Butterflies Along Alaska's Hiking Trails

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Canadian Tiger Swallowtail
Papilio canadensis

These large and beautiful butterflies have been unusually abundant throughout the Anchorage area this summer (2002). This one was found at the Flattop Mountain trailhead at about 2000' elevation, but is frequently seen at lower elevations. They are usually found in or near deciduous or mixed forests. They overwinter in the chrysalis. They range across much of Canada, Alaska, and several other northern states of the US. Adults nectar on a wide variety of flowers.


Here are some more recent Hopson photos of this species (with a better camera):
Large dorsal view on some forget-me-nots
Large ventral view of the same butterfly
Several males "puddling" in some mud

You will find more information on this species of butterfly by clicking here and here.
Also check out this website: Butterflies of Alaska

Click any of the smaller photos for more butterflies found along Southcentral Alaska's hiking trails.

For other scenes along the hiking trails: Back to the Fat Old Lady's Climbing Page



Canadian Tiger Swallowtail

 
Old World Swallowtail

    
Phoebus Parnassian

 
Milbert's Tortoiseshell

swallowtail

old world

phoebus parnassian

tortoiseshell

  
Mourning Cloak

  
Spring Azure

 
 Silvery Blue


Northern Blue

mourning cloak

spring azure

silvery blue

northern blue thumbnail

 
Painted Lady


Arctic Skipper


Green Comma

  
Arctic White

painted lady

arctic skipper

green comma

arctic white


Western White

 
Creamy Marblewing


 Arctic Fritillary


Mountain Fritillary

western white

large marblewing

arctic fritillary

mountain fritillary


Silver-Bordered Fritillary


Mormon Fritillary

 
Palaeno Sulphur


Clouded Sulphur

silver-bordered frit

mormon frit

Palaeno Sulphur

common sulphur

 
Ross's Alpine

 
Field Crescent

Arctic (Ross's) Alpine