What Butterflies are in Florida in July?

In July, Florida is home to various butterfly species. Here are some butterflies commonly found in Florida during this time:

1. Gulf Fritillary (Agraulis vanillae): The Gulf Fritillary is a striking orange butterfly with silver-spotted underwings. It is abundant in Florida throughout the year, including July. These butterflies are often seen in gardens, fields, and open habitats. They lay their eggs on passionflower vines, which serve as the host plants for their caterpillars.
2. Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus): Monarch butterflies are known for their distinct orange wings with black veins and white spots. While Monarchs are known for their long-distance migration, some populations remain in Florida year-round. In July, you can spot both resident Monarchs and those passing through during their migration. They rely on milkweed plants as their host plants.
3. Zebra Longwing (Heliconius charithonia): The Zebra Longwing Butterfly is an iconic species in Florida. With its black wings adorned with bold yellow stripes, it is easily recognizable. Zebra Longwings are commonly found in subtropical habitats, including forests, gardens, and wooded areas. These butterflies have a longer lifespan than many other species and can be seen throughout the year, including in July.
4. Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus): The Eastern Tiger Swallowtail is a large butterfly with beautiful yellow wings and black stripes. Females can also have black wings with blue and orange markings. They are common in Florida and can be seen in various habitats, including gardens, parks, and near water sources. These butterflies lay their eggs on a variety of trees, including citrus, willow, and ash.
5. Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes): The Black Swallowtail is a stunning butterfly with black wings featuring bright yellow spots and markings. In Florida, this species is present year-round, including July. They are often found in open areas, fields, gardens, and meadows. Their host plants include members of the carrot family, such as parsley, dill, and fennel.

These are just a few examples of the butterfly species you can find in Florida during July. The state’s warm and diverse habitats make it a haven for butterflies and provide ample opportunities for observing and enjoying their beauty.

And if you’d like, here you can find our recommendations of butterfly attracting plants.

Gulf Fritillary

Monarch Butterfly

Zebra Longwing

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail

Eastern Black Swallowtail Butterfly

Kevin

My name is Kevin.  I’ve been patio gardening in Florida for about 8 years, and for another 20 before that in New York. Happy to have you here on my website!