20 Black and Red Butterfly Species

This article presents a comprehensive list of stunning butterflies with black and red patterns on their wings. Butterflies are one of the beautiful creatures that catch the attention of people with their vivid and distinct colors. With their intricate way of fluttering, butterflies are nature’s gift to mankind.

In this article, I will introduce you to 20 of the most beautiful black and red butterfly species, with their unique appearance, habitat, diet, and lifespan.

Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta)

The Red Admiral has a striking black and red pattern on its wings, with a distinctive white band and blue spots. This butterfly can be found in various habitats, including gardens, meadows, and woodlands.

Habitat: Gardens, meadows, woodlands
Appearance: Black and red pattern with a white band and blue spots
Size: Wingspan of 2.5 to 3.5 inches
Diet: Feed on tree sap, rotting fruit, and flowers including, thistle, milkweed, and nettle
Reproduction: Females lay eggs on host plants, which hatch into caterpillars.
Lifespan: 6 to 12 months

Red Admirals can be found throughout Africa, Europe, Asia, and North America. They are strong flyers and can migrate long distances. Red Admirals feed on tree sap, rotting fruit, and flowers including thistle, milkweed, and nettle.

Females lay eggs on host plants, which hatch into caterpillars, metamorphosing into chrysalis and then into adults. The adults have a lifespan range of 6 to 12 months.

Scarlet Mormon (Papilio rumanzovia)

The Scarlet Mormon butterfly is a large, beautiful species with black wings, prominent white spots, and vivid red markings. It is a native of Southeast Asia, typically found in rainforests and woodlands.

Habitat: Rainforests and woodlands in Southeast Asia
Appearance: Black wings with white spots and vivid red markings
Size: Wingspan of 4 to 5 inches
Diet: Feeds on the nectar of flowers, particularly those of the citrus family as well as rotting fruit
Reproduction: Females lay eggs on host plants, which hatch into caterpillars
Lifespan: 1 to 2 weeks in its adult phase

Scarlet Mormon butterflies have distinct black wings, with white spots on the tips, and vivid red markings extending from the hindwing to the forewing. They prefer to feed on the nectar of flowers, particularly those of the citrus family, and rotting fruit.

Females lay eggs on host plants, and the hatched caterpillars feed on plants in the citrus family. The Scarlet Mormon’s wingspan can reach up to 4 to 5 inches and they are typically found in rainforests and woodlands of Southeast Asia. In their adult phase, they only have a lifespan of 1 to 2 weeks.

Cinnabar Moth (Tyria jacobaeae)

While not a butterfly but a moth, the Cinnabar Moth is a striking species that still belongs to the Lepidoptera family. They have black and red wings with spots of yellow and can be found in many regions of the world.

Habitat: Meadows, fields, and gardens throughout Europe, North Africa, Asia, and North America
Appearance: Bright red and black wings with yellow spots on its abdomen
Size: Wingspan of 1.2 to 1.6 inches
Diet: Caterpillars feed primarily on the leaves of ragwort
Reproduction: Females lay eggs on leaves of host plants, and, the larvae hatch into caterpillars
Lifespan: Lifespan of 2 to 4 weeks in its adult phase

Cinnabar Moths have a striking appearance with their bright red and black wings, and a yellow band on their abdomen. They are typically found in meadows, fields, and gardens throughout their range which includes Europe, North Africa, Asia, and North America.

The caterpillars feed primarily on the leaves of ragwort, a poisonous plant that makes them unpalatable, to predators. Females lay eggs on leaves of host plants, and, the larvae hatch into caterpillars, metamorphosing into chrysalis and then into adults. In their adult phase, they have a short lifespan of two to four weeks.

Buckeye Butterfly (Junonia coenia)

The Buckeye butterfly, native to North America, is a medium-sized butterfly with large, eye-catching wings that usually have a pattern of black, orange-red, and white cells.

Habitat: Fields, meadows, and gardens throughout North America
Appearance: Orange-red wings with black borders and white spots
Size: Wingspan of 1.75 to 2.5 inches
Diet: Feeds on nectar of various flowers such as asters, goldenrods, and tickseed sunflowers
Reproduction: Females lay eggs on host plants, which hatch into caterpillars
Lifespan: 10 to 12 months

Buckeye Butterflies can be seen in fields, meadows, and gardens throughout North America. They have orange-red wings with black borders and white spots. Buckeyes feed on nectar from various flowers such as asters, goldenrods, and tickseed sunflowers.

