There are 134 species of butterflies and moths in New Jersey. 134! The spring and summer months are the perfect time to get outside and take a butterfly ID hike. Bring your camera!
Here’s an interesting fact: the monarch is the only butterfly known to make a two-way migration as birds do. Unlike other butterflies that can overwinter as larvae, pupae, or even as adults in some species, monarchs cannot survive the cold winters of northern climates. Some fly as far as 3,000 miles to reach their winter home in Mexico.
Here are some really beautiful butterflies you should search for:
American Copper
Canadian Tiger Swallowtail
Least Skipper
Luna Moth
Monarch
Northern Metalmark
Northern Pearly Eye Satyr
Red Spotted Purple Admiral
Silver Bordered Fritillary
Silvery Blue
Zebra Swallowtail