Ohio Pollinators

Frosted Elfin Butterfly (Callophrys irus)

The Conservancy’s Kitty Todd Preserve and the Oak Openings region are the only places where this state-endangered butterfly can be found in Ohio. These small butterflies are some of the first you will see as warm weather arrives. Their numbers have been in decline, and this species may soon be federally listed as endangered. TNC and local partners in the region are working to restore and better manage the oak savanna habitats that these butterflies prefer.

Karner Blue Butterfly (Lycaeides melissa samuelis)

Spring in Northwest Ohio boasts an abundant population of wild blue lupine, the only plant upon which the larvae of the federally-endangered Karner blue butterfly feed. The Oak Openings is the only region in the state that has the right soils to support the lupine population. The best time to see them bloom is during the month of May. Celebrate these blooms and the uniqueness of the Oak Openings region with us and the Green Ribbon Initiative Partnership during Blue Week each year. 

Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus)

Monarch butterflies are likely the best known in Ohio and occur in all 88 counties. Monarchs are known for their long, multi-generational migration to and from Mexico. Typically, adults first arrive in Ohio in late spring and lay their eggs exclusively on milkweed plants. In fall, thousands of monarch butterflies start making their way south again. Keep your eyes peeled for this iconic species in larger numbers around September and October at our Morgan Swamp Preserve. Learn about other must-see migrations that travel through Ohio. 

Northern Pearly-eye butterfly (Enodia anthedon)

Our volunteers report usually seeing about four northern pearly-eye butterflies each season, but in 2020 counted 23 at the Conservancy's  Big Darby Creek Headwaters Nature Preserve. Its larva feeds on grasses such as bottlebrush. Our work to restore the headwaters into more natural meandering streams, reforest portions of the retired ag fields, and manage for invasive species to protect the prairie-like fields is proving beneficial to this species.

Falcate orangetip butterfly (Anthocharis midea)

A welcome sign of spring, this small butterfly depends on some of the early mustards both as a host plant and for nectar. It can be common in portions of the southern and eastern Ohio, but may be limited in other parts of the state as well. They prefer wooded areas. Search for them at our Joan Jones Portman Trail in Adams county.

Leonard's Skipper (Hesperia leonardus)

Skippers are an intermediary between butterflies and moths. Their bodies are more stout like moths, but when resting, they tend to hold their wings upright like butterflies. Sometimes though, they hold their wings in what is called the 'jet fighter' position. This little skipper depends on the prairie grasses that the Conservancy maintains as a part of our grassland management at the Edge of Appalachia Preserve System, including both little bluestem and big bluestem. 

Ohio Moths

Similar to butterflies, moths are born from eggs laid near food sources, and begin their life cycle as caterpillars before entering adulthood through metamorphosis. A primary difference is a vertical positioning of moths’ wings. Most are active at night and while some might consider them pests, they are an important piece of the ecosystem. Ohio boasts thousands of species of moths. Caterpillars in particular are an important food source and many just so happen to emerge in time for migratory birds to snack on as they fly through the state in the fall.

Unexpected Cycnia Moth (Cycnia collaris)

This state-endangered species of moth feeds exclusively on milkweed plants in its caterpillar stage and is most often seen on butterfly-weed (Asclepias tuberosa) as in this photo. The orange color of the caterpillars blend well with the bright orange of the butterfly-weed blooms. Adult moths are completely white. They are most active during the summer months and can be found in Ohio’s Oak Openings region and the prairie remnants of Adams county like those at our E. Lucy Braun Lynx Prairie Preserve.

Eastern Buck Moth (Hemileuca maia)

Unlike many of their counterparts, these furry buck moths fly during the day and only later in the season, even until the first frost (October and into November). They prefer the wooded edges of Ohio’s oak forests. More common in the southern U.S. than in Ohio, we are always excited to find them at our Kitty Todd Nature Preserve or our Edge of Appalachia Preserve. 

Cecropia Moth (Hyalophora cecropia)

Found throughout Ohio, the massive cecropia moth is the largest regularly-occurring moth species in the state. These moths typically prefer places where a forest meets a large open space such as an old field or meadow. Its vibrant-looking caterpillars can grow as large as a hot dog. Look for these at our Lucia S. Nash Preserve or Morgan Swamp Preserve.