meadows, and gardens.
Silver-banded Hairstreak
The Silver-banded Hairstreak butterfly is a beautiful butterfly with a metallic sheen on its wings. They are commonly found in open areas such as meadows, fields, and forest edges.
Soapberry Hairstreak
The Soapberry Hairstreak butterfly is a small butterfly with a wingspan of about two inches. It is mostly light brown with a few spots of darker color. The butterfly lives in open areas, such as meadows and pastures, and is attracted to nectar from soapberry plants.
Sonoran Hairstreak
The Sonoran Hairstreak butterfly is a small butterfly with a brightly colored wings. They are found in the Sonoran Desert in Arizona and Mexico. They are mainly found in the creosote bushes and other desert plants.
Spring Azure
A Spring Azure butterfly has bright blue wings and a metallic sheen. They are common in open habitats with plenty of flowers, such as meadows, woodlands, and prairies.
Thicket Hairstreak
The Thicket Hairstreak butterfly is a small butterfly that is found in open areas near forests. They are usually seen flying around bushes and trees.
Western Pygmy-Blue
The Western Pygmy-Blue butterfly is a small butterfly that is typically brown with a blue or violet sheen. They are found in open areas such as mountains, deserts, and prairies.
Western Tailed-Blue
The Western Tailed-Blue butterfly has blue wings and a distinctive black and white tail. They are found in open areas with plenty of flowers, such as meadows and prairies.
Xami Hairstreak
A Xami Hairstreak butterfly is a small, brightly coloured butterfly that is found in the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. They are small, delicate creatures that prefer to live in the undergrowth of the forests.
Metalmark Butterflies in Santa Cruz County, Arizona
Ares Metalmark
This butterfly is metallic green with black spots on the wings. They are most commonly found in forests, but can also be found in parks and other open areas.
Arizona Metalmark
The Arizona Metalmark butterfly is a medium-sized butterfly with a dark brown body and a metallic sheen. Their wingspan is about 2 inches. They are found in the Sonoran Desert in Arizona. They feed on nectar from flowers.
Bumblebee Metalmark
The Bumblebee Metalmark butterfly is a metallic blue butterfly with a black border around each wing. They live in meadows and open areas near streams, and are attracted to flowers.
Fatal Metalmark
A Fatal Metalmark butterfly is a metallic green and black butterfly with a yellow band across its wings. They are found in the eastern United States and in the Caribbean. They are mostly found in deciduous and mixed woods, and sometimes in urban areas.
Hepburn’s Metalmark
The Hepburn’s Metalmark butterfly is a beautiful dark brown and black butterfly with a metallic sheen. They are found in warm, moist areas with plenty of flowers.
Mexican Metalmark
The Mexican Metalmark butterfly is a large, black and yellow butterfly. It is found in open, dry areas of the Mexican Desert, including scrub and open woodland.
Mormon Metalmark
The Mormon Metalmark butterfly is a beautiful butterfly with a metallic green color on its wings. It is found in the American West, in open country with good larval food sources.
Nais Metalmark
A Nais Metalmark butterfly is a beautiful, metallic blue butterfly. They are found in open habitats such as meadows, prairies, and savannahs.
Palmer’s Metalmark
The Palmer’s Metalmark butterfly is a small, metallic-blue butterfly found in the United States and Canada. It is found in open areas with scattered trees, such as oak-hickory forests and prairies.
Zela Metalmark
Zela Metalmark butterflies are brightly colored and have a metallic sheen. They are found in open habitats, such as fields and meadows, but are also found in forests.
Parnassian and Swallowtail Butterflies in Santa Cruz County, Arizona
Black Swallowtail
The Black Swallowtail butterfly is a colorful butterfly that is found in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. They are most commonly found in forested areas, but can also be found in gardens and other open areas. They are very fast fliers and can be seen quickly darting around.
Broad-banded Swallowtail
Broad-banded Swallowtail butterflies live in open areas such as fields, meadows, and forests. They are attracted to flowers, but also eat insects.
Giant Swallowtail
A Giant Swallowtail butterfly is a beautiful creature with a wingspan of up to three feet. They are native to tropical forests across the Americas and are often seen flitting around trees in search of food.
Pipevine Swallowtail
A Pipevine Swallowtail butterfly looks like a large, colorful butterfly with a wingspan of up to three inches. They are found in open, sunny areas, such as meadows and fields, and tend to be more active during the morning and evening. They feed on nectar from flowers, and their larvae feed on flowers and other plants.