Females lay eggs on host plants, which hatch into caterpillars that feed on various plant species. The Buckeye Butterfly’s wingspan measures around 1.75 to 2.5 inches, and they usually have a lifespan of 10 to 12 months.

Crimson Rose (Pachliopta hector)

The Crimson Rose butterfly, commonly found in Southeast Asia, is a large and beautiful species known for its bright red wings with black borders and white spots.

Blood-red Glider (Cymothoe sangaris)

The Blood-red Glider is a stunning species native to Central and West Africa. Its wings have a deep black color with bright red bands on the hindwings.

Habitat: Rainforests and tropical forests of Central and West Africa
Appearance: Black wings with bright red bands on the hindwings
Size: Wingspan of 2.4 to 2.8 inches
Diet: Feeds on the nectar of various flowers
Reproduction: Females lay eggs on host plants, and the larvae hatch into caterpillars
Lifespan: 1 month to 1 year

Blood-red Gliders have deep black wings with bright red bands on the hindwings, making them an attractive sight in the rainforests and tropical forests of Central and West Africa. They feed on the nectar of various flowers in their habitat.

Females lay eggs on host plants, and the larvae hatch into caterpillars, metamorphosing into chrysalis and then into adults. The Blood-red Glider’s wingspan measures around 2.4 to 2.8 inches. They can have a lifespan ranging from one month to a year depending on the species.

Doris Longwing (Laparus doris)

The Doris Longwing butterfly, native to South America, is a unique species with black wings and distinct red and yellow stripes that make them easy to identify.

Habitat: Rainforests and other forested areas in South America
Appearance: Black wings with red and yellow stripes
Size: Wingspan of 3 to 3.5 inches
Diet: Feeds on the nectar of various flowers, particularly those of the Acanthus family
Reproduction: Females lay eggs on host plants, which hatch into caterpillars
Lifespan: 30 to 40 days

Doris Longwing is a native of South America, commonly found in rainforests and other forested areas. They have black wings with distinct red and yellow stripes, making them easily identifiable. Doris Longwings primarily feed on the nectar of various flowers, particularly those of the Acanthus family.

Females lay eggs on host plants, which hatch into caterpillars that feed on the leaves of host plants. The Doris Longwing’s wingspan measures around 3 to 3.5 inches. They usually have a lifespan of 30 to 40 days in their adult phase.

Common Jezebel (Delias eucharis)

The Common Jezebel butterfly, native to South and Southeast Asia, is a medium-sized species that has striking black and white wings with bright red markings near the edges.

Habitat: Gardens, meadows, and other open areas in South and Southeast Asia
Appearance: Black and white wings with bright red markings near the edges
Size: Wingspan of 2.4 to 2.8 inches
Diet: Feeds on nectar from various flowers
Reproduction: Females lay eggs on host plants, which hatch into caterpillars that feed on the leaves of host plants
Lifespan: 2 to 3 weeks

The Common Jezebel butterfly is commonly found in gardens, meadows, and other open areas of South and Southeast Asia. They have striking black and white wings with bright red markings near the edges.

Common Jezebels feed on the nectar of various flowers. Females lay eggs on host plants, which hatch into caterpillars that feed on the leaves of host plants. The Common Jezebel’s wingspan measures around 2.4 to 2.8 inches. They have a lifespan of around 2 to 3 weeks in their adult phase.

Ruby-spotted Swallowtail (Papilio anchisiades)

The Ruby-spotted Swallowtail, native to the southern United States and Central America, is a beautiful butterfly with black wings and vibrant red spots.

Habitat: Forests, woodlands, and gardens in the southern United States and Central America
Appearance: Black wings with vibrant red spots
Size: Wingspan of 3 to 4 inches
Diet: Feeds on the nectar of various flowers, particularly those of the milkweed family
Reproduction: Females lay eggs on host plants, which hatch into caterpillars
Lifespan: 2 to 4 weeks

The Ruby-spotted Swallowtail butterfly can be found in forests, woodlands, and gardens of the southern United States and Central America. They have black wings with vibrant red spots, which are more prominent on the hindwings. Ruby-spotted Swallowtails primarily feed on the nectar of various flowers, particularly those of the milkweed family.

