The Most Popular Butterfly, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the butterfly you think is the most popular!
Updated on Apr 29, 2024 06:31
In a garden, amidst the fluttering myriad of butterflies, each visitor finds themselves drawn to different splashes of color and patterns. Such preferences mirror our natural inclination toward beauty and diversity found in these delicate creatures. Understanding which butterflies captivate us most not only enriches our appreciation but also provides insights into popular trends and conservation priorities.
By participating in this ranking, each voter contributes to a broader understanding of which species are most adored. This collective input helps to highlight those that might need more attention or could be featured in educational materials. Engaging with this list is not only about expressing your preferences but also about aiding in the preservation and appreciation of butterfly diversity.
What Is the Most Popular Butterfly?
-
181votes
Didier Descouens · CC BY-SA 3.0The Monarch Butterfly is the most popular butterfly in North America. It is well-known for its vibrant orange and black wings, and its incredible migration pattern. It is also the state butterfly of Minnesota, Texas, and Vermont.The Monarch Butterfly (Danaus Plexippus) is one of the most well-known and recognizable butterfly species in the world. It is famous for its vibrant orange wings, unique black vein patterns, and delicate white spots. This butterfly belongs to the Nymphalidae family and is native to North America.- Scientific Name: Danaus Plexippus
- Family: Nymphalidae
- Habitat: North America
- Wing Span: 8.9 - 10.2 cm (3.5 - 4 inches)
- Life Span: 6 - 8 months (adult)
Monarch Butterfly in other rankings- Position 3 of 10 in Most beautiful butterfly
-
247votesThe Swallowtail Butterfly is one of the most beautiful butterflies in the world, known for its bright colors and unique wing shape. It is found in many countries around the world, including the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia.The Swallowtail Butterfly is a beautiful and popular butterfly species known for its distinctive swallow-like tails on its hindwings. It is considered one of the most recognizable butterflies in the world.
- Scientific Name: Papilionidae
- Wingspan: 8-14 centimeters
- Habitat: Varies depending on the species, but often found in gardens, forests, and meadows
- Range: Found on every continent except Antarctica
- Diet: Nectar from a variety of flowers
-
323votesThe Blue Morpho Butterfly is a stunning butterfly found in Central and South America. It is known for its iridescent blue wings that reflect light in a unique way.The Blue Morpho Butterfly is an iconic insect known for its breathtaking beauty. With its vibrant blue wings and characteristic iridescent shine, it captivates the hearts of many. This stunning butterfly belongs to the Nymphalidae family and is predominantly found in the rainforests of South America.
- Species: Morpho menelaus
- Wingspan: 8 to 20 centimeters
- Color: Metallic blue with black borders
- Iridescence: Caused by microscopic scales on wings
- Flight Speed: 15 to 20 miles per hour
Blue Morpho Butterfly in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most beautiful butterfly
- Position 4 of 10 in Most beautiful bug
- Position 4 of 10 in Most beautiful animal on Earth
-
416votesThe Painted Lady Butterfly is a common butterfly found in many parts of the world, including North America, Europe, and Asia. It is known for its orange and brown wings, and its ability to migrate long distances.The Painted Lady Butterfly, scientific name Vanessa cardui, is one of the most widely distributed butterfly species in the world. It is renowned for its exquisite beauty and remarkable migratory behavior.
- Range: Almost every continent including Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas
- Migratory Range: Up to 12,000 kilometers during seasonal migrations
- Wingspan: 5 to 9 centimeters
- Lifespan: 2 to 4 weeks
- Habitat: Various habitats including gardens, meadows, and open fields
-
516votesThe Common Buckeye Butterfly is a popular butterfly found in North America. It is known for its striking eye-like spots on its wings, and its distinctive flight pattern.The Common Buckeye Butterfly (Junonia coenia) is a well-known butterfly species found in North and South America. It is highly recognized for its distinctive and eye-catching wing patterns.
- Scientific Name: Junonia coenia
- Family: Nymphalidae
- Wingspan: 35-60 mm
- Wing Color and Pattern: Vibrant brown-orange color with black and white markings; large eyespots on the forewings
- Habitat: Open areas, gardens, fields, roadsides, and marshes
-
610votes
Daniel Seghers · Public domainThe Red Admiral Butterfly is a beautiful butterfly found in many parts of the world, including North America, Europe, and Asia. It is known for its striking red and black wings, and its ability to migrate long distances.The Red Admiral Butterfly (Vanessa atalanta) is a well-known and widely recognized butterfly species. Its wingspan ranges from 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 cm) and its distinctive black wings are characterized by bold red-orange bands crossing diagonally, with white spots along the edges. The undersides of its wings are brown with white spots. This butterfly species is known for its graceful flight and vibrant coloration.- Wingspan: 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm)
- Wing Coloration: Black with red-orange bands
- Underside Coloration: Brown with white spots
- Flight Pattern: Graceful
- Geographical Range: Found in Europe, Asia, North Africa, and the Americas
Red Admiral Butterfly in other rankings- Position 9 of 10 in Most beautiful butterfly
-
77votesThe Black Swallowtail Butterfly is a common butterfly found in many parts of North America. It is known for its black wings with white markings, and its distinctive flight pattern.The Black Swallowtail Butterfly, also known as Papilio polyxenes, is a beautiful butterfly species that is commonly found in North America. It is recognized for its striking black wings, which are adorned with bright yellow spots and distinctive blue and orange markings near the edges.
