Butterflies in Massachusetts

With their colorful wings and delicate demeanor, butterflies brighten up the Massachusetts landscape when they arrive or awaken each spring. Along with moths, all butterflies belong to the Lepidoptera order. There are more than 100 butterfly species in Massachusetts varying in size and color and many act as crucial pollinators for native plants. 

Where to Find Butterflies

In addition to wildflower-filled meadows, these fascinating insects live in a broad spectrum of habitats including forests, heathlands, bogs, swamps, even salt marshes—anywhere where their caterpillar food plants and sources of nectars for adults are found. 

How You Can Help Butterflies 

Habitat loss, pesticide use, and other factors threaten many of the butterfly species, along with many of our other native pollinators. One way to help butterflies is to create a pollinator garden using native and beneficial plants. Find out how