There are a few different kinds of butterflies that can appear mostly or entirely black in color. Some of the most common solid black butterflies include:
Mourning Cloak Butterfly
The mourning cloak butterfly (Nymphalis antiopa) is a large butterfly with wingspans between 2.5-4 inches. It has velvety dark maroon-black wings with a bright yellow border. The mourning cloak is one of the first butterflies to emerge in spring, typically appearing between February and April in most areas. It can be seen across North America and is known for overwintering as an adult, allowing it to live up to 10-11 months – an exceptionally long lifespan for butterflies.
Black Swallowtail Butterfly
The black swallowtail butterfly (Papilio polyxenes) is a common swallowtail species found throughout much of North America. The wings are mostly black or very dark brown. Females may have a row of yellow spots along the margins of the wings, while males have a more extensive blue scaling near the tail. Black swallowtails have a wingspan of 3-4 inches. The caterpillars are black with white and orange bands, earning them the name “orange dogs.” They feed on plants in the carrot family.
Red-spotted Purple Butterfly
The red-spotted purple butterfly (Limenitis arthemis astyanax) is a subspecies of the white admiral butterfly found in the eastern United States. As the name suggests, the wings are a very deep purple-black color with contrasting red-orange spots near the margins. The underside of the wings have a complex pattern of blue, orange, and white bands. Adults have a wingspan of about 2.5-4 inches. They are found in deciduous forests and woodlands.
Viceroy Butterfly
The viceroy butterfly (Limenitis archippus) is often mistaken for the monarch butterfly due to its similar coloration. However, the viceroy has wings that are a darker orange-brown color bordered by black veins. There is a horizontal black line that crosses the hindwings. Viceroys range across much of North America in habitats that provide its host plants, including willows, cottonwoods, and fruit trees. They have a wingspan of 3-3.5 inches.
Western White Butterfly
The western white butterfly (Pontia occidentalis) is a medium-sized butterfly found along the west coast of North America. True to its name, the wings and body are completely white or cream colored above. The undersides are dusky brown or gray with some faint spotting. They have a wingspan of about 2-2.5 inches. Western whites are found in arid climates and canyons. The larvae feed on plants in the mustard family.
American Snout Butterfly
The American snout butterfly (Libytheana carinenta) is named for its elongated, snout-like palpi. It has dark brown-black wings with an orange strip along the trailing edge of the hindwing. The underside of the wings have shades of brown, gray, and orange. American snouts range across much of the southern United States into Mexico and South America. They inhabit open grasslands and scrublands. Their host plants include hackberries and nettles.
Appearance and Behavior
Solid black butterflies can appear somewhat dull compared to those with more flashy wing patterns and colors. However, upon closer inspection, their wings may reveal iridescent blues, greens, and purples caused by structural coloration. Depending on the species and lighting conditions, the wings may also have a soft satiny or velvety appearance.
In flight, these darker butterflies can be difficult to follow visually. Many have a swift, erratic flight pattern that makes them harder to track. When at rest with wings folded upright, they are well camouflaged against dark tree bark and vegetation.
One behavior that many of the black butterfly species have in common is perching with their wings outspread to bask in the sun. By orienting their wings perpendicular to the sun’s rays, they can maximize heat absorption. This helps raise their body temperature so they can be active.
Habitats
Solid black butterflies occupy diverse habitats across North America. Here are some typical environments where they can be found during the spring and summer months:
- Deciduous forests – Species like mourning cloaks and red-spotted purples inhabit moist woodlands.
- Canyons and scrublands – American snouts and checkered skippers live in dry, open landscapes.
- Marshes and wetlands – The harvester butterfly prefers moist areas with sedges and grasses.
- Fields and meadows – Common wood nymphs can be seen feeding at flowers in meadows.
- Deserts – Empress leilia butterflies occur in desert washes in the southwestern U.S.
- Suburban parks and gardens – Black swallowtails are common visitors to planted landscapes.
The larval host plants of each species also influence where the butterflies occur. Having suitable breeding habitat is critical to sustaining their populations.
Life Cycle and Metamorphosis
Like all butterflies, solid black species undergo a complete metamorphosis with four life cycle stages:
Egg
The female butterfly lays eggs, usually on or near the caterpillar’s host plant. Eggs are small, round, and vary in color from green to yellow to white.
Caterpillar
The caterpillar hatches from the egg and immediately begins feeding on the host plant leaves. Caterpillars shed their exoskeletons several times as they grow. Many are camouflaged to blend in with plants.
Pupa
In the pupal stage, the caterpillar forms itself into a chrysalis or cocoon on the underside of leaves or branches. Inside, the body tissues reorganize to form the wings, legs, and other adult structures. This stage may last several weeks.
Adult
The adult butterfly emerges from the pupa, expands and dries its wings, and then takes its first flight. Butterflies get nutrients from flower nectar, tree sap, rotting fruit, and other liquid foods.
The full life cycle takes anywhere from one month to an entire year, depending on the species and climate. Most butterflies in temperate regions have two to three broods per year. Those in warmer climates may reproduce year-round.
Threats and Conservation
Many butterflies face threats that put their populations at risk. These include:
- Habitat loss and fragmentation due to development
- Pesticide use can kill caterpillars and adult butterflies
- Invasive plant species crowding out native host plants
- Climate change that disrupts seasonal emergence patterns
Protecting areas of natural habitat is key to conservation efforts for vulnerable butterfly species. Gardens planted with native species also help provide food and breeding areas. Limiting pesticide use, mowing, and trimming during times of year when caterpillars are active can reduce unintended impacts.
Citizen scientists play an important role by participating in butterfly monitoring programs like the North American Butterfly Association’s counts. These help generate data on population trends over time. Observing and recording information on local butterflies is a way everyone can contribute.
Fun Facts
- Butterfly wings contain no black pigment. Dark coloration comes from microscopic scales that reflect little light.
- Mourning cloaks can overwinter as adults by producing a type of “antifreeze” fluid in their bodies.
- Male monarch and viceroy butterflies have scent patches on their wings that help attract mates.
- Empress leilia caterpillars feed exclusively on smoke trees native to desert regions of the southwest.
- Adult butterflies cannot fly if their body temperature is less than 86°F (30°C).
- A chemical called pheromone released by female butterflies advertises her receptivity to mating.
Conclusion
Solid black butterflies comprise some of our most recognizable and interesting native species. Their dark coloration provides camouflage and solar heat absorption. While they occupy varied habitats, protecting breeding areas and food plants is key to conservation. With attention to their life cycle needs, we can continue to enjoy these unique butterflies gracing our parks and gardens.
