If you enjoy butterfly observation or studying the different types of butterflies in your town, it is helpful to know about some of the more common species in your area to help you in your search. If you live in Michigan, you should be able to see many different butterfly species that inhabit the entire state.
The goatweed leafwing resembles an old, dead leaf and inhabits open fields, areas with water and along road sides. The goatweed leafwing is grayish-brown on its underside and reddish-brown on the top of its wings. It typically eats rotten fruit and dung.
The monarch is a common butterfly inhabiting most of Michigan's fields, meadows and marshes. Its bright orange and black coloration is easily identifiable, and it typically feeds on milkweed, lilacs and clover. The monarch includes Michigan on its migratory path to Mexico.
The black swallowtail is related to the common tiger swallowtail, but has a distinctive pitch-black coloration with blue and yellow spots on the edges of its wings. The black swallowtail is common in the southern regions of Michigan, inhabiting the marshes and fields, feeding on clover and thistles.
