Different Butterflies & Caterpillars

Identification of Butterflies

• Butterflies and moths are in the order Lepidoptera. If you know the colors of the butterfly's wings, the shape of the hindwing or bottom wing, and any patterns on the body and wing, then the possible type of the butterfly narrows. Still, 537 black and brown butterflies exist, while 216 red and orange butterflies exist. Websites like Discover Life make the identification easier by categorizing butterflies in various colors, shapes, locations, patterns, scientific groups and other important factors.

Identification of Caterpillars

• The larval type of Lepidoptera is known as a caterpillar. Caterpillars break down into identifications by body color, main pattern of the body, hair density and distinct features, such as tail, head horns, spines or split tail. If you spot a caterpillar, inspect its main body color, perhaps black, brown or green. Some caterpillars also have spots, stripes or camouflage patterns. A hairy caterpillar indicates a less innocent variety, which might be poisonous. If unable to name your specific caterpillars, Butterflies and Mothers of North America (BAMONA) classifies butterflies, caterpillars and moths by pictures throughout the organization's website.

Caterpillars in the Garden

• A caterpillar causes a lot of damage in the garden before getting into its cocoon and blossoming into a butterfly that decorates petals and pollenates as it flutters around. Other caterpillars turn into moths. A pale green, mushy-bodied caterpillar with stripes is a cabbage looper -- very dangerous for gardens with kale, collard greens and lettuce. The hairy caterpillars also send out red flags because of poisonous connotations, even though some species are non-poisonous like the black-bristled larvae of the Giant Leopard Moth.

So Many Butterflies

• The same butterflies you find in your backyard differ by region. In North America alone are swallowtails, brush-footed and gossamers. Swallowtails are known for their hindwings, which have a longer tip than other butterflies. Brush-footed butterflies are normally orange and black with white spots, such as the Monarch or Viceroy. Gossamer wing butterflies hold the wings together when at rest. Some gossamers shine in translucent colors like the blue, violet and green wings of the Great Purple Hairstreak. However, the Gray Hairstreak is the same but devoid of such colorful wings.