Bright orange Marigold with dark brown winged moth. The moth is the size of the flower enter, and contrasts with the color. Macro shot

About 80 different butterfly species can be found in Colorado, with the black swallowtail, two-tailed swallowtail, western swallowtail, monarch, mourning cloak, variegated fritillary, Weidemeyer’s admiral, painted lady, and checkered skipper being the most prevalent. After the Colorado Senate Bill 96-122 was approved, Colorado became the 37th state to formally designate a state insect, the Colorado Hairstreak (Hypauurotis chrysalis). A montane butterfly, the Colorado Hairstreak is typically found in hills and canyons between 6500 and 9000 feet. photo credit: Lenny Frieling  Read More