30 Black and Yellow Butterfly Meaning and Varieties

Raul Cornelius is a Senior Editor at BalconyGardenWeb and an expert in flower and herb cultivation based in Phoenix, Arizona. A frequent speaker at horticultural events, he is also an active contributor to Facebook flower groups. Holding an MBA and a BCom, Raul blends his gardening skills with strong leadership and analytical abilities. Passionate about writing and photography, he enjoys early mornings with coffee and books, and nature bike rides during weekends.
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Have you recently spotted a Black and Yellow Butterfly in your garden and wonder what type it was? Well, read on to find out!

In the enchanting world of butterflies, where colors blend into a kaleidoscope of natural artistry, there exists a striking and captivating creature that demands your attention – the Black and Yellow Butterfly. With wings adorned in bold ebony and brilliant gold, this winged marvel dances through gardens and meadows like a living masterpiece!

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Black and Yellow Butterfly Meaning, Symbolism, and Significance

The appearance of a black and yellow butterfly can evoke various interpretations and emotional responses, depending on cultural, spiritual, and individual beliefs. Here’s what these beautiful creatures might denote and represent:

1. Cultural Significance

In many cultures, butterflies are considered symbols of transformation due to their metamorphic life cycle from caterpillar to winged beauty. A black and yellow butterfly may signify positive change or growth.

2. Spiritual Symbolism

In spiritual circles, a black and yellow butterfly often symbolizes hope and guidance. Its vibrant colors may be viewed as a sign to remain optimistic and to trust in the process of change, reinforcing the idea that good things are on the horizon.

3. Individual Interpretation

On a personal level, the appearance of a black and yellow butterfly could be seen as a reminder to stay cheerful, embrace changes, and focus on the bright side of life. The contrast between black and yellow could represent the duality of life — joy and sorrow, life and death, yin and yang.

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4. Additional Context

In Native American culture, butterflies often symbolize transformation and are considered to bring good luck. The unique color pattern of black and yellow might represent the balance of two opposing forces, much like the philosophy of dualism in Eastern traditions.

5. In Pop Culture and Literature

In modern literature and popular culture, black and yellow butterflies are often associated with magical or mystical events, acting as guides or messengers for the characters involved.


Black and Yellow Butterfly Varieties

Some of the butterflies on this list may not have pure yellow and black colors and may exhibit other combinations as well. Some of them may also have other tints of yellow that may appear orange like.

1. Eastern Tiger Swallowtail

Black and Yellow Butterfly 1

Scientific Name: Papilio glaucus

The Eastern Tiger Swallowtail is a large butterfly native to eastern North America. It stands out with its distinctive black tiger stripes on yellow wings and a wingspan of 3.5 to 6 inches.

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2. Western Tiger Swallowtail

Scientific Name: Papilio rutulus

This black and yellow butterfly boasts black tiger stripes on yellow wings with a wingspan of 3.5 to 4.5 inches. It thrives in diverse habitats, from woodlands to gardens, often found near rivers and streams.

3. Anise Swallowtail

Black and Yellow Butterfly 3

Scientific Name: Papilio zelicaon

The Anise Swallowtail features black tiger stripes on yellow wings with a wingspan of about 2.5 to 4 inches. It favors habitats like meadows and gardens, often drawn to plants like anise, parsley, and dill.

4. Black Swallowtail

Scientific Name: Papilio polyxenes

The Black Swallowtail, native to North America, displays striking black wings with rows of yellow spots and a wingspan of 2.5 to 4 inches.

5. Monarch Butterfly

Black and Yellow Butterfly 5

Scientific Name: Danaus plexippus

The Monarch Butterfly, native to North America, is famous for its vibrant orange wings with black veins and white spots, boasting a wingspan of around 3.7 to 4.1 inches.

6. Painted Lady

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Scientific Name: Vanessa cardui

This black and yellow butterfly is popular for its delicate orange-brown wings with black and white spots. It has a wingspan of about 2.0 to 2.9 inches and is common in various habitats, including gardens and meadows.

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7. African SwallowtailBlack and Yellow Butterfly 7

Scientific Name: Papilio dardanus

The African Swallowtail, native to sub-Saharan Africa, boasts impressive black wings with blue and white spots, featuring a wingspan of 3.9 to 4.7 inches.

8. Julia Butterfly

Scientific Name: Dryas iulia

The Julia Butterfly has vibrant orange wings with black markings and a wingspan of about 2.8 to 3.3 inches. This black and yellow butterfly is common in tropical habitats.

9. Clouded Yellow

Black and Yellow Butterfly 9

Scientific Name: Colias croceus

The Clouded Yellow butterfly, native to Europe and Asia, has yellow wings with dark spots and has a wingspan of 2.0 to 2.8 inches.

10. Dogface Butterfly

Scientific Name: Zerene eurydice

The Dogface Butterfly has yellow wings with dog-like markings, spanning about 2 to 2.5 inches. It stands out for its distinctive wing pattern and inhabits diverse environments.

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11. Red Admiral

Black and Yellow Butterfly 11
 wikimedia

Scientific Name: Vanessa atalanta

The Red Admiral butterfly has striking black wings with yellow-orange bands and white spots. With a wingspan of 2.0 to 2.7 inches, it’s a widespread and easily recognizable species in diverse habitats.

12. Milbert’s Tortoiseshell

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Scientific Name: Aglais milberti

Milbert’s Tortoiseshell butterfly has black and yellow-orange wings with blue spots and a wingspan of about 2.0 to 2.5 inches.

13. Pearl Crescent

Black and Yellow Butterfly 13

Scientific Name: Phyciodes tharos

The Pearl Crescent, native to North America, is a small butterfly with orange wings and black spots and a wingspan of 1.0 to 1.5 inches.

14. Viceroy Butterfly

Scientific Name: Limenitis archippus

This black and yellow butterfly mimics the Monarch with its orange wings and black veins, but it’s smaller (wingspan: 2.75 to 3.25 inches).

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15. Daggerwing

Black and Yellow Butterfly 15

Scientific Name: Marpesia petreus

Daggerwing butterflies have a distinctive dagger-shap wings. They vary in color and pattern and inhabit tropical forests, making them notable for their unique wing structure.

16. American Lady

Scientific Name: Vanessa virginiensis

The American Lady butterfly, native to North America, features orange-brown wings with black spots and white markings. With a wingspan of 1.75 to 2.5 inches, it’s common in meadows and open areas.

17. Question Mark

Black and Yellow Butterfly 17

