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300 Butterfly Names That Will Make Your Heart Flutter

Name of Butterfly

Table of Contents

Butterflies have long captured the human imagination with their stunning, colorful wings and gentle fluttering flight. Beyond their visual appeal, butterflies play critical roles in pollination and as food sources, indicating the health of ecosystems. With over 18,000 species worldwide, butterflies display incredible diversity in size, color, and behavior.

An important part of appreciating and studying these beautiful insects is learning their unique butterfly names. Each name reveals clues about a species’ appearance, habitat, food sources, and even folklore. As our awareness grows, so does our wonder and motivation to protect these fragile creatures.

In this article, we will explore 350 butterfly names that reflect the diversity and splendor of these insects. From common names like Painted Lady to whimsical ones like Blue Gossamerwing, this glossary will make your heart flutter and deepen your connection to the natural world. Understanding butterfly names allows us to differentiate species, track populations, and gain insights into their lives. Let’s delve into the captivating world of butterflies!

Names of Butterfly with Interesting Fact

Butterfly NamesInteresting Fact
Western Tiger SwallowtailLarge yellow and black butterfly found across western North America, named for stripe patterns resembling a tiger.
Spicebush SwallowtailPale pink and black Asian species are named for rose-scented caterpillars.
Black SwallowtailCommon North American species with distinctive black wings with yellow and sometimes blue spots.
Pipevine SwallowtailToxic black and iridescent blue butterfly that feeds on pipevine as a caterpillar.
Zebra SwallowtailStriking white and black striped tropical species found in Central America and the southeast U.S.
Rose SwallowtailPale pink and black Asian species named for rose-scented caterpillars.
Mountain ApolloOne of the largest European butterflies, mostly white with black vein lines, found in mountain meadows.
White AdmiralWoodland butterfly native to Europe, Asia, and North America with bold white bands on dark wings.
Red LacewingBrilliant red and black tropical butterfly found in rainforests of Mexico, Central and South America.
Kaiser-i-HindGiant iridescent green swallowtail endemic to a few mountain valleys of northern India and named after an Empress of India.
Queen Alexandra’s BirdwingWorld’s largest butterfly with up to a foot-wide wingspan, endangered and limited to Papua New Guinea.
ApolloEurope and Asia’s premier butterfly genus is known for its large size, bright colors, and eye spots on wings.
Owl Butterflyis Tropical genus with huge eyespots mimicking owls’ eyes to startle predators.
Dead Leaf ButterflyAsian butterfly with a perfect leaf-like shape and markings that provide camouflage against forest floors.
Map ButterflyTropical Asian species with wings exhibiting vivid markings that resemble topographic map details.
ClipperTropical genus named for unusually angled and hooked wingtips.
Hall’s BaboonAfrican swallowtail species named for wing scales resembling a baboon’s face.
MalachiteBrilliant metallic green African butterfly named after the glowing green mineral malachite.
Tree NymphWidespread Asian species found in woodlands and forests, camouflaged to resemble a dry leaf when wings closed.
Purple Spotted SwallowtailLarvae emit unpleasant scent from glands behind head; adults sip nectar from butterfly bush, lilacs.
Cracker ButterfliesGenus taking its name from the cracking sound produced when taking flight.
Great MormonIridescent blue Asian swallowtail noted for intricate wing tails resembling a violin.
88 ButterflyBlack and white tropical species with markings on underside resembling the number 88.
African MonarchVibrant orange and black tropical butterfly found in rainforests and savannas across sub-Saharan Africa.
Emerald SwallowtailRainforest species from Brazil with iridescent blue-green wings.
SoldierTropical genus with black wings marked with metallic blue, purple and red, named for resemblance to military uniforms.
Lemon MigrantSmall pale yellow butterfly known for regular migrations across India, Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia.
Madagascan Sunset MothLarge, striking day-flying moth endemic to Madagascar with wing colors resembling a sunset.
Cairns BirdwingEndemic to northeast Australia, among the largest butterflies in the world with up to a 10-inch wingspan.
European PeacockUnmistakable large butterfly found across Europe and Asia noted for eye-spot markings resembling a peacock.
Giant Owl ButterflyAmong the largest butterfly species with a wingspan up to 12 inches, found in the rainforests of South America.
Sara LongwingBrilliant longwing species from Central America named after Sara, wife of a French entomologist.
Compton TortoiseshellCommon across northern Europe with mottled brown wings resembling a tortoiseshell pattern.
PostmanTropical butterfly named for white stripes and spots resembling a postal uniform.
Blue PansyVivid blue butterfly common across Africa, belonging to the largest genus of brush-footed butterflies.
Plain TigerWidespread Asian species recognized by its orange wings with multiple black stripes and white speckles.
Australian CrowLarge black butterfly with blue spots on wings, found in northern Australia and New Guinea.