Polydamas Swallowtail
The Polydamas Swallowtail butterfly is a colorful butterfly with a wingspan of about 2 inches. They are found in subtropical and tropical regions of the world, and prefer habitats with plenty of nectar and flowers.
Three-tailed Swallowtail
The Three-tailed Swallowtail butterfly is a beautiful creature that can be found in forests and other areas with lots of trees. They are usually a dark brown or black with a bright yellow tail. They are very active and love to flutter around.
Two-tailed Swallowtail
A Two-tailed Swallowtail butterfly is a beautiful butterfly that is found in warm, sunny areas. They are usually found near bodies of water, such as rivers and streams. They are also found in gardens and other areas with lots of flowers.
Western Tiger Swallowtail
A Western Tiger Swallowtail butterfly is a beautiful, colorful butterfly with a long tail. They are found in open, grassy areas with plenty of flowers, such as fields and meadows.
Skipper Butterflies in Santa Cruz County, Arizona
Acacia Skipper
The Acacia Skipper butterfly is a small butterfly with a wingspan of about 2 inches. Its wings are light brown with dark markings. Its habitat is open spaces with scattered trees and flowers.
Arizona Giant-Skipper
The Arizona Giant-Skipper butterfly is a beautiful butterfly with a wingspan of up to three inches. They are often seen flying around in open areas such as fields and forests. They are mainly found in the Western United States, but have also been found in southern California.
Arizona Powdered Skipper
The Arizona Powdered Skipper butterfly is a small butterfly that is mostly brown with a white line running down its center of its wings. The butterfly is found in the Arizona desert, where it feeds on nectar from flowers.
Arizona Skipper
The Arizona Skipper butterfly is a small brown and white butterfly that is found in open areas with lots of flowers.
Bold Faceted Skipper
The Bold Faceted Skipper butterfly is a colorful butterfly that is found in deciduous and mixed woods.
Brazilian Skipper
The Brazilian Skipper butterfly has a wingspan of about 1.5 inches. It is a colorful butterfly with black, white and blue stripes. It is found in tropical rainforests.
Bronze Roadside-Skipper
A Bronze Roadside-Skipper butterfly looks like a small, colorful butterfly with a metallic sheen. They are found in open habitats, such as meadows and gardens, where they feed on nectar.
Brown Longtail
A Brown Longtail butterfly looks like a large, brown butterfly with a long tail. They reside in open, grassy areas with lots of nectar sources.
Brown-banded Skipper
The Brown-banded Skipper butterfly is a small butterfly with a brown body and wings. It lives in moist woodlands and gardens.
Carus Skipper
A Carus Skipper butterfly is typically brightly colored and has a wingspan of about 1 inch. They are found in open habitats, such as fields and meadows, where they feed on nectar.
Cassus Roadside-Skipper
The Cassus Roadside-Skipper butterfly is a small butterfly with a dark brown body and wings. It has a yellow band across the middle of its wings. The Cassus Roadside-Skipper butterfly lives in open areas, such as roadsides, where it feeds on nectar from flowers.
Cestus Skipper
The Cestus Skipper butterfly is a small, colorful butterfly with a wingspan of about 2 inches. It is common in open habitats, such as meadows and fields, but can also be found in forests.
Clouded Skipper
Clouded Skipper butterflies are typically light brown or tan with a dark brown or black dot on their forewing. They prefer warm, humid environments and can be found in forests, gardens, orchards, and other areas with lots of flowers.
Common Sootywing
The Common Sootywing butterfly has brown wings with a broad dark band across the middle. They are found in open woods, fields, and meadows, where they feed on nectar from flowers.
Common Streaky-Skipper
The Common Streaky-Skipper butterfly is a small, colorful butterfly that is found in open areas with dense vegetation. They are usually seen flying around flowers or other brightly-colored objects.
Coyote Cloudywing
The Coyote Cloudywing butterfly is a blue and white butterfly with a cloudy wingspan. They are found in open areas, such as meadows and prairies, and are most common in the fall.
Desert Checkered-Skipper
A Desert Checkered-Skipper butterfly is a medium-sized butterfly with a spotted pattern on its wings. They are found in the Sonoran Desert region of North America.
Desert Cloudywing
The Desert Cloudywing butterfly is a beautiful butterfly that is found in the desert regions of North America. They are usually seen resting on a blade of grass or a stem of a plant. They are usually a dark brown or black colour and have a wingspan of about 1.5 inches.
