Shenandoah National Park National Park Service

 U.S. Department of the Interior

Full Species List of Butterflies

Insects are one of the most poorly understood animal groups in 

Shenandoah National Park. Park-wide insect diversity is not well 

documented, but insect survey data are available for certain 

special habitats within the park such as rock outcrops and 

wetlands. Butterflies are one of the better understood insect 

groups at Shenandoah. Information on butterfly diversity is 

collected each summer as part of the North American Butterfly 

Association annual butterfly count. 

Large showy species such as the eastern tiger swallowtail (Papilio 

glaucus) and great spangled fritillary (Speyeria cybele) are most 

conspicuous, but small hairstreaks, coppers, skippers and blues 

may also be seen by patient observers. Most butterflies are likely 

to be observed in open areas such as Big Meadows and along 

Skyline Drive, but some, such as mourning cloaks (Nymphalis 

antiopa), eastern commas (Polygonia comma), and red admirals 

(Vanessa atalanta), may be encountered in the forest. 

The health of butterfly populations is threatened by habitat 

degradation and pesticide use. Of particular concern is the 

dramatic decline of the iconic monarch butterfly (Danaus 

plexippus), which has been attributed to the loss of milkweed 

habitat in the United States and the degradation of overwintering sites in Mexico.

This checklist was compiled on March 10, 2015 using data 

exported from the National Park Service NPSpecies database. The 

database can be accessed at https://irma.nps.gov/NPSpecies/.

Here you will find search tools that make it possible to create 

updated or customized lists. This checklist and others are found 

at https://irma.nps.gov/NPSpecies/Search/SpeciesList/SHEN. Lists 

are currently available for the following: mammals, birds, fish, 

reptiles, amphibians, butterflies, plants (complete list), trees and 

shrubs, wildflowers, ferns, and grasses. Please be advised that 

Latin scientific names often change as a result of new research; 

therefore, scientific names used here may not reflect the most 

current accepted nomenclature.

Danaus plexippus

Everes comyntas

Papilio glaucus

Junonia coenia
 Scientific Name Common Names Occ Abd Nat NPS 

Tags

Park Tags GRank SRank

Insects

Abaeis nicippe Sleepy Orange P R N ME; Sp, Su, Fa G5 VA: SNR

Achalarus lyciades Hoary-Edge Skipper P O N ME, XF; Sp, Su G4G5 VA: S5

Ancyloxypha numitor Least Skipper P C N ME, WL; Sp, Su, Fa G5 VA: S5

Anthocharis midea Falcate Orangetip P C N ME, MF, XF; Sp G4G5 VA: S4

Asterocampa celtis Hackberry Emperor P Uc N ME, MF; Sp, Su G5 VA: S5

Asterocampa clyton Tawny Emperor P Uc N MF; Su, Fa G5 VA: S5

Atalopedes campestris Sachem P A N ME; Su, Fa G5 VA: S5

Battus philenor Pipevine Swallowtail P R N ME, MF; Sp, Su, Fa G5 VA: S5

Boloria bellona Meadow Fritillary P A N ME; Sp, Su, Fa G5 VA: S5

Callophrys augustinus Brown Elfin P C N ME; Sp G5 VA: S4

Callophrys gryneus Olive Hairstreak P R N ME, XF; Sp, Su G5 VA: S4

Callophrys henrici Henry's Elfin P O N ME, XF; Sp G5 VA: S4

Callophrys niphon Eastern Pine Elfin P O N ME, XF; Sp G5 VA: S4

Calycopis cecrops Red-Banded Hairstreak P C N ME; Sp, Su, Fa G5 VA: S5

Celastrina ladon Spring Azure P A N ME, MF; Sp G4G5 VA: S5

Celastrina lucia Northern Azure P O N ME, MF, XF; Sp

Celastrina neglecta Summer Azure P A N ME, MF; Sp, Su G5 VA: S5

Celastrina neglectamajor Appalachian Azure P Uc N MF; Sp

Celastrina serotina Cherry Gall Azure P O N ME, MF; Sp G5 VA: S2S4

Cercyonis pegala Common Wood Nymph P A N PW; Su, Fa G5 VA: S5

Chlosyne nycteis Silvery Checkerspot P A N ME, MF, WL; Sp, Su G5 VA: S4

Colias eurytheme Orange Sulphur P A N ME; Sp, Su, Fa G5 VA: S5

Colias philodice Clouded Sulphur P A N ME; Sp, Su, Fa G5 VA: S5

Danaus plexippus Monarch P C N ME; Sp, Su, Fa G5 VA: S4

Enodia anthedon Northern Pearly Eye P Uc N ME, MF; Su

Epargyreus clarus Silver-Spotted Skipper P A N ME, MF, WL; Sp, Su, Fa G5 VA: S5

Erora laeta Early Hairstreak P O N ME, MF; Sp, Su GU VA: S2

Erynnis baptisiae Wild Indigo Duskywing P C N ME, RO; Sp, Su, Fa G5 VA: S5

Erynnis brizo Sleepy Duskywing P A N ME, RO, XF; Sp G5 VA: S5

Bookmark this report: https://irma.nps.gov/NPSpecies/Reports/Park/Species List/SHEN?