Females lay eggs on host plants, which hatch into caterpillars that feed on the leaves of host plants. The Ruby-spotted Swallowtail’s wingspan measures around 3 to 4 inches, and they usually have a lifespan of around 2 to 4 weeks in their adult phase.

**Peaco*ck Butterfly (Aglais io)**

The Peaco*ck Butterfly, widespread throughout Europe and Asia, is a large and beautiful butterfly with a unique pattern of deep black and rich red on its wings.

Gulf Fritillary (Agraulis vanillae)

The Gulf Fritillary (Agraulis vanillae) is a beautiful butterfly species characterized by its vibrant orange wings with black markings. This butterfly species is found in tropical and subtropical regions throughout the Americas.

Habitat:Gulf Fritillary butterflies can be found in a variety of habitats, including gardens, fields, and open woodlands.
Appearance:The Gulf Fritillary has bright orange wings with black markings. The undersides of the wings are brown and have silver spots.
Size:The wingspan of the Gulf Fritillary ranges between 65-95 mm.
Diet:Gulf Fritillary butterflies primarily feed on nectar from a variety of flowers, including Lantana and Passionflowers.
Reproduction:The Gulf Fritillary mates year-round in warmer regions, but seasonally in colder regions. The female lays her eggs on the leaves of passionflowers and the larvae hatch after a few days.
Lifespan:The lifespan of the Gulf Fritillary butterfly is relatively short, ranging from a few weeks to a few months.

The Gulf Fritillary butterfly’s vibrant orange wings make it a popular species among butterfly enthusiasts. Its wide distribution throughout the Americas means that it can be found in a variety of habitats, making it a common sight for those living in tropical and subtropical regions.

Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui)

The Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui) is a striking butterfly species characterized by its brownish-orange wings with black and white markings. This butterfly is known for its long migration across many continents, making it one of the most widespread butterfly species in the world.

Habitat:Painted Ladies can be found in a variety of habitats, including gardens, meadows, and open fields. They are found on every continent except for Australia and Antarctica.
Appearance:The Painted Lady has brownish-orange wings with black and white markings. The undersides of the wings are a soft brown and have light markings.
Size:The wingspan of the Painted Lady ranges between 55-100 mm.
Diet:Painted Ladies primarily feed on nectar from a variety of flowers, including thistles and asters. The larvae feed on leaves of thistles, mallows, and other plants.
Reproduction:The Painted Lady’s migration plays a role in mating patterns. They mate along the migratory route, and the female lays eggs on the new leaves of host plants.
Lifespan:The lifespan of the Painted Lady butterfly is relatively short, ranging from a few weeks to a few months.

The Painted Lady butterfly’s long migration across several continents makes it a unique and fascinating species. Its ability to adapt to a variety of habitats, and its widespread distribution, also make it a common sight for butterfly enthusiasts all over the world.

Chilean Lady (Vanessa terpsichore)

The Chilean Lady (Vanessa terpsichore) is a stunning butterfly species characterized by its bright red and black wings. This butterfly species is found in the southern regions of South America, often in forests and other wooded habitats.

Habitat:Chilean Ladies can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, open fields, and gardens.
Appearance:The Chilean Lady has bright red and black wings. The undersides of the wings are brown and have light markings.
Size:The wingspan of the Chilean Lady ranges between 50-55 mm.
Diet:The Chilean Lady primarily feeds on nectar from a variety of flowers, including Buddleia and Lantana. The larvae feed on leaves of plants such as nettle and oaks.
Reproduction:The Chilean Lady mates during the summer months. The female lays her eggs on host plants and the larvae hatch after a few days.
Lifespan:The lifespan of the Chilean Lady butterfly is relatively short, ranging from a few weeks to a few months.

The Chilean Lady butterfly’s bright red and black wings make it one of the most unique butterfly species in South America. Its distribution throughout the southern regions of the continent means that it can be found in a variety of habitats but is also a rare sight for butterfly enthusiasts.

