Hotspots!–Guides to Finding Butterflies in Wisconsin

The following guides to finding lepidoptera in rich butterfly areas in Wisconsin were developed by Ann Swengel, noted lepidopterist. All guides include best times to visit, habitat requirements, tips for searching, identification clues, maps, and more.

• The Delightful Diversity of Butterflies at Crex Meadows by Ann Swengel (download pdf file) The northwest corner of Wisconsin holds several surprises: Mottled Duskywing, Leadplant Moth, Purplish Copper, Karner Blue, Western Tailed-Blue, and much more.

• The Bountiful Butterflies and Birds of Buena Vista Grasslands by Ann Swengel (download pdf file) Don’t miss this exciting grassland in central Wisconsin, where you can find Regal Fritillary, Gray Copper, Karner Blue, Leonard’s Skipper, and several rare species of grassland birds.

• The Beguiling Butterflies of the Jackson County Pine-Oak Barrens by Ann Swengel (download pdf file) The many special lepidoptera of the central Wisconsin pine-oak barrens are definitely worth a road trip. Learn where to find such elusive species as Frosted Elfin, ‘Karner’ Melissa Blue, Phlox Moth, Olympia Marble, Gorgone Checkerspot, Persisus Duskywing, Cobweb Skipper, Leonard’s Skipper, and Dusted Skipper. The data and observations in this article are based on more than 20 years of surveys. This detailed guide is almost like having Ann and Scott Swengel with you in the field!

• Update on Finding Frosted Elfins in Jackson County, Wisconsin by Ann Swengel (download pdf file) This three-page guide is an update to Ann’s article on the butterflies of Pine-Oak Barrens in Jackson County. Since that article, an underground gas pipeline was layed through prime Frosted Elfin habitat. The Frosted Elfin is a Threatened species. Fortunately, the DNR implemented many measures to mitigate the effects of the pipeline. Ann discusses how this has worked out for Frosted Elfins. What locations no longer have Frosted Elfins and what new locations now have them? This guide provides detailed information on where to look for Frosted Elfins, based on years of surveys by Ann and Scott Swengel.

• The Fascinating Butterflies of Northwestern Wisconsin Bogs by Ann Swengel (download pdf file) Wisconsin bogs are one of the most accessible places in North America to explore peatland butterflies. Find out where to find such rarities as Bog Coppers; Dorcas Coppers; Freija, Frigga, and Purplish fritillaries; Jutta Arctic; and Red-Disked Alpines, plus many other butterflies. You will also learn the difference between a “cowabunga” bog and a “heart-attack” bog!

• NEW: Butterflies to Log, in and near Northern Wisconsin’s Bogs by Ann Swengel (download pdf file) This 2019 guide supplements the above Bog guide to Northwestern Wisconsin (2009). Not only do you get to visit a habitat less affected by modern civilization, but you are also treated to the amazing story of plants and animals left behind as the glaciation of the last Ice Age retreated northward. “Here I’d like to specify some bogs to visit in other parts of northern Wisconsin, and add what I’ve learned about these species in the intervening years, with updated timing information.”

• NEW: A Most Surprising Wisconsin Butterfly Destination: Leola Marsh. by Ann Swengel (download pdf file) “I remain astonished that Leola is also an interesting destination for butterflies. It took me a long time to notice. We’d been visiting Leola for years because of the grassland birds. It was only by accident that we stumbled onto noticing Purplish Coppers here. This is the species of most note here.”

• NEW: Heavenly Finds atop Wisconsin Hogback Prairie by Ann Swengel (download pdf file) Hogback Prairie is a magnificent long ridge of native, never tilled tallgrass prairie. That type of habitat has been about 99% destroyed due to human development, with tremendous decline and loss of the butterflies and other species specialized to live there. “In our long-term monitoring of Regal Fritillaries in Wisconsin, Hogback has both the densest population and the best trend (wonderfully positive). Besides the breath-taking views, this ridge is also the best place I know of in Wisconsin to see hilltopping.”