Deva Skipper
The Deva Skipper butterfly is a beautiful butterfly that is found in open areas with plenty of flowers. They are usually found near water sources.
Dorantes Longtail
A Dorantes Longtail butterfly is a beautiful butterfly with a wingspan of up to two inches. They are usually brightly colored, with a variety of patterns and colors. They are typically found in open, grassy areas near water, and are known to be attracted to light.
Dotted Roadside-Skipper
The habitat of a Dotted Roadside-Skipper butterfly is a grassy area with some bushes or trees nearby. The butterfly is typically seen flying around in groups.
Drusius Cloudywing
The Drusius Cloudywing butterfly is a beautiful butterfly that can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, meadows, and prairies. They are often seen flying around during the day, but can also be found hiding in the shade during the afternoon.
Dull Firetip
The Dull Firetip butterfly is a small butterfly that is commonly found near streams and other wet areas. It is a colorful butterfly that is typically light brown and has a dark brown patch on its wings.
Edwards’ Skipperling
The Edwards’ Skipperling butterfly is a small, colorful butterfly found in the eastern United States. It is usually seen flitting around flowers in open, grassy areas.
Eight-spotted Longtail
Eight-spotted Longtails look like typical butterflies with brightly colored wings. They are found in open areas, such as meadows, fields, and forests.
Elissa Roadside-Skipper
The Elissa Roadside-Skipper butterfly is a small butterfly that is brightly colored and has a characteristic large eyespot on its wings. The butterfly is found in dry, open areas with some scrubby vegetation.
Erichson’s White-Skipper
The Erichson’s White-Skipper butterfly is a white butterfly with a blue band across its wings. They are found in the forests of North America.
Eufala Skipper
The Eufala Skipper butterfly is a small, black and orange butterfly with a white band across the middle of its wings. They are found in open areas such as meadows, woodlands and fields, and are attracted to flowers.
Faded Faceted Skipper
A Faded Faceted Skipper butterfly looks like a typical butterfly with a bright yellow, orange, or red body and black wings. They are usually found in open areas such as meadows, fields, and woods, but can also be found near streams and rivers.
Fiery Skipper
A Fiery Skipper butterfly is typically a bright orange or yellow with black markings. They are found in open areas such as meadows and prairies, and are often seen flying around flowers.
Fritzgaertner’s Flat
The Fritzgaertner’s Flat butterfly is a small, delicate butterfly with a brown body and wings. They are found in open, grassy areas with scattered trees.
Funereal Duskywing
The Funereal Duskywing butterfly is a dark brown butterfly with a yellow band across its wings. They are found in the eastern United States, and are known to inhabit open woodlands and swamps.
Gold-costa Skipper
The Gold-costa Skipper butterfly is a small, metallic blue butterfly that can be found in open habitats near the coast, such as meadows and open forests.
Gold-spotted Aguna
The Gold-spotted Aguna butterfly is a beautiful butterfly with a metallic sheen on its wings. The habitat of a Gold-spotted Aguna butterfly is tropical rainforest.
Golden Banded-Skipper
The Golden Banded-Skipper butterfly is a large butterfly with a wingspan of about one foot. The wings are a bright golden color and the butterfly has a band of gold around its wings. The butterfly is found in open areas with lots of bushes and trees, usually near water.
Golden-headed Scallopwing
A Golden-headed Scallopwing butterfly is a beautiful butterfly with a metallic green head and wings. They are found in grasslands, meadows, and other open areas with flowers.
Green Skipper
A Green Skipper butterfly has a wingspan of about 2 inches. They are typically light green and have brown spots on their wings. They are found in meadows, prairies, and other open areas with a lot of grass.
Hammock Skipper
The Hammock Skipper butterfly is a small brown and black butterfly with a wingspan of about 2 inches. It is found in the United States and southern Canada. The butterfly frequents hammocks and other tropical forests.
Huachuca Giant-Skipper
The Huachuca Giant-Skipper butterfly is a large butterfly that is found in the Huachuca Mountains in Arizona. The habitat of the Huachuca Giant-Skipper butterfly is montane grasslands.
Juvenal’s Duskywing
A Juvenal’s Duskywing butterfly is a dark brown butterfly with a pattern of brown and white. They live in open areas with lots of flowers, such as meadows, forests, and prairies.