UnitCode=SHEN&CategoryCode=8&SortOrder=Sci&ShowSyonyms=False&ShowInReview=False

This report is filtered by the following Taxonomic Categories: Insects

Species List Page 1 of 5 6/23/2015 2:27:31 PM

National Park Service

U.S. Department of the Interior

Species List for Shenandoah National Park (SHEN)

This represents information currently in the NPSpecies data system at the date and time the list was generated. Records are continually 

being added or updated by National Park Service staff. There is a key with definitions at the bottom of the report. To report an error or 

make a suggestion, go to https://irma.nps.gov/npspecies/suggest. 
 Scientific Name Common Names Occ Abd Nat NPS 

Tags

Park Tags GRank SRank

Erynnis horatius Horace's Duskywing P C N ME; Sp, Su, Fa G5 VA: S5

Erynnis icelus Dreamy Duskywing P A N ME, MF; Sp G5 VA: S5

Erynnis juvenalis Juvenal's Duskywing P C N ME, MF, XF; Sp G5 VA: S5

Euphydryas phaeton Baltimore P R N ME, WL; Su G4 VA: SU

Euphyes vestris Dun Skipper P C N ME, MF; Su, Fa G5 VA: S5

Euptoieta claudia Variegated Fritillary P Uc N ME; Su, Fa G5 VA: S5

Eurytides marcellus Zebra Swallowtail P Uc N ME, MF, WL; Sp, Su G5 VA: S5

Everes comyntas Eastern Tailed Blue P A N ME; Sp, Su, Fa

Feniseca tarquinius Harvester P R N MF, WL; Sp, Su, Fa G4 VA: S4

Glaucopsyche lygdamus Silvery Blue P R N XF; Sp G5 VA: S3S4

Hesperia sassacus Indian Skipper P R N ME; Sp, Su G4G5 VA: S4

Junonia coenia Common Buckeye P C N ME; Su, Fa G5 VA: S5

Libytheana carinenta American Snout P Uc N ME, MF, WL; Sp, Su, Fa G5 VA: S5

Limenitis archippus Viceroy P O N ME, WL; Sp, Su, Fa G5 VA: S5

Limenitis arthemis astyanax Red-Spotted Purple P C N ME, MF; Sp, Su G5T5 VA: S5

Lycaena phlaeas American Copper P C N ME; Sp, Su, Fa G5 VA: S5

Megisto cymela Little Wood Satyr P Uc N ME, MF; Sp, Su G5 VA: S5

Nathalis iole Dainty Sulphur P O N ME; Sp, Su, Fa G5

Nymphalis antiopa Mourning Cloak P C N ME, MF, WL; All G5 VA: S5

Papilio appalachiensis Appalachian Tiger 

Swallowtail

P O N ME, MF; Sp

Papilio cresphontes Giant Swallowtail P O N ME; Sp, Su, Fa G5 VA: S4?

Papilio glaucus Eastern Tiger 

Swallowtail

P A N ME, MF, WL; Sp, Su, Fa G5 VA: S5

Papilio palamedes Palamedes Swallowtail P O N MF, WL; Sp, Su, Fa G4 VA: S4

Papilio polyxenes Black Swallowtail P C N ME, WL; Sp, Su, Fa G5 VA: S5

Papilio troilus Spicebush Swallowtail P A N MF, WL; Sp, Su, Fa G4? VA: S5

Parrhasius m-album White-M Hairstreak P O N ME; Sp, Su, Fa G5 VA: S4

Phoebis sennae Cloudless Sulphur P O N ME; Su, Fa G5 VA: SNR

Pholisora catullus Common Sootywing P Uc N ME; Sp, Su, Fa G5 VA: S5

Phyciodes tharos Pearl Crescent P A N ME; Sp, Su, Fa G5 VA: S5

Pieris rapae Cabbage White P A Nn ME, WL; Sp, Su, Fa G5 VA: SNA

Pieris virginiensis West Virginia White P Uc N ME; Sp

Poanes hobomok Hobomok Skipper P A N ME, MF; Sp, Su G5 VA: S4S5

Poanes zabulon Zabulon Skipper P A N ME, MF; Sp, Su, Fa G5 VA: S5

Polites origenes Crossline Skipper P O N ME; Sp, Su, Fa G4G5 VA: S5

Species List Page 2 of 5 6/23/2015 2:27:31 PM

National Park Service

U.S. Department of the Interior

Species List for Shenandoah National Park (SHEN)

