Learn the identifying features of butterflies

Guide to identifying butterflies

Learn how to identify butterflies by looking at their features, such as colour, size and wing shape!

1. Colour

Butterflies come in a wide range of colours.

In some butterflies, such as the Green Imperial (Manto hypoleuca terana), the colours on the upperside of their wings are very different from those on the underside! The details of both the upperside and underside of a butterfly are important when identifying a butterfly.

2. Wing markings

Butterfly wings aren’t just colourful – they have varying patterns too that make each butterfly unique!

• Some wings can have distinct stripe patterns running across them, either vertical, horizontal or diagonal.

• Wings could also have spots or dots which aid in camouflage or mimicking other unpalatable species as a defence mechanism.

• Wings with prominent, circular markings that resemble eyes use them to trick or scare away predators.

• Some wings have prominent veins, creating a visible network or “web” that stands out.

Check out the slides below to explore the different wing markings.

3. Size

Butterflies come in all sizes – some can fit on your finger while others may be bigger than your palm!

The Pygmy Grass Blue is only 1cm and is much smaller than the Common Birdwing which measures up to 14cm.

4. Wing shapes

From pointy tails to round edges, butterfly wings come in all shapes.

• Some butterflies have elongated, tail-like extensions at the hindwings.

• Some butterflies have gently scalloped edges, giving them a delicate, lace-like appearance.

• Some butterflies have wings with smooth rounded edges.

• Some butterflies have wings that taper into a triangular shape, often associated with more compact bodies.

Let’s see how different wing shapes help us tell them apart.