markings but is readily distinguishable by the three white
spots on the tops of each forewing. Their larger size (about
three and a half inches across) and slow flight pattern
with lots of resting in between make them easy to spot all
summer and fall in Kiawah. They are readily attracted to
any butterfly garden, and love the wonderful variety of
native plants found in the Naturally Kiawah Demonstration
Garden in Night Heron Park. Look for them around the
Island’s abundant lantana. All varieties of passionflower
vines are host sites for their caterpillars. Like the cloudless
sulphurs, they will migrate southward in the fall, generally
wintering in south Florida.
Perhaps our most notable guest of the butterfly
species is the iconic monarch, Daaus plexippus, arguably the
best known of all butterflies. About four inches across, they
are bright orange with familiar black and white markings
along the outside of their wings. They are common on
Kiawah during the summer and fall. Their larvae reside
exclusively on milkweed plants. The eastern population of
this colorful specimen is most noted for its two thousand
mile migration that takes place every fall. They leave their
summer resting places as far north as Canada and fly up
to two thousand miles to the mountains of Mexico. The
lifespan of a monarch is usually about two months, but
those that migrate south last almost seven months during the
winter phase.
These five types of butterflies bring color and
vibrancy to every part of Kiawah. Take the time to get to
know them. They will lead you to sunny places where you
can slow down for a few minutes and just enjoy. n
Butterflies Common to Kiawah Island
Cloudless Sulphur photo by Tina Schell
Gulf Fritillary photo by Illene Olanoff
Monarch photo by Ann Gridley
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Phaon Crescent photo by Jack Kotz
Zebra Longwing photo by Diane Supple
White Peacock photo by Pamela Cohen
Common Buckeye phot