Texas is a hub for butterfly diversity, with over 400 recorded species—more than any other state. This variety is a direct result of the state’s vast size and unique geography, which encompasses habitats from the pineywoods and coastal plains to the Chihuahuan Desert. This convergence of ecosystems allows species from the Great Plains, the Rocky Mountains, and Mexico’s subtropics to find a suitable home within its borders.
Common Texas Butterflies
Several species are commonly seen across the state. The Gulf Fritillary, a bright orange butterfly, is a frequent sight in gardens and open areas, with its caterpillars feeding on passionflower vines. Another widespread resident is the Black Swallowtail, a large, dark butterfly with yellow and blue markings. Its larvae feed on plants in the carrot family, including parsley, dill, and fennel.
The Queen butterfly, a relative of the Monarch, is prevalent in the southern half of the state. It has rich, mahogany-brown wings bordered in black and is distinguished from the Monarch by its lack of heavy black veining; its caterpillars feed on milkweed. The Giant Swallowtail, one of North America’s largest butterflies, is brown-black with a diagonal band of yellow spots. Its caterpillars, which resemble bird droppings, feed on citrus plants.
The Great Monarch Migration
Texas holds a unique position in the annual migration of the Monarch butterfly, the state insect. The state acts as a central flyway for millions of these insects as they travel up to 3,000 miles between their overwintering grounds in Mexico and summer breeding areas in the U.S. and Canada. This long-distance journey occurs in two distinct phases that pass directly through the state.
The northward spring migration is a multi-generational advance. Monarchs from Mexico lay eggs on Texas milkweed, and their offspring continue the journey north. The fall migration is a more concentrated event, with a single “super-generation” funneling south through Texas. These butterflies rely on the nectar from autumn flowers to fuel the final leg of their flight to Mexico.
Creating a Butterfly-Friendly Garden
Attracting butterflies to a garden involves a two-part approach: providing nectar for adults and host plants for their young. A successful habitat supports the entire life cycle. Planting a variety of nectar-producing flowers that bloom throughout the seasons ensures a continuous food source for adult butterflies. Native Texas plants like Gregg’s Mistflower, Texas Lantana, and Purple Coneflower are excellent, drought-tolerant choices.
Including host plants—the specific plants caterpillars feed on—is also necessary for a complete habitat. Female butterflies will only lay their eggs on the correct host plants, making them essential for supporting the next generation. Researching which host plants attract the specific butterflies you wish to see is the key to success.
Top Butterfly Viewing Destinations
For those wishing to see a high concentration of butterflies, Texas offers several premier destinations. In the Lower Rio Grande Valley, the National Butterfly Center in Mission is a world-class location. This area is renowned for its incredible biodiversity, hosting species found nowhere else in the United States.
The Texas Hill Country, with locations like the Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge, provides an excellent opportunity for butterfly watching, especially during the Monarch migration. The refuge’s diverse habitats of forests and canyons support a wide array of species. Along the coast, destinations such as the Port Aransas Nature Preserve offer chances to see migratory species funneling along the Gulf.