Postman Butterfly (Heliconius melpomene)

The Postman Butterfly (Heliconius melpomene) is a striking butterfly species characterized by its large black wings with bright red and yellow markings. This butterfly species is found in tropical regions of Central and South America.

Habitat:Postman Butterflies can be found in a variety of habitats, including rainforests, gardens, and open fields.
Appearance:The Postman Butterfly has large black wings with bright red and yellow markings. The undersides of the wings are a soft brown and have light markings.
Size:The wingspan of the Postman Butterfly ranges between 70-90 mm.
Diet:Postman Butterflies primarily feed on nectar from a variety of flowers, including Lantana and Passionflowers.
Reproduction:The Postman Butterfly mates year-round in warmer regions. The female lays her eggs on the underside of leaves of Passionflower, and the larvae hatch after a few days.
Lifespan:The lifespan of the Postman Butterfly ranges from a few weeks to a few months.

The Postman Butterfly’s large black wings with bright red and yellow markings make it a popular species among butterfly enthusiasts.

Its distribution in tropical regions of Central and South America means that it can be found in a variety of habitats, making it a common sight for those living in these regions.

Milbert’s Tortoiseshell (Aglais milberti)

Milbert’s Tortoiseshell (Aglais milberti) is a butterfly species characterized by its beautiful black and red patterned wings. This butterfly species is found in North America, often in mountainous regions.

Habitat:Milbert’s Tortoiseshell butterflies can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, open fields, and mountainous regions.
Appearance:The Milbert’s Tortoiseshell has black and red patterned wings. The undersides of the wings are a soft brown and have light markings.
Size:The wingspan of the Milbert’s Tortoiseshell ranges between 38-51 mm.
Diet:Milbert’s Tortoiseshell primarily feeds on nectar from a variety of flowers, including thistles and asters. The larvae feed on leaves of elm trees.
Reproduction:The Milbert’s Tortoiseshell mates during the summer months. The female lays her eggs on the underside of leaves, and the larvae hatch after a few days.
Lifespan:The lifespan of the Milbert’s Tortoiseshell ranges from a few weeks to a few months.

Milbert’s Tortoiseshell is a beautiful butterfly species and is a delight for those who get to see it. Its distribution in North America, often in mountainous regions, makes it a rare sight for butterfly enthusiasts.

Red Lacewing (Cethosia biblis)

The Red Lacewing (Cethosia biblis) is a stunning butterfly species characterized by its bright red-orange wings with black and white markings. This butterfly species is found in Southeast Asia, often in forested habitats.

Habitat:Red Lacewings can be found in a variety of habitats, including rainforests, gardens, and open fields.
Appearance:The Red Lacewing has bright red-orange wings with black and white markings. The undersides of the wings are a soft brown and have light markings.
Size:The wingspan of the Red Lacewing ranges between 65-85 mm.
Diet:Red Lacewings primarily feed on nectar from a variety of flowers, including Lantana and Bottlebrushes.
Reproduction:The Red Lacewing mates year-round in warmer regions. The female lays her eggs on the leaves of host plants, and the larvae hatch after a few days.
Lifespan:The lifespan of the Red Lacewing ranges from a few weeks to a few months.

The Red Lacewing butterfly’s bright red-orange wings make it a beautiful and unique species. Its distribution in Southeast Asia, often in forested habitats, means that it can be a rare sight for butterfly enthusiasts.

Zebra Longwing (Heliconius charithonia)

The Zebra Longwing (Heliconius charithonia) is a unique butterfly species characterized by its distinctive black and white striped wings with red spots. This butterfly species is found in the southern United States, Mexico, Central America, and South America.

Habitat:Zebra Longwings can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, gardens, and open fields.
Appearance:The Zebra Longwing has black and white striped wings with red spots. The undersides of the wings are a soft brown and have light markings.
Size:The wingspan of the Zebra Longwing ranges between 70-100 mm.
Diet:Zebra Longwings primarily feed on nectar from a variety of flowers, including Lantana and Passionflowers.
Reproduction:The Zebra Longwing mates during the warmer months. The female lays her eggs on the leaves of Passionflower, and the larvae hatch after a few days.
Lifespan:The lifespan of the Zebra Longwing ranges from a few weeks to several months.