This represents information currently in the NPSpecies data system at the date and time the list was generated. Records are continually 

being added or updated by National Park Service staff. There is a key with definitions at the bottom of the report. To report an error or 

make a suggestion, go to https://irma.nps.gov/npspecies/suggest. 
 Scientific Name Common Names Occ Abd Nat NPS 

Tags

Park Tags GRank SRank

Polites peckius Peck's Skipper P A N ME; Sp, Su, Fa G5 VA: S5

Polygonia comma Eastern Comma P C N ME, MF, WL; All G5 VA: S5

Polygonia interrogationis Question Mark P C N ME, MF; Sp, Su, Fa G5 VA: S5

Polygonia progne Gray Comma P Uc N MF; Sp, Su, Fa G4G5 VA: S4

Pompeius verna Little Glassywing P C N ME, MF; Sp, Su, Fa G5 VA: S5

Pontia protodice Checkered White P O N ME; Sp, Su, Fa G4 VA: S4

Pyrgus communis Common Checkered 

Skipper

P Uc N ME; Su, Fa G5 VA: S5

Pyrisitia lisa Little Yellow P O N ME; Su, Fa G5 VA: S5

Satyrium calanus Banded Hairstreak P A N ME, MF; Su G5 VA: S5

Satyrium caryaevorum Hickory Hairstreak P R N ME, MF; Su

Satyrium liparops Striped Hairstreak P Uc N ME, MF; Su G5 VA: S4

Speyeria aphrodite Aphrodite Fritillary P C N ME; Su, Fa G5 VA: S5

Speyeria cybele Great Spangled Fritillary P A N ME, WL; Su, Fa G5 VA: S5

Staphylus hayhurstii Hayhurst's Scallopwing P O N MF, WL; Sp, Su G5 VA: S4

Strymon melinus Gray Hairstreak P Uc N ME; Sp, Su, Fa G5 VA: S5

Thorybes pylades Northern Cloudywing P O N ME; Sp, Su G5 VA: S5

Vanessa atalanta Red Admiral P C N ME; Sp, Su, Fa G5 VA: S5

Vanessa cardui Painted Lady P C N ME; Sp, Su, Fa G5 VA: S5

Vanessa virginiensis American Lady P C N ME; Sp, Su, Fa G5 VA: S5

Report Species Count: 82

Key

Code Term Definition

Occurrence (Occ) P Present Species occurs in park; current, reliable evidence available.

PP Probably Present High confidence species occurs in park but current, verified evidence needed.

Un Unconfirmed Species is attributed to park but evidence is weak or absent.

NP Not In Park Species is not known to occur in park.

Occurrence Tags A Adjacent Species is known to occur in areas near to or contiguous with park boundaries.

FR False Report Species was reported to occur within the park, but current evidence indicates 

the report was based on misidentification, a taxonomic concept no longer 

accepted, or other similar problem of error or interpretation.

H Historical Species' historical occurrence in park is documented. Assigned based on 

judgment as opposed to determination based on age of the most recent 

evidence.

NPSpecies - The National Park Service biodiversity database. IRMA Portal version. https://irma.nps.gov/npspecies/. Accessed 6/23/2015 

2:27:31 PM

Species List Page 3 of 5 6/23/2015 2:27:31 PM

National Park Service

U.S. Department of the Interior

Species List for Shenandoah National Park (SHEN)

This represents information currently in the NPSpecies data system at the date and time the list was generated. Records are continually 

being added or updated by National Park Service staff. There is a key with definitions at the bottom of the report. To report an error or 

make a suggestion, go to https://irma.nps.gov/npspecies/suggest. 
Abundance (Abd) A Abundant Animals: May be seen daily, in suitable habitat and season, and counted in 

relatively large numbers. Plants, Chromista, Protozoa, and Fungi: Large number 

of individuals; wide ecological amplitude or occurring in habitats covering a large 

portion of the park

C Common Animals: May be seen daily, in suitable habitat and season, but not in large 

numbers. Plants, Chromista, Protozoa, and Fungi: Large numbers of individuals 

predictably occurring in commonly encountered habitats but not those covering 

a large portion of the park

Uc Uncommon Animals: Likely to be seen monthly in appropriate habitat and season. May be 

locally common. Plants, Chromista, Protozoa, and Fungi: Few to moderate 

numbers of individuals; occurring either sporadically in commonly encountered 

habitats or in uncommon habitats

R Rare Animals: Present, but usually seen only a few times each year. Plants, Chromista, 

