Incredible Insects! #5 Butterfly.

Hi everyone and welcome back to another post on Incredible Insects! We are still checking out butterflies from our area of the world, so admittedly, most and maybe all of these butterflies will not be found in your area.

However, if you live in the northeastern part of North America, you just might see some of these beautiful butterflies. Today we will look at a rather uncommon butterfly in our area, the Macoun’s Arctic butterfly. This butterfly has a wingspan of 2 to 2 1/2 inches (5 to 6.25 cm).

Macoun’s Arctic Butterfly with wings spread, it’s unusual to see it this way.

It is actually a rare, but regular species of butterfly in our area and can only be seen in even numbered years. That means it won’t be around this year.

Macoun’s Arctic sitting with wings folded, it’s usual position.

They can be found from early June to early July usually in forest clearings, roadsides and trails. They will seldom sit with wings spread so it is a wonderful treat to see it.

The adult butterfly seldom feeds on nectar from flowers, instead getting it’s nutrients from sap and damp soil, and other things when available. The caterpillar feeds on grasses and sedges and this species overwinters as an adult caterpillar.

Another view.

I have twice seen this rare butterfly and was able to get pictures both times. I hope you all have a great weekend and God bless!

Steve and Muffin.

©2025 Steve McLeod.