The Zebra Longwing butterfly’s black and white striped wings with red spots make it a unique and beautiful species.

Its wide distribution throughout the southern United States, Mexico, Central America, and South America means that it can be found in a variety of habitats, making it a common sight for those living in these regions.

Madagascan Sunset Moth (Chrysiridia rhipheus)

The Madagascan Sunset Moth (Chrysiridia rhipheus) is a unique and striking moth species characterized by its iridescent wings that reflect the colors of the rainbow. This butterfly species is found in Madagascar.

Habitat:Madagascan Sunset Moths are found in a variety of habitats in Madagascar, including rainforests and open fields.
Appearance:The Madagascan Sunset Moth has iridescent wings that reflect the colors of the rainbow. The wings are a combination of black, red, orange, yellow, and green.
Size:The wingspan of the Madagascan Sunset Moth ranges between 90-110 mm.
Diet:The Madagascan Sunset Moth does not have a mouth, so it does not feed. Instead, it relies on the nutrients it obtained as a larva.
Reproduction:The Madagascan Sunset Moth mates during the summer months. The female lays her eggs on host plants, and the larvae hatch after a few days.
Lifespan:The lifespan of the Madagascan Sunset Moth ranges from a few weeks to a few months.

The Madagascan Sunset Moth’s stunning iridescent wings make it a unique species and a wonder to behold. Its distribution in Madagascar, coupled with its ephemeral lifespan, make it a rare sight for butterfly and moth enthusiasts.

Common Rose (Pachliopta aristolochiae)

The Common Rose (Pachliopta aristolochiae) is a stunning butterfly species characterized by its black wings with red and white markings. This butterfly species is found in Southeast Asia and is known for its unique association with poisonous plants.

Habitat:Common Roses can be found in a variety of habitats, including rainforests, gardens, and open fields.
Appearance:The Common Rose has black wings with red and white markings. The undersides of the wings are a soft brown and have light markings.
Size:The wingspan of the Common Rose ranges between 80-100 mm.
Diet:Common Roses primarily feed on nectar from a variety of flowers, including Lantana and Bottlebrushes.
Reproduction:The Common Rose mates year-round in warmer regions. The female lays her eggs on the leaves of host plants, which are often poisonous plants such as Aristolochia.
Lifespan:The lifespan of the Common Rose ranges from a few weeks to a few months.

The Common Rose butterfly’s unique association with poisonous plants, and its stunning black wings with red and white markings, make it a popular species among butterfly enthusiasts.

Its distribution in Southeast Asia means that it can be found in a variety of habitats, making it a common sight for those living in these regions.

Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes)

The Black Swallowtail is a stunning butterfly species found throughout North America in a variety of habitats. Its size and contrasting black and yellow coloration make it distinctive, especially in flight.

Habitat: The Black Swallowtail is found in many habitats throughout North America, including gardens, fields, meadows, and woodlands.
Appearance: With a wingspan of up to 4 inches, the Black Swallowtail is a large butterfly that is primarily black with contrasting yellow markings. The hind wings of the female are more blue than black, while those of the male are more black.
Size: The Black Swallowtail is a relatively large butterfly with wingspans of up to 4 inches.
Diet: Known to feed on a wide variety of plants including carrot, parsley, and dill, this species subsists on the leaves and flowers of host plants.
Reproduction: After mating, female Black Swallowtails lay their eggs on the leaves of their host plants, which hatch into caterpillars that feed on the plants.
Lifespan: The average lifespan of a Black Swallowtail butterfly is about 2 weeks.

It feeds on a variety of plants and lays its eggs on leaves, which hatch into caterpillars that feed on host plants. With an average lifespan of about 2 weeks, the Black Swallowtail is a fleeting beauty in the natural world.

Conclusion

From the striking black and red patterns of the Common Rose to the contrasting black and yellow of the Black Swallowtail, these butterfly species showcase the beauty and diversity of the natural world.

Exploring the habitats, feeding habits, and lifecycles of these captivating creatures illustrates their role within ecosystems. Which black and red butterfly species do you find the most captivating?

20 Black and Red Butterfly Species - Insectic (2024)