Butterfly Watching

Just as each bird watcher was once blind to the rich bird life around him or her, many people have not yet noticed the "flying wildflowers" within their midst. But from early May through September the butterflies blossom forth and can be readily observed.

Viewing Techniques

Butterfly watching is similar to birding. Binoculars allow viewing from a distance and make a net unnecessary. The binoculars most suitable for butterflies are able to focus closely - 15 feet or less. Another good technique is to slowly approach butterflies until you get very close. Most people are amazed at how close they can get - just inches away! Or instead of observing, you can "collect" a butterfly by photographing it with a 35mm camera and macro lens. Macro photography allows you to see a butterfly in more stunning detail than if you held it in your hand! The best type of macro lens has a 100mm focal length and focuses to "life-size" without and adaptor.

Field Guides

As in birding, a field guide is useful in learning the 130 or so species of butterflies regularly found in Wisconsin. The Audubon guide is thorough but the compact Golden Guide is handy. Once you have learned to recognize butterflies, you may want to keep a "life list" or do a Fourth of July Count or submit your observations to the Wisconsin Entomological Society.

Habitats

To see a variety of butterflies, visit varied habitats in different parts of the state. Certain spots are especially productive: sunny paths and roads through woodlands, puddles, alfalfa fields, wetlands such as a sedge meadow or a bog, and sunny, flowery areas.

Butterfly Behaviors

Butterfly watchers can observe a wealth of behavior as well as splendid color patterns. Often a pair will spiral upwards in a courtship "whirlabout." You will see butterfly aggression, defense of territory, migration, mating, nectaring at flowers, basking in sunshine, socializing at puddles, predator evasion, egg laying, patrolling, and more. And when you think you have exhausted the possibilities of butterflying, don't put those binoculars away! Check out that twelve-spot skimmer dragonfly!

Page content was adapted from a 1990 article by Karl Legler.