Large Roadside-Skipper
A Large Roadside-Skipper butterfly is a beautiful butterfly that can be found flying around in open areas near roads. They are usually found near flowers and other plants.
Laviana White-Skipper
Laviana White-Skipper butterflies are small, colorful butterflies that live in tropical forests. They have a wingspan of about 1.5 inches. They are very active fliers and can easily fly short distances.
Long-tailed Skipper
A Long-tailed Skipper butterfly is typically a dark brown or black butterfly with a long tail. They are found in open habitats such as meadows, fields, and prairies.
Many-spotted Skipperling
The Many-spotted Skipperling butterfly is a small, brown butterfly with a wingspan of about 1.5 inches. It is found in North America, primarily in the eastern United States and Ontario. The butterfly is most commonly found near forests, where it feeds on nectar from flowers.
Mercurial Skipper
The Mercurial Skipper butterfly is a small, colorful butterfly that tends to live in open areas near water. It has a bright orange wings and a black band on its hind wings.
Meridian Duskywing
A Meridian Duskywing butterfly is a beautiful dark brown butterfly with a distinctive pattern on its wings. It is found in open areas, such as prairies, meadows, and fields, and is often seen flitting around flowers.
Moon-marked Skipper
A Moon-marked Skipper butterfly is a small, brown butterfly that has a dark patch on its wings. The habitat of a Moon-marked Skipper butterfly is open grasslands and meadows.
Morrison’s Skipper
The Morrison’s Skipper butterfly is a small butterfly that is found in Europe, Asia, and North America. The butterfly has a wingspan of about 2 inches. The butterfly is predominantly brown with white markings on the wings. The butterfly is found in open areas such as meadows, fields, and gardens.
Mottled Bolla
A Mottled Bolla butterfly has a wingspan of about 2.5-3 inches. It is mostly brown with a few light and dark spots. It is usually found in open areas near water, such as meadows and prairies.
Mournful Duskywing
The Mournful Duskywing butterfly is a large, black and brown butterfly with a wingspan of about two inches. They are usually found in open habitats, such as fields and meadows, but can also be found in wooded areas. They are most common in the Eastern U.S., but can also be found in the West.
Northern Cloudywing
The Northern Cloudywing butterfly is a large butterfly that has a wingspan of up to 2.5 inches. The butterfly is mostly black with a light blue band across its wings. The habitat of the Northern Cloudywing butterfly is temperate forests and prairies.
Nysa Roadside-Skipper
The Nysa Roadside-Skipper butterfly is a small butterfly that is commonly found in dry, open habitats such as grasslands and deserts. The butterfly is most commonly seen flying around flowers.
Ocola Skipper
The Ocola Skipper butterfly is a small butterfly with a black and white wings. They are found in the eastern United States and Canada. They mostly live in open habitats such as grasslands and meadows.
Olive-clouded Skipper
The Olive-clouded Skipper butterfly is a small butterfly with a wingspan of about 2 inches. The butterfly is mostly brown with a few light green and blue spots. The habitat of the Olive-clouded Skipper butterfly is moist forests and shrublands.
Orange Skipperling
The Orange Skipperling butterfly has a wingspan of about 1.5 inches. It is a light brown butterfly with a dark brown band on each wing. It lives in open areas with lots of flowers, such as meadows and fields.
Oslar’s Roadside-Skipper
The Oslar’s Roadside-Skipper butterfly is a small butterfly that is usually brown or black. It has a wingspan of about 1.5 inches. The butterfly lives in open areas near roadsides and is attracted to flowery smells.
Pacuvius Duskywing
The Pacuvius Duskywing is a beautiful butterfly that can be found in the eastern United States. It is a dark brown butterfly with a black border on the wings. It is usually found in woodlands and can be found close to water.
Pahaska Skipper
The Pahaska Skipper butterfly is a small butterfly that is found in wet lowland forests in eastern North America. It has a wingspan of about 2 inches. The Pahaska Skipper butterfly is a very colorful butterfly, with bright yellow, orange, and red markings on its wings.
Pale Mylon / Dingy Mylon
Pale Mylons are typically a light brown or tan color, with darker areas on their wings. They are found in habitats with dense vegetation and often perch on leaves. Dingy Mylons are similar, but have a washed-out color and are found in open areas with few trees.
Poling’s Giant-Skipper
The Poling’s Giant-Skipper butterfly is a large butterfly that is found in open areas with lots of flowers.
