I will be talking to Master Naturalists tonight about Indiana Butterflies. Programs about nature are popular during the summer in our area. Purdue Entomology hosts a Butterfly Encounter on the 3rd Saturday of July, primarily for novices and youngsters who want to learn more about butterflies and nature. Arwin Provonsha and I put together a short pictorial guide to butterflies most commonly seen in local nature areas in Indiana. The guide can be printed on 8 X 10 and placed in a clear photo sleeve for a two sided guide. Side one has the largest butterflies half of natural size. Side two has smaller butterflies and skippers, full size. Many butterflies can be accurately identified by sight, but others (including sulphurs and small skippers) require collecting the specimen and observing small details. We find this useful as a general guide to get started, & to talk about butterflies and their biology in the field. It is not intended to replace more detailed taxonomic keys. A two-sided card is easier for novices to use than longer, more detailed booklets. There are notes pertaining to the ID on the card. Refer to a butterfly guide for more details.
You are welcome to print and use the guide. Comments? Suggestions? I am always trying to improve presentations. Caution- File sizes are 1-2 MB.
Common Indiana Butterflies
One half actual size when printed on 8 X 10.
Common Indiana Butterflies
Actual size when printed on 8 X 10
where are the butterflies this year? I haven’t seen any. at least not in my yard. i have planted bee balm and other butterfly attracting flowers. I also feed a lot of birds. are they eating the larvae?