How to Identify Butterflies From Pictures

Use an identification guide that has butterflies found only in the region in which you see the butterfly. For example, if you see the butterfly in the Western U.S., then use a butterfly identification guide for species found in the Western U.S. This will help narrow down the butterfly species options.

Note the main colors of the butterfly while its wings are spread open and when viewed from the side when closed. The color patterns on the underside and upper side of the butterfly wings will vary.

Look to see if the butterfly has any eyespots. Some species, such as the buckeye, have spots that look like eyes to scare away predators. The number, coloration, and location of the eyespots are unique to each species of butterfly.

Look for patterns around the edge of the butterfly wings. In some species, there will be a lined pattern that outlines the wings.

Determine the color of the body of the butterfly. Usually the body color blends with the dominant wing color.

Examine the tail of the butterfly. Some have a short blunt tail while others have a long and/or forked tail. The shape of the tail helps determine which genus the butterfly belongs to, and can narrow down the species.

Compare all of these physical characteristics to the butterfly photos. Except for rare species, you should be able to identify your butterfly from a photo in almost any regional identification resource.