Potrillo Skipper
The Potrillo Skipper butterfly is a small brown and white butterfly that is found in the dry, open country of the American Southwest.
Prenda Roadside-Skipper
The Prenda Roadside-Skipper butterfly is a butterfly found in the United States. The habitat of this butterfly is open, grassy areas.
Python Skipper
A Python Skipper butterfly has a brown body with white and black stripes on its wings. They are found in open areas, such as fields and meadows, and are most common in warm climates.
Sachem
A Sachem butterfly has a wingspan of about 1.5 inches. They are usually brown, but can have a variety of colors including blue, purple, and yellow. They are found in the eastern United States, in the southeastern part of Canada, and in the southern part of Mexico. They like to live in open areas, such as meadows, forests, and gardens, and are often seen flitting around.
Saltbush Sootywing
The Saltbush Sootywing butterfly is a brown and black butterfly with a wingspan of about 2 inches. They are found in open habitats, such as prairies, deserts, and marshes.
Scudder’s Duskywing
A Scudder’s Duskywing butterfly is a dark brown butterfly with a distinctive pattern of black and yellow. They are found in open forests and wooded areas, usually near streams.
Sheep Skipper
A Sheep Skipper butterfly is a small, drab butterfly that is predominantly brown and black. They are found in open areas such as fields, meadows, and forests, and are often seen perched on flowers.
Short-tailed Skipper
Short-tailed Skippers are small brown butterflies with a wingspan of about 1.5 inches. They are usually seen flying around flowers in open areas such as fields and meadows.
Silver-spotted Skipper
The Silver-spotted Skipper butterfly is a small butterfly with a wingspan of about 2 inches. It is mostly black with a metallic sheen and silver spots on its wings. It is found in open habitats with scattered trees, such as meadows and prairies.
Simius Roadside-Skipper
The Simius Roadside-Skipper butterfly is a brightly-colored butterfly that can be found in open areas near forests and grasslands. It is a member of the Turnstone family and is found in Africa, India, and Southeast Asia. The habitat of the Simius Roadside-Skipper butterfly is open areas with plentiful flowers and nectar sources.
Skinner’s Cloudywing
Skinner’s Cloudywing butterflies live in the eastern United States, and they are found in moist woodlands.
Slaty Roadside-Skipper
The Slaty Roadside-Skipper butterfly is a small butterfly found in open habitats with scattered trees. They are commonly seen flying around flowers.
Slaty Skipper
The Slaty Skipper butterfly is a small butterfly with a wingspan of about 1.25 inches. The wings are a light blue-green with a black band across the middle. The Slaty Skipper butterfly is found in open habitats, such as fields, meadows, and prairies, where it hunts for small insects.
Sleepy Duskywing
The Sleepy Duskywing butterfly is a pretty butterfly that is found in the eastern part of North America. They are usually found in deciduous or mixed woods, but can also be found in urban areas. They are usually seen in the morning or late afternoon.
Small Checkered-Skipper
The Small Checkered-Skipper butterfly is a small, colorful butterfly found in eastern North America. These butterflies are typically found near streams, ponds, and lakes.
Southern Skipperling
The Southern Skipperling butterfly is a small, colorful butterfly that is found in warm, open areas near water. They are usually found near flowers, but can also be found near trees or shrubs.
Sunrise Skipper
Sunrise Skipper butterflies are typically a reddish-orange color with black markings on their wings. They are found in open areas such as meadows, fields, and woods.
Taxiles Skipper
The Taxiles Skipper butterfly is a small, colorful butterfly with a wingspan of about 2-3 inches. They are found in open, sunny areas with moderate to dense vegetation. The Taxiles Skipper butterfly is a member of the Pieridae family, which is known for its skippers.
Texas Powdered Skipper
The Texas Powdered Skipper butterfly is a small butterfly that is black with white patches on its wings. It is found in open grasslands and shrubby areas near water.
Texas Roadside-Skipper
The Texas Roadside-Skipper butterfly is a small, colorful butterfly with a wingspan of about 1.5 inches. It is found in the southwestern United States, where its habitat includes open, grassy areas and agricultural areas.
Tropical Checkered-Skipper
The Tropical Checkered-Skipper butterfly is a small butterfly that typically has a checkerboard pattern on its wings. This butterfly is found in tropical areas of the world. They are typically found in open areas with plenty of vegetation, such as jungles or fields.