- Scientific Name: Papilio polyxenes
- Size: Wingspan of 6 to 7.5 cm (2.4 to 3.0 inches)
- Coloration: Black wings with yellow-bordered rows of blue and orange spots; iridescent blue body
- Habitat: Open fields, meadows, gardens, and woodland edges
- Range: Primarily found in North America, from southern Canada to Mexico
Black Swallowtail Butterfly in other rankings- Position 7 of 10 in Most beautiful butterfly
-
813votesThe Cabbage White Butterfly is a common butterfly found in many parts of the world, including North America, Europe, and Asia. It is known for its white wings with black markings, and its ability to cause damage to crops.The Cabbage White Butterfly (Pieris rapae) is a common and widely distributed butterfly species belonging to the Pieridae family. Its name is derived from its preference for feeding on members of the Brassicaceae family, which includes cabbage, kale, and mustard plants. It is known for its distinctive white wings with black dots at the apex. The wingspan of the Cabbage White Butterfly can reach up to 5.6 cm.
- Scientific Name: Pieris rapae
- Family: Pieridae
- Wingspan: Up to 5.6 cm
- Color: White with black dots
- Habitat: Wide range including gardens, meadows, and open fields
-
910votesThe Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly is a beautiful butterfly found in North America. It is known for its yellow and black wings, and its distinctive flight pattern.The Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly is one of the most popular and recognizable butterfly species. It is known for its large size, vibrant colors, and striking wing patterns. The wings of the Tiger Swallowtail feature a yellow base color with black stripes and markings, resembling the patterns found on a tiger. The males of this species have an additional characteristic: their wings also contain iridescent blue markings near the edges. These butterflies can be found in parts of North America, including the eastern United States and parts of Canada.
- Scientific Name: Papilio glaucus
- Wingspan: 3.5 to 4.5 inches (8.9 to 11.4 cm)
- Lifespan: 2 to 4 weeks
- Habitat: Woodlands, forests, gardens, and urban areas
- Range: North America
-
108votesThe Zebra Longwing Butterfly is a unique butterfly found in Central and South America. It is known for its black and white striped wings, and its ability to live longer than most other butterflies.The Zebra Longwing Butterfly (Heliconius charithonia) is a popular butterfly known for its striking black and yellow striped wings. It is primarily found in the southern United States, Mexico, and Central America.
- Scientific Name: Heliconius charithonia
- Wingspan: Around 7.6 to 10.2 cm (3 to 4 inches)
- Habitat: Wooded areas, gardens, and subtropical regions
- Lifecycle: Complete metamorphosis - egg, larva, pupa, adult
- Diet: Feeds on pollen and nectar, especially from passionflower plants
Missing your favorite butterfly?
Graphs
Discussion
Ranking factors for popular butterfly
-
Species diversityThe number of different butterfly species present in a particular area or region.
-
AbundanceThe number of individual butterflies belonging to a particular species. A popular butterfly should have a relatively large population.
-
Geographic distributionA popular butterfly should have a wide geographic distribution, meaning it can be found in numerous areas around the world.
-
Public recognition and appealThe attractiveness and distinctiveness of a butterfly's coloration, patterns, and overall appearance can contribute to its popularity. A popular butterfly should be easily recognizable and visually appealing to the public.
-
Cultural significanceThe extent to which a butterfly is featured in art, folklore, historical records, or other cultural elements can contribute to its popularity.
-
Ease of observationA popular butterfly should be relatively easy to observe in its natural habitat, which may include factors such as its size, flight patterns, and preferred habitats.
-
Conservation statusA popular butterfly could be one that is threatened or endangered, as this may garner public attention and support for conservation efforts.
-
Economic importanceButterflies may be valued for their role in pollination, ecotourism, or other economically valuable activities.
-
Scientific researchThe popularity of a butterfly may also be influenced by the amount of scientific research conducted on its biology, behavior, and ecology.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular butterfly. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or butterfly is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 2464 views
- 228 votes
- 10 ranked items
Movers & Shakers
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each butterfly once every 24 hours. The rank of each butterfly is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular butterfly
Butterflies are one of the most beloved insects in the world, with their vibrant wings and delicate movements captivating people of all ages. With over 20,000 different species of butterflies in the world, it can be difficult to determine which one reigns supreme as the most popular. Some of the most well-known and recognizable species include the Monarch, the Swallowtail, and the Painted Lady. However, with so many unique and captivating butterflies to choose from, it's no surprise that opinions on the most popular butterfly can vary greatly. At StrawPoll, we've asked our community to weigh in on this question and the results may surprise you!
Explore other rankings
Check out some of the other recommended rankings on StrawPoll and make your voice heard.