Cute Butterfly Names

Flutters
Daisywing
Breezy
Buttercup
Flitter
Flutterby
Papillon
Blossom
Sunbeam
Dazzle
Zip
Twist
Butters
Ziggy
Skipper
Darter
Floater
Twirly
Bobber
Wiggles
Shimmer
Paprica
Dusty
Pepper
Licorice
Clementine
Mimi
Carefree
Skydancer
Velvet
Daffodil
Honeybee
Firefly
Floaty
Lovey
Lacewing
Silky
Fluff
Beauty
Butterscotch
Serendipity
Luna
Sassy
Angel
Tinkerbell
Iris
Fantasy
Pixie

Unique Butterfly Names

Name of Butterfly
Psyche
Ethereal
Papillionaire
Kaleidoscope
Spectacular
Iridescent
Brilliant
Kinetic
Prismatic
Holographic
Pearlescent
Chatoyant
Luminescent
Chromatic
Incandescent
Ctenucha
Metalmark
Pieridae
Lycaenidae
Hesperiidae
Charaxinae
Heliconiinae
Danainae
Libytheinae
Pyrginae
Satyrinae
Morphinae
Apaturinae
Limenitidinae
Heliconiini
Tellervini
Coeini
Melitaeini
Eurytelini
Parnassiini
Pseudergolini
Amathusiini

Funny Butterfly Names

Flitter McWings
Buzzy Flutterby
Glitter Giggles
Whirly Twirl
Swoopy Loops
Zigzag Zoom
Flutter McButter
Breezy Tease
Giggly Jiggly
Wiggly Squiggly
Dizzy Lizzy
Sparkle Farts
Jumpy Bumpy
Zippy Doo
Twinkle Toes
Silly Frilly
Boomerang Bang
Fuzzy Wuzzy
Loopy Lou
Tickle Wings
Rainbow Ruffle
Merry Berry
Blinky Winky
Puffy McFluff
Snicker Doodle
Hopscotch Scotch
Wobble Bobble
Prancy Fancy
Glimmer Shimmer
Doodle Noodle
Squiggle Wiggle
Flip Flop
Bumble Stumble
Chuckle Sprinkle
Peppy Zesty
Twirl Swirl
Bling Wing
Snappy Flappy
Jitter Glitter
Skip Trip
Quirky Smirky
Zoom Room
Tizzy Fizzy
Puddle Waddle
Muddle Cuddle
Razzle Dazzle
Fluffy Muffy
Bouncer Pouncer
Snuggle Bug
Whimsy Bimsy

Boys Names Inspired by Butterflies

NamesMeaning
ApolloGreek god associated with butterflies
AtlasNamed for Atlas moth species
AveryDerived from Old English for “ruler of elves”
AzulSpanish for blue, referring to blue butterflies
ColiasGenus name of sulfur and clouded yellow butterflies
DamonMeans “to tame”, referring to rearing butterflies
DanausGenus name of milkweed butterflies
EthonOrange butterfly genus name
EumaeusGenus of tropical hairstreak butterflies
MorphoProminent blue butterfly genus of Central America
OberonKing of fairies in Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream
PapilioMain genus name for swallowtail butterflies
ParnassiusGenus of mountain-dwelling white butterflies
PierisGenus name for common white butterflies
PolygoniaGenus of anglewing butterflies with angular wings
TroidesLargest genus of birdwing butterflies
UlyssesRefers to Ulysses butterfly with long migrations
VanessaGenus name of painted lady, peacock, and admiral butterflies
ZereneGenus name of dogface butterflies
MaenadFemale ritual devotees of Greek god Dionysus associated with butterflies
NessusCentaur from Greek mythology killed by poison coated cloak referencing toxic butterflies
AristaeusMortal protector of flocks and bees from Greek myths
TeriasGenus name of yellow and orange sulphur butterflies
ErebiaGenus of brush-footed butterflies, many with eye spots
HeliconiusTropical genus noted for mimicry and warning coloration