Tropical Least Skipper
A Tropical Least Skipper butterfly is a small, colorful butterfly with a long tail. They live in tropical forests and are sometimes seen flying around flowers.
Two-barred Flasher
A Two-barred Flasher butterfly looks like a comma-shaped butterfly with black and yellow stripes on its wings. They live in open habitats such as fields, meadows, and forests.
Umber Skipper
Umber Skippers are medium-sized butterflies with brown wings and a faint umber border. They are found in open grasslands and prairies, and sometimes near edges of forests.
Uncas Skipper
The Uncas Skipper butterfly is a dark-colored butterfly with spots on its wings. It lives in open habitats, such as fields, meadows, and forests.
Ursine Giant-Skipper
The Ursine Giant-Skipper butterfly is a colorful butterfly with a wingspan of over two inches. Their wings are a bright purple with a black band that runs the width of the wing. These butterflies are found in the mountains of North America and are known to be very fast flyers. They are usually found in open areas with lots of flowers, and are known to be pollinators.
Valeriana Skipper
A Valeriana Skipper butterfly has a wingspan of about 1.5 inches and is light brown with dark brown and black markings on its wings. The butterfly is found in a variety of habitats including meadows, fields, and forests.
Viereck’s Skipper
A Viereck’s Skipper butterfly has a metallic blue and black wings and is found in the open areas of forests and gardens.
Violet-banded Skipper
The Violet-banded Skipper butterfly is a small butterfly that typically has a yellow band across the front of its wings. It is found in warm areas of the world, such as the United States and Mexico. The habitat of the Violet-banded Skipper butterfly includes open fields, gardens, and meadows.
Western Branded Skipper
A Western Branded Skipper butterfly has a black and orange wings with a white “W” on the underside of each wing. They live in open areas with lots of flowers, such as meadows, prairies, and mountains. They are usually seen in the summer and fall.
White Checkered-Skipper
A White Checkered-Skipper butterfly is a beautiful butterfly with a white body, black checkered wings, and a yellow tail. They live in moist, cool forests.
White Spurwing
A White Spurwing butterfly is a beautiful butterfly that can be found in a variety of habitats including deciduous and coniferous forests, open fields, and gardens. They are active during the day and are attracted to flowers.
White-barred Skipper
The White-barred Skipper butterfly is a medium-sized butterfly with a wingspan of about 2 inches. The wings are a light brown with a white stripe running down the middle. They are found in open habitats with plenty of flowers, such as meadows, fields, and gardens.
White-patched Skipper
The White-patched Skipper butterfly is a small butterfly that is typically green and brown in color. It has a white patch on its upper hindwing, which is used as a warning to other butterflies that it is not to be messed with. The White-patched Skipper butterfly is found in open areas with lots of grass and flowers, such as meadows and prairies.
White-striped Longtail
A White-striped Longtail butterfly looks like a light brown and black butterfly with a white stripe down its back. They are found in open areas with a lot of flowering plants, such as gardens and parks.
Zilpa Longtail
The Zilpa Longtail butterfly is a beautiful insect with a wingspan of up to three inches. It is found in the tropical forests of Southeast Asia.
White and Sulphur Butterflies in Santa Cruz County, Arizona
Barred Yellow
A Barred Yellow butterfly is a large butterfly with a yellow and black border. They are found in open areas with lots of flowers, such as meadows, forests, and gardens.
Boisduval’s Yellow
The Boisduval’s Yellow butterfly is a visually stunning butterfly with a bright yellow body and wings. They are typically found in open, sunny areas, such as meadows and gardens.
Cabbage White
The Cabbage White butterfly is a delicate looking butterfly that has a wingspan of about 1.5 inches. The wings are a light yellow and the butterfly has a pale green and white stripe on its wings. The Cabbage White butterfly is found in the eastern United States, especially in the Appalachian Mountains. The butterfly prefers open areas, such as meadows and fields, where it can fly around freely.
Checkered White
A Checkered White butterfly looks like a small, colorful butterfly with a pattern of dark and light stripes on its wings. They are commonly found in open areas, such as fields and gardens, but can also be found in urban areas. They prefer to stay close to the ground, but can also be found flying high in the air.
Chiricahua White
The Chiricahua White butterfly is a small butterfly with a wingspan of about one inch. It is light brown with a yellow band across the wings. It is found in the Chiricahua Mountains of Arizona.
