20 Butterfly Species with Red Markings

In this article, I will be sharing with you information on different species of butterflies that have red markings. Butterflies are magnificent creatures that inspire many as they flutter their colorful wings.

This article will introduce you to 20 different types of butterflies that flaunt red markings. From their habitats to their appearance, diet, reproduction, and life span, you will learn exciting facts about these beautiful species of butterflies. Get your eyes ready to be amazed by the wondrous nature of these 20 butterfly species.

Scarlet Mormon (Papilio rumanzovia)

Habitat: Found in tropical forests, from India to Southeast Asia.
Appearance: Large butterfly with bright red and black wings, white spots, and long tails.
Size: Wingspan of 12-15 cm.
Diet: Nectar from flowers like zinnias and milkweeds, and caterpillars feed on citrus trees and rue.
Reproduction: Females lay eggs on host plants, and the caterpillars pupate to form the chrysalis.
Lifespan: Adults live up to 2 weeks.

The Scarlet Mormon is an impressive butterfly, with its bright red and black wings and long tails. Found in tropical forests, it is a sight to behold on a sunny day. The caterpillars feed on citrus trees and rue, while the adults enjoy nectar from flowers like zinnias and milkweeds.

Females lay eggs on host plants, which then pupate to form a chrysalis. Adults live up to 2 weeks, making it a truly unique and ephemeral beauty in the natural world.

Cinnabar Moth (Tyria jacobaeae)

Habitat: Commonly found in meadows, grasslands, and gardens in Europe and Asia.
Appearance: Small to medium-sized moth with bright red forewings marked with black dots and hindwings that are black with an orange-red border.
Size: Wingspan of 32-42 mm.
Diet: Caterpillars feed on ragwort plants, while adults do not feed at all.
Reproduction: Females lay eggs on ragwort plants, and the caterpillars pupate in the soil.
Lifespan: Adults live for a few weeks, with a lifespan of up to 2 months in total.

The Cinnabar Moth is a striking species, with its bright red forewings marked with black dots and hindwings that are black with an orange-red border. Found commonly in meadows, grasslands, and gardens in Europe and Asia, it is a popular sight for butterfly enthusiasts.

The caterpillars feed on ragwort plants, while the adults do not feed at all. Females lay eggs on ragwort plants, and the caterpillars pupate in the soil. Adults live for a few weeks, with a lifespan of up to 2 months in total. This unique moth is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also provides a valuable ecological function as it helps control ragwort populations.

Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta)

Habitat: Found in gardens, meadows, and fields throughout North America and Europe.
Appearance: Medium-sized butterfly with dark wings adorned with bright red bands and white spots.
Size: Wingspan of 45-54 mm.
Diet: Feeds on nectar from a variety of flowers, including butterfly bushes and asters.
Reproduction: Females lay eggs on nettles, and the caterpillars pupate in a chrysalis.
Lifespan: Adults live for several months, with some migrating south during the winter months.

The Red Admiral is a medium-sized butterfly with striking dark wings adorned with bright red bands and white spots. This beautiful species can be found in gardens, meadows, and fields throughout North America and Europe. The Red Admiral feeds on nectar from a variety of flowers, including butterfly bushes and asters.

Females lay eggs on nettles, and the caterpillars pupate in a chrysalis. Adults live for several months, with some migrating south during the winter months. The Red Admiral is a common sight in home gardens and parks, and its eye-catching colors make it a favorite among butterfly enthusiasts.

Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui)

Habitat: Can be found in diverse habitats, including meadows, gardens, and deserts.
Appearance: Medium-sized butterfly with orange-brown forewings marked with black dots, and black and white hindwings.
Size: Wingspan of 50-70 mm.
Diet: Feeds on nectar from a variety of flowers, including thistles, milkweeds, and asters.
Reproduction: Females lay eggs on host plants, and the caterpillars pupate in a chrysalis.
Lifespan: Can live up to 12 months, with multiple generations per year.

The Painted Lady is a medium-sized butterfly that can be found in a variety of habitats, including meadows, gardens, and deserts. Its orange-brown forewings are marked with black dots, and its black and white hindwings make it a distinctive and easily recognizable species.

The Painted Lady feeds on nectar from a variety of flowers, including thistles, milkweeds, and asters. Females lay eggs on host plants, and the caterpillars pupate in a chrysalis. This species can live up to 12 months, with multiple generations per year.

The Painted Lady has often been observed during migration as large groups of individuals move in unison across landscapes. Its vibrant colors and ability to adapt to different habitats make it a fascinating and admired species.

