Butterflies in New Jersey: Identification & Control Guide

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​Butterflies are winged insects belonging to the order Lepidoptera, closely related to moths. They are admired for their beauty and play an important role in pollination. While butterflies themselves are not considered pests, their larvae (caterpillars) can become problematic when they feed heavily on garden plants, crops, and landscaping.

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• Plant Damage: Caterpillars chew through leaves, flowers, and crops, sometimes stripping plants bare.

• Agricultural Impact: Large infestations can cause economic loss in farms and orchards.

• Indoor Nuisance: Rarely, butterflies may enter homes and become trapped, though this is more of a nuisance than a true infestation.

Overall, butterflies are beneficial insects, but their immature stages (caterpillars) are what create pest concerns.

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Because butterflies are ecologically important, control usually focuses on managing caterpillars when they cause damage.

• Inspection: Identify if caterpillars are the cause of damage (not all chewing damage comes from them).

• Targeted Treatments: Use eco-friendly methods to protect gardens and crops while minimizing impact on pollinators.

• Exclusion: Covering plants with protective mesh can prevent egg-laying.

• Habitat Management: Encourage natural predators like birds or beneficial insects.

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• Cabbage White Butterfly: Caterpillars attack cabbage, broccoli, and other vegetables.

• Monarch Butterfly: Iconic species; caterpillars feed on milkweed.

• Eastern Tiger Swallowtail: Large, yellow-and-black butterfly, common in gardens.

• Painted Lady: Wide-ranging species whose larvae feed on thistles and other plants.

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• Adults: Brightly colored wings with patterns for camouflage or warning predators.

• Size: Wingspans range from 1 inch to 6 inches depending on species.

• Body: Slender, with long antennae that are club-shaped at the tips.

• Larvae: Caterpillars are worm-like with chewing mouthparts.