Clouded Sulphur
A Clouded Sulphur butterfly is a beautiful butterfly with a metallic sheen on its wings. It is found in open woodland and grassy areas, and often frequents flowers.
Cloudless Sulphur
A Cloudless Sulphur butterfly is a beautiful butterfly with a wingspan of about one and a half inches. They are mainly found in tropical rainforests, where they feed on nectar from flowers.
Dainty Sulphur
A Dainty Sulphur butterfly is a small, delicate butterfly with a yellow and black wings. They are found in meadows, woodlands, and other open spaces, and are most active during the day.
Desert Marble
Desert Marble butterflies are dark brown with light brown markings on their wings. They live in the desert regions of North America. They prefer to live near water sources, but can also survive in areas that are mostly sand.
Desert Orangetip
The Desert Orangetip butterfly is a beautiful butterfly that is found only in the desert. It has a bright orange wing and black markings on its wings. It lives in areas with lots of sand and is usually found feeding on nectar from flowers.
Dina Yellow
The Dina Yellow butterfly is a small butterfly found in a variety of habitats, including forests, meadows, and gardens.
Florida White
The Florida White butterfly is a beautiful, delicate butterfly that lives in subtropical and tropical habitats. They are usually seen flying around flowers or hovering near water.
Great Southern White
A Great Southern White butterfly is typically a yellow and white butterfly with black markings on the wings. They are found in the southern United States, where they live in warm, moist habitats.
Large Orange Sulphur
A Large Orange Sulphur butterfly is a beautiful butterfly with a bright orange body with black stripes. They live in open habitats with lots of flowers.
Little Yellow
A Little Yellow butterfly looks like a small, delicate creature with a wingspan of about one inch. They are mostly found in open, sunny areas near water, such as gardens and fields.
Lyside Sulphur
A Lyside Sulphur butterfly is typically a light brown or gray butterfly with a blue spot on its forewing. They are found in open areas such as fields, meadows, and forests, where they feed on nectar from flowers.
Mexican Yellow
The Mexican Yellow Butterfly is a beautiful butterfly that can be found in the tropical climates of Central and South America. They are usually found near water sources such as ponds, rivers, or lakes.
Mimosa Yellow
A Mimosa Yellow butterfly is a small, brightly-colored butterfly that is typically found in open areas near water. These butterflies are often seen flitting around flowers in search of nectar.
Orange Sulphur
The Orange Sulphur butterfly is a beautiful butterfly that can be found in the forests of North America. They are usually seen flying around in groups, and their wings are a beautiful orange color.
Orange-barred Sulphur
A Orange-barred Sulphur butterfly is a large butterfly with a bright orange band across its wings. They live in open, sunny areas near streams, ponds, and other bodies of water.
Sleepy Orange
A Sleepy Orange butterfly has a dull brown body with a bright orange head, thorax, and wings. They are found in tropical forests and can be found on the forest floor or in low vegetation.
Southern Dogface
The Southern Dogface butterfly has a wingspan of about 3 inches. They are predominately brown, but have a reddish patch on their wings. They are found in open areas near streams and rivers, and in moist woodlands.
Southwestern Orangetip
Southwestern Orangetip butterflies are brightly colored and have a wingspan of about one and a half inches. They live in the southwestern United States and Mexico, and prefer open areas with plenty of flowers.
Spring White
A Spring White butterfly has a wingspan of about 1.5 inches. They are mostly light brown with a few white markings on the wings. They live in open areas with lots of flowers, such as meadows, fields, and forests.
Tailed Orange
The Tailed Orange butterfly has a wingspan of about 1.5 inches. It has a dark reddish-orange body with a dark brown tail. The butterfly prefers warm, dry habitats, such as fields and forests.
Tailed Sulphur
A Tailed Sulphur butterfly has a long tail and wings that are a bright yellow and black. They live in open areas, such as fields and meadows, and are attracted to nectar and pollen.
White Angled-Sulphur
A White Angled-Sulphur butterfly is a beautiful butterfly with a white background and black markings. They are found in the UK, Europe, and North America, and prefer to live in open habitats such as meadows, gardens, and woodland.
Yellow Angled-Sulphur
A Yellow Angled-Sulphur butterfly looks like a small, colorful butterfly with yellow markings on its wings. They are usually found in warm, dry environments, such as grasslands or prairies.
That’s the end of our look at the butterflies in Santa Cruz County, Arizona. Interested in learning about more butterflies in Arizona? We have lists for each of the 15 counties in the state.