Girls Names Inspired by Butterflies 

NameMeaning
VanessaGenus name for beautiful butterflies like peacocks and painted ladies
CallippeGenus of brightly colored metalmark butterflies
CalistoA nymph transformed into a butterfly in Greek myth
ChlosyneGenus name of patch and checkerspot butterflies
ClossianaFritillary genus with glistening, spangled wings
CynthiaFrom Greek origin meaning “moon goddess”, referring to butterfly life cycle
DanausImportant milkweed butterfly genus
EuphydryasCheckerspot genus with complex wing patterns
HeliconiaTropical genus known for bright hues and mimicry
HeraQueen goddess in Greek myth who sent a butterfly as a sign
IoPriestess transformed into majestic peacock butterfly by Zeus
JunoniaTropical brush-footed butterfly genus
KallimaOakleaf genus named for uncanny leaf imitation
LimenitisAdmirals and relatives bearing rich, contrasting colors
MelitaeaGenus in the brushfoot family abundant in meadows
NeptisProminent genus of sailer butterflies
NymphalisGroup including anglewings, tortoiseshells, emperors and more
PapillonFrench word for butterfly
ParthenosGreek for “maiden”, alluding to their delicate nature
PhyciodesCrescentspots and checkerspots widespread in North America
PierisWhimsical genus name of whites and orange-tips
PolygoniaColorful, angular-winged genus of anglewings
TheclaHairstreak genus noted for delicate tails on wings
UdaraTropical genus of ceruleans in Asia, Africa and North America
VanessaThe iconic, tropical red admirable genus
ZereneDogface butterflies of northwestern North America

Unisex Names Inspired by Butterflies

NameMeaning
AsterocampaBrushfoot genus of emperors and tortoiseshells
AtalopedesSkipper genus of duskywings and dashwings
AtlidesCommon hairstreak genus found worldwide
CharaxisTropical genus in the Charaxinae subfamily
EumaeusTropical hairstreak genus with striking green hues
EuploeaGenus of striking crows and tigers found in Asia and Australia
EuptoietaIncludes the regal Fritillary species
HeliconiusDiverse tropical genus co-evolved with passionflowers
HemiargusBlues and hairstreak genus found in the Americas
HypolimnasEggfly genus noted for white egg-shaped wing spots
JunoniaCosmopolitan genus in the Nymphalidae family
LycaenaBlues, hairstreaks and coppers found on all continents
MarpesiaTropical genus named for distinctive wings
MechanitisTropical genus named for wing shape resembling machine parts
MelanargiaWidespread Old World genus in subfamily Satyrinae
MelanitisGenus of evening brown butterflies found in Asia and Australia
MysceliaTropical genus noted for bright blue males
NymphalisGenus including tortoiseshells and anglewings
PapilioLarge, regal swallowtail genus found worldwide
ParidesProminent genus of tropical cattlehearts
PierisFamiliar garden white butterflies
PolygoniaColorful, angular genus of the brushfoot family
ProtogoniomorphaExotic genus limited to Africa
SatyrusWoodland genus in the Satyrinae subfamily
SiproetaTropical skipper genus
StalachtisHairstreak genus found across the Americas
YpthimaWidespread Old World genus in the Satyrinae subfamily
ZizinaDelicate hairstreak genus found across Africa and Eurasia
ZizulaTiny hairstreak genus found in Asia and Africa

Conclusion

From the stately Monarch to the aptly named Peacock, this glossary of butterfly names celebrates the diversity and splendor of these winged beauties. Learning their unique names allows us to identify and appreciate the nearly 20,000 butterfly species worldwide. It also reveals insights into their appearance, distribution, behavior, and folklore.

Studying butterflies in our backyards or meadows is deeply rewarding. Documenting the butterfly names we find connects us to broader conservation efforts to protect their fragile populations. Something as simple as learning the name of a Malachite or Red Admiral butterfly spotted on a hike enables us to contribute data to inform habitat management.

Butterflies have sparked imagination and wonder across cultures for millennia. May learning their lyrical butterfly names continue to transport our minds, stir our souls, and inspire us to protect the living world that sustains us all.

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