Protozoa, and Fungi: Few individuals, usually restricted to small areas of rare 

habitat

O Occasional Animals: Occurs in the park at least once every few years, varying in numbers, 

but not necessarily every year. Plants, Chromista, Protozoa, and Fungi: 

Abundance variable from year to year (e.g., desert plants)

U Unknown Abundance unknown

Nativeness (Nat) N Native Species naturally occurring in park or region.

Nn Non-native Species occurring on park lands as a result of deliberate or accidental human 

activities.

U Unknown Nativeness status is unknown or ambiguous.

Nativeness Tags R Restoration Also refers to reintroductions. Native species that has been extirpated or 

substantially diminished from the park as a result of human-induced change, and 

that has been or is in the process of being restored.

C Cultivated Species has been introduced or is maintained as part of the park's mission, 

significance, or cultural landscape (e.g., orchards, crops, fields)

I Invasive Non-native species whose introduction is likely to cause economic or 

environmental harm.

N Noxious Designation by a governmental authority. Species grows aggressively and has 

broad environmental tolerance that allows it to establish in many locations.

Management Tags EC Exploitation 

Concern

Species is considered a target for collection, poaching, commercial harvesting, or 

other non-permitted or exploitative activities.

MP Management 

Priority

Species warrants particular management attention as determined by park 

management staff.

Seasonality Tags B Breeder Population reproduces in the park.

R Resident A significant population is maintained in the park but does not breed within park 

boundaries.

M Migratory Species occurs in the park only while in transition between breeding and 

wintering grounds.

S Summer Typically spending only summer months in the park.

W Winter Typically spending only winter months in the park.

Species List Page 4 of 5 6/23/2015 2:27:31 PM

National Park Service

U.S. Department of the Interior

Species List for Shenandoah National Park (SHEN)

This represents information currently in the NPSpecies data system at the date and time the list was generated. Records are continually 

being added or updated by National Park Service staff. There is a key with definitions at the bottom of the report. To report an error or 

make a suggestion, go to https://irma.nps.gov/npspecies/suggest. 
Seasonality Tags V Vagrant Park is outside of species' usual range.

ParkTags Code Term Definition

Vegetation Life Form Form

Tr Tree Tree

Sh Shrub Shrub

Vi Vine Vine

He Herb Herb

Gr Graminoid Graminoid (grass)

Fe Fern Fern

Ly Lycopod Lycopod

Habitat Hab

AQ Aquatic Within rivers, streams and ponds

CU Cultural Planted by humans, either by pre-park residents or park employees/contractors

FE Forest Edge Forest borders and field margins

ME Meadow Meadows, fields, lawns, forest clearings, and ruderal habitats

MF Mesic forest Mesic and dry-mesic forests; represents a majority of park’s forested area

RO Rock outcrop Exposed and shaded outcrops, boulder fields, talus slopes, and rocky barrens

SS Shrub/Scrub Second growth forest and habitats dominated by shrubs

WL Wetland Riparian areas, seeps, springs, fens, swamps, and wetland hummocks

XF Xeric forest Dry forests, including heath woodlands and shrublands

PW Park wide Park wide

Seasons when the species 

is most easily 

encountered. 

Seas

Sp Spring Spring (Mar, Apr, May)

Su Summer Summer (Jun, Jul, Aug)

Fa Fall Fall (Sept, Oct)

Wi Winter Winter (Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb)

All All Year All Year Round

GRank and SRank information is provided by NatureServe (www.natureserve.org) and its network of natural heritage member programs, a 

leading source of information about rare and endangered species, and threatened ecosystems.

Species List Page 5 of 5 6/23/2015 2:27:31 PM

National Park Service

U.S. Department of the Interior

Species List for Shenandoah National Park (SHEN)

This represents information currently in the NPSpecies data system at the date and time the list was generated. Records are continually 

being added or updated by National Park Service staff. There is a key with definitions at the bottom of the report. To report an error or 

make a suggestion, go to https://irma.nps.gov/npspecies/suggest.