Common Butterfly Families & Classifications

Butterflies and moths belong to a group of insects called Lepidoptera. Like all insects, butterflies and moths have a head, thorax, abdomen, two antennae, and six legs. There are about 20,000 species of butterflies in the world. In North America, there are 725 species (north of Mexico), with about 575 of these occurring regularly in the lower 48 states of the United States.

This website showcases some frequently seen butterflies and moths found in backyard gardens, home landscapes, residential areas, nearby parks and along roadsides in North America.

Included below are common butterfly families and classifications. Click any image for details and more photos.

Swallowtail Family	Fritillary Family	Hairstreak Butterflies
Metalmark Butterflies	Checkerspot Butterflies	Skipper Butterflies
Sulphurs & Whites	Crescent Butterflies	Emperor Butterflies
Brush-Footed Butterflies	Longwing Butterflies	The Ladies of Butterflies
The Royalty	Moths	Silk Moths

 

Check out these popular butterfly items at our Amazon Store
Kaufman Field Guide to Butterflies of North America	The Life Cycles of Butterflies	Peterson First Guide to Butterflies and Moths of North America
Outdoor Butterfly Hanging Flag	Butterfly Habitat Cage	Butterfly Sterling Silver Pendant
About These Products The Butterflies at Home website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Amazon offers a commission on products sold through their affiliate links. There is no additional cost to you. Orders are processed by and shipped via Amazon.

 

Scientific Butterfly Family Classifications

• Papilionidae - Swallowtail butterflies, most species having prominent tails.

• Hesperiidae - Skippers - relatively small, fast-flying species.

• Lycaenidae - Blues, Hairstreaks and Coppers. Colors and patterns of sexes often differ.

• Nymphalidae -  Brush-footed butterflies, contains many subfamilies.

• Pieridae - Yellows and Whites, with those predominant colors.

• Riodinidae - Metalmarks, sometimes placed in the Family Lycaenidae.