By Tony Gazso, Interpretive Naturalist

Eye-catching and beautiful, butterflies are found in habitats ranging from the arctic tundra to the tropical rainforest. Although it may be tempting to catch these radiant creatures, it is important to leave butterflies undisturbed. Their delicate wings can be damaged if handled incorrectly as each wing on a butterfly is made up of thousands of scales that can fall off if touched. Without these scales to protect their wings, the underlying tissue can tear, preventing them from flying. The scales are unable to regrow once damaged. Proper handling of these insects by professionals and trained experts is important for their safety.

To see different species of butterflies, you can visit many of your Lake Metroparks including the gardens at Penitentiary Glen Reservation. Here are some species to look out for:

Eastern tiger swallowtail: This is the most common species of swallowtail in Ohio. It gets its name from the black tiger-like stripes on its wings. Like many swallowtail species, they are strong fliers and can often be seen flying in the canopies of tulip, sassafras, and black cherry trees, where they lay their eggs. Although known for their bright yellow color, some individuals come in a dark color morph. Eastern tiger swallowtails can be seen in our area from April through September.

Eastern tiger swallowtail

Spicebush swallowtail: Another member of the swallowtail family, the spicebush swallowtail gets its name from one of its primary host plants–the spicebush. Spicebush swallowtails use mimicry to help avoid predators, looking very similar to the toxic pipevine swallowtail. Look for a brilliant blue or greenish color on the wings, between the orange spots. Spicebush swallowtails are common throughout the state from April through September, but are usually seen in higher numbers further south.

Spicebush swallowtail

Monarch: Easily the most recognizable butterfly in the world, the Monarch is world renowned for its long migration to Mexico every fall. Canadian Monarchs migrating over Lake Erie pour into our area in mid-September and it is truly one of nature’s most spectacular sights. Because they feed exclusively on milkweed (which contains toxins), they are foul-tasting to predators, and thus rarely get eaten. Monarchs begin showing up in our region in May, and can be seen as late as early November.

Monarch

Pearl crescent: This common small, black and orange butterfly can be found nearly everywhere but the shadiest of habitats. Males can be territorial, darting out to inspect other insects in their area. Pearl crescents love to visit aster flowers and will actually overwinter in their larval stage. They arrive in our area in May and can be seen through November.

Pearl crescent

Hummingbird clearwing: This large moth loves to visit flower gardens, particularly favoring lilies and bee balm. The hummingbird moth, as its name suggests, can hover in place to drink nectar from flowers, a far cry from the fluttering flight we typically think of. Unlike the majority of moths, the hummingbird moth is diurnal, meaning it is active during the day. Look for the hummingbird clearwing from April through September.

Hummingbird clearwing