Crimson Rose (Pachliopta hector)

Habitat: Found in tropical and subtropical forests, from Southeast Asia to Australia.
Appearance: Large butterfly with deep red wings marked with black bands and white spots, and long tails.
Size: Wingspan of 90-110 mm.
Diet: Feeds on nectar from a variety of flowers, including milkweeds and lantanas.
Reproduction: Females lay eggs on host plants, and the caterpillars pupate in a chrysalis.
Lifespan: Adults can live up to 2 weeks.

The Crimson Rose is a large and impressive butterfly found in tropical and subtropical forests from Southeast Asia to Australia. Its deep red wings are marked with black bands and white spots, and its long tails add to its stunning appearance.

Banded Peaco*ck (Papilio palinurus)

Habitat: Found in forests and other wooded areas throughout Southeast Asia and northern India.
Appearance: Large butterfly with black wings marked with bright red and yellow bands, and long tails.
Size: Wingspan of 120-140 mm.
Diet: Feeds on nectar from a variety of flowers, including lantanas and thistles.
Reproduction: Females lay eggs on host plants, and the caterpillars pupate in a chrysalis.
Lifespan: Adults can live up to 6 months.

The Banded Peaco*ck is a large and colorful butterfly found in the forests and wooded areas of Southeast Asia and northern India. Its black wings are marked with bright red and yellow bands, and its long tails add to its striking appearance. In terms of diet, it feeds on nectar from a variety of flowers, including lantanas and thistles.

Females lay eggs on host plants, and the caterpillars pupate in a chrysalis. Adults can live up to 6 months, making them one of the longest-lived butterfly species. The Banded Peaco*ck’s vivid colors and impressive size make it a popular butterfly among collectors and enthusiasts.

Silver-Spotted Flambeau (Agraulis vanillae)

Habitat: Found in meadows, fields, and gardens throughout North and South America.
Appearance: Medium-sized butterfly with orange-brown wings marked with black spots and borders, and silver spots near the tips of the wings.
Size: Wingspan of 60-70 mm.
Diet: Feeds on nectar from a variety of flowers, including passionflowers and thistles.
Reproduction: Females lay eggs on passionflowers, and the caterpillars pupate in a chrysalis.
Lifespan: Adults can live up to 2 weeks.

The Silver-Spotted Flambeau is a medium-sized butterfly found in meadows, fields, and gardens throughout North and South America. Its orange-brown wings are marked with black spots and borders, and silver spots near the tips of the wings add an extra touch of beauty and uniqueness.

In terms of diet, it feeds on nectar from a variety of flowers, including passionflowers and thistles. Females lay eggs on passionflowers, and the caterpillars pupate in a chrysalis. Adults can live up to 2 weeks.

The Silver-Spotted Flambeau is often seen in gardens and parks, and its distinctive markings and breathtaking wings make it a favorite among butterfly enthusiasts.

Zebra Longwing (Heliconius charithonia)

Habitat: Found in tropical and subtropical forests, as well as gardens and parks throughout the southern United States.
Appearance: Medium-sized butterfly with black wings marked with white stripes and bright red spots.
Size: Wingspan of 56-75 mm.
Diet: Feeds on nectar from a variety of flowers, including lantanas and passionflowers.
Reproduction: Females lay eggs on passionflower vines, and the caterpillars feed on them exclusively.
Lifespan: Adults can live up to 6 months.

The Zebra Longwing is a unique and beautiful butterfly found in tropical and subtropical forests, as well as gardens and parks throughout the southern United States. Its black wings are marked with white stripes and bright red spots, making it easily recognizable.

In terms of diet, it feeds on nectar from a variety of flowers, including lantanas and passionflowers. Females lay eggs on passionflower vines, and the caterpillars feed exclusively on them. Adults can live up to 6 months, making them one of the longest-lived butterfly species.

The Zebra Longwing is not only admired for its distinct beauty but for its ability to form large groups, known as roosts, to protect themselves from predators. This unique behavior is just one of the many qualities that make the Zebra Longwing a fascinating species to study and admire.

Coral Hairstreak (Satyrium titus)

Habitat: Found in woodland areas throughout the eastern United States.
Appearance: Small butterfly with brown wings and a bright red-orange spot near the center of the hindwing.
Size: Wingspan of 25-32 mm.
Diet: Feeds on nectar from a variety of flowers, including dogwood and hawthorn.
Reproduction: Females lay eggs on host plants, and the caterpillars feed on the leaves.
Lifespan: Adults live for about a week.

The Coral Hairstreak is a small but striking butterfly found in woodland areas throughout the eastern United States. Its brown wings are marked by a bright red-orange spot near the center of the hindwing, making it a beautiful but understated species.

The Coral Hairstreak feeds on nectar from a variety of flowers, including dogwood and hawthorn. Females lay eggs on host plants, and the caterpillars feed on the leaves. Adults typically live for about a week, making it a fleeting beauty in the natural world.

Despite its short life span, the Coral Hairstreak plays an important role in pollination and ecosystem functioning. Its gentle colors and quiet presence make it a favorite among butterfly enthusiasts who appreciate the subtle beauty of the natural world.

Atala Butterfly (Eumaeus atala)

Habitat: Found in coastal areas of Florida and the Caribbean.
Appearance: Small butterfly with black wings marked with bright red and blue scales.
Size: Wingspan of 32-50 mm.
Diet: Feeds on nectar from coontie palms and other flowering plants.
Reproduction: Females lay eggs on coontie palms, and the caterpillars feed on the leaves.
Lifespan: Adults live for about a week.

The Atala Butterfly is a small but visually stunning species found in coastal areas of Florida and the Caribbean. Its black wings are marked with bright red and blue scales, making it one of the most uniquely colored butterflies in the world.

In terms of diet, it feeds on nectar from coontie palms and other flowering plants. Females lay eggs on coontie palms, and the caterpillars feed on the leaves. Adults typically live for about a week, making it a fleeting beauty in the natural world.

Common Rose (Pachliopta aristolochiae)

Habitat: Found in India, Southeast Asia, and the Philippines, in dense forests.
Appearance: Black with red and white wings, with a red band across the center of the forewings and a bright red patch on the hindwings.
Size: Wingspan ranges from 2.5 to 3 inches (6.4 to 7.6 cm).
Diet: Feeds on the nectar of flowers such as those of Lantana camara and Ixora coccinea. Caterpillars feed mainly on a specific species of pipevine.
Reproduction: Females lay eggs on the leaves of host plants. The larvae grow into black and yellow or green caterpillars with white dots.
Lifespan: Adult lifespan ranges from one to two weeks.

The Common Rose is a beautiful butterfly species that is known for its unique red markings. It is distributed throughout India, Southeast Asia, and the Philippines, mainly inhabiting the dense forests of these regions. The butterfly is black in color with red and white wings, which are adorned with a red band across the center of the forewings and a bright red patch on the hindwings.

The Common Rose has a wingspan range of 2.5 to 3 inches (6.4 to 7.6 cm). Feeding on the nectar of flowers like those of Lantana camara and Ixora coccinea, caterpillars of this species feed mainly on a specific species of pipevine.

The female butterfly lays eggs on the leaves, and the larvae grow into black and yellow or green caterpillars with white dots. The adult lifespan of the butterfly ranges from one to two weeks.

Red Lacewing (Cethosia biblis)

Habitat: Found in Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia, in open spaces such as fields.
Appearance: Vibrant red color with black veins, and white spots on the edges of wings. Males have a black band across the top of their wings.
Size: Wingspan ranges from 2.5 to 3 inches (6.4 to 7.6 cm).
Diet: Feeds on nectar from flowers, with a preference for lantana.
Reproduction: Females lay eggs on the leaves of host plants. The larvae feed on leaves of specific plants in the Acanthaceae family.
Lifespan: Adult lifespan ranges from one to two weeks.

The Red Lacewing, also known as the Red Pierrot, is a strikingly beautiful butterfly species found mainly in Southeast Asia in open spaces such as fields. The butterfly has vibrant red color with black veins, and white spots on the edges of the wings.

Males have a black band across the top of their wings. The butterfly has a wingspan range of 2.5 to 3 inches (6.4 to 7.6 cm). It feeds on nectar from flowers, with a preference for lantana. The female butterfly lays eggs on the leaves of host plants, and the larvae feed on specific plants in the Acanthaceae family. The adult lifespan of the butterfly ranges from one to two weeks.

Postman Butterfly (Heliconius melpomene)

Habitat: Found in Central and South America in forested areas.
Appearance: Black with red markings, having two broad red bands across the wings and reddish spots on the forewings.
Size: Wingspan ranges from 2.3 to 3.1 inches (5.8 to 7.9 cm).
Diet: Feeds on nectar from flowers such as those of Lantana camara and Hamelia patens.
Reproduction: Females lay eggs on the leaves of host plants, and larvae feed on the leaves.
Lifespan: Adult lifespan ranges from two to four weeks.

The Postman Butterfly, also known as Red Postman, is native to Central and South America, and is found mainly in forested areas. The butterfly is black with striking red markings which include two broad red bands across the wings and reddish spots on the forewings.

The wingspan of the butterfly ranges from 2.3 to 3.1 inches (5.8 to 7.9 cm). The Postman butterfly feeds on nectar from flowers such as Lantana camara and Hamelia patens. Females lay eggs on the leaves of the plants, and the larvae feed on the leaves before pupating. The adult lifespan of the Postman butterfly ranges from two to four weeks.

Peaco*ck Butterfly (Aglais io)

Habitat: Found in Europe, Asia, and North Africa, in open habitats such as gardens, grasslands, and meadows.
Appearance: Rich brown wings with eye-like markings and a distinct red band on the forewings.
Size: Wingspan ranges from 1.8 to 2.5 inches (4.5 to 6.4 cm).
Diet: Feeds on nectar from flowers such as thistles, as well as rotting fruit.
Reproduction: Females lay eggs on the leaves of stinging nettle, and the larvae feed on the plant leaves.
Lifespan: Adult lifespan ranges from six to 11 months.

The Peaco*ck Butterfly, also known as the European Peaco*ck, is found in Europe, Asia, and North Africa, mainly in open habitats such as gardens, grasslands, and meadows. The butterfly has rich brown wings with distinctive eye-like markings and a distinct red band on the forewings.

The wingspan of the butterfly ranges from 1.8 to 2.5 inches (4.5 to 6.4 cm). The Peaco*ck Butterfly feeds on nectar from flowers such as thistles, and also rotting fruit. Females lay eggs on the leaves of stinging nettle, and the larvae feed on the plant leaves.

The adult lifespan of the Peaco*ck Butterfly ranges from six to 11 months, making it one of the few butterflies that hibernate over winter.

Crimson Patch (Chlosyne janais)

Habitat: Found in South and Central America, mainly in open areas such as fields and prairies.
Appearance: Black with a red patch on each forewing, having white spots and bands along the edges.
Size: Wingspan ranges from 1.5 to 2 inches (3.8 to 5 cm).
Diet: Feeds on nectar from flowers such as goldenrod and milkweed.
Reproduction: Females lay eggs on the leaves of host plants, and the larvae feed on the leaves.
Lifespan: Adult lifespan ranges from two to three weeks.

The Crimson Patch, also known as the Janais Patch, is a butterfly species found primarily in South and Central America, mainly in open areas such as fields and prairies. The butterfly has black wings with a striking red patch on each forewing, with white spots and bands along the edges.

The wingspan of Crimson Patch ranges from 1.5 to 2 inches (3.8 to 5 cm). The Butterfly feeds on nectar from flowers such as goldenrod and milkweed. Females lay eggs on the leaves of host plants, and the larvae feed on the leaves. The adult lifespan of the Crimson Patch ranges from two to three weeks.

Red Glider (Neptis harita)

Habitat: Found in Southeast Asia, including Thailand and Malaysia, in open areas such as fields and gardens.
Appearance: Brown wings with reddish-orange markings, and a large red patch on hind wings.
Size: Wingspan ranges from 2.3 to 2.8 inches (5.8 to 7.1 cm).
Diet: Feeds on fruit juices and the nectar of flowers such as Banisteriopsis caapi.
Reproduction: Females lay eggs on the leaves of host plants, and the larvae feed on the leaves.
Lifespan: Adult lifespan ranges from two to three weeks.

The Red Glider, also known as the Rounded Palmfly, is a butterfly species found mainly in Southeast Asia, including Thailand and Malaysia, in open habitats such as fields and gardens. The butterfly has brown wings with reddish-orange markings and a large red patch on its hind wings.

The wingspan of the Red Glider ranges from 2.3 to 2.8 inches (5.8 to 7.1 cm). The butterfly feeds on fruit juices and the nectar of flowers such as Banisteriopsis caapi. Females lay eggs on the leaves of host plants, and the larvae feed on the leaves before pupating. The adult lifespan of the Red Glider ranges from two to three weeks.

Dingy Purplewing (Eunica monima)

Habitat: Found in Central and South America in forests, including rainforests and cloud forests.
Appearance: Brownish-purple wings with red-orange markings, having circular eyespots on each wing.
Size: Wingspan ranges from 2 to 2.4 inches (5 to 6.1 cm).
Diet: Feeds on the nectar of flowers such as sunflowers and Lantana camara.
Reproduction: Females lay eggs on the leaves of host plants, and the larvae feed on the leaves.
Lifespan: Adult lifespan ranges from two to three weeks.

The Dingy Purplewing is a butterfly species found mainly in Central and South America, in forests such as rainforests and cloud forests. The Butterfly has brownish-purple wings with striking red-orange markings, including circular eyespots on each wing.

The wingspan of this species ranges from 2 to 2.4 inches (5 to 6.1 cm). The Dingy Purplewing feeds on the nectar of flowers such as sunflowers and Lantana camara. Females lay eggs on the leaves of host plants, and the larvae feed on the leaves before pupating. The adult lifespan of the Dingy Purplewing ranges from two to three weeks.

Purplish Fritillary (Boloria chariclea)

Habitat: Found in Europe and Asia, mainly in open areas such as meadows and pastures.
Appearance: Orange-brown wings with a distinct pattern of black spots and red markings on the upper wing surface.
Size: Wingspan ranges from 1.7 to 2.4 inches (4.4 to 6 cm).
Diet: Feeds on thistle flowers and nectar from other flowers such as knapweeds.
Reproduction: Females lay eggs on the leaves of host plants, and the larvae feed on the leaves.
Lifespan: Adult lifespan ranges from two to three weeks.

The Purplish Fritillary, also known as Chariclea Fritillary, is a butterfly species found mainly in Europe and Asia, in open habitats such as meadows and pastures. The butterfly has orange-brown wings with a unique pattern of black spots and red markings on the upper wing surface.

The wingspan of the Purplish Fritillary ranges from 1.7 to 2.4 inches (4.4 to 6 cm). The butterfly feeds on thistle flowers and nectar from other flowers such as knapweeds. Females lay eggs on the leaves of host plants, and the larvae feed on the leaves before pupating. The adult lifespan of the Purplish Fritillary ranges from two to three weeks.

Regal Fritillary (Speyeria idalia)

Habitat: Found in North America, in native prairies and grasslands.
Appearance: Orange-brown wings with black markings, and a distinct row of red spots on each wing.
Size: Wingspan ranges from 2.5 to 3.5 inches (6.4 to 8.9 cm).
Diet: Feeds on the nectar of flowers such as milkweeds and thistles.
Reproduction: Females lay eggs on the leaves of host plants, and the larvae feed on the leaves.
Lifespan: Adult lifespan ranges from two to three weeks.

The Regal Fritillary is a butterfly species found mainly in North America, in native prairies and grasslands. The butterfly has orange-brown wings with black markings, including a distinct row of red spots on each wing. The wingspan of the Regal Fritillary ranges from 2.5 to 3.5 inches (6.4 to 8.9 cm).

The butterfly feeds on the nectar of flowers such as milkweeds and thistles. Females lay eggs on the leaves of host plants, and the larvae feed on the leaves before pupating. The adult lifespan of the Regal Fritillary ranges from two to three weeks.

The Regal Fritillary is a threatened species, with habitat loss as a major factor in their decline. Conservation efforts have been put in place to preserve their native prairie and grassland habitats.

Compton Tortoiseshell (Nymphalis vaualbum)

Habitat: Lives in forests and woodlands in Europe and Asia.
Appearance: Has red-orange patches on blackish-brown wings, and a white border around the edges.
Size: Has an average wingspan of 2.2-2.6 inches (5.5-6.5 cm).
Diet: Feeds on tree sap, rotting fruit, and flowers, and sometimes nectar from ivy and heather.
Reproduction: The female lays eggs on a variety of trees, and the caterpillars feed on the leaves before they pupate into adults.
Lifespan: Lives for about 6-8 months.

The Compton Tortoiseshell is a species of butterfly common in Asia and Europe. It is scientifically named Nymphalis vaualbum. This butterfly features fiery-red patches on blackish-brown wings with a white border that edges its wings.

The Compton Tortoiseshell butterfly inhabits woodlands and forests in Europe and Asia, making them relatively easy to spot. It is known to munch on tree sap, rotting fruit, and flowers for nourishment, and may sometimes indulge in nectar from heather or ivy.

During reproduction, female Compton Tortoiseshells lay eggs on a variety of trees, which become a food source for the emerging caterpillars. The larva grows for a period before pupating into an adult butterfly.

Although it has an average lifespan of 6-8 months, this butterfly’s light orange-red patches make for an impressive sight. It also has an average wingspan of 2.2-2.6 inches (5.5-6.5 cm), making it a small-sized butterfly.

Conclusion

There are 20 species of butterflies with striking red markings, such as the Compton Tortoiseshell, that make them stand out amidst a sea of brightly colored butterflies. Each species is unique, with their own habitat, appearance, diet, reproduction, and lifespan. I hope you enjoyed learning about these marvelous creatures and leave a comment below on your favorite butterfly!

Welcome to Insectic, a blog to learn about insects and bugs. I'm Richard, and I've created this website to share my experience, knowledge, and passion with others.

20 Butterfly Species with Red Markings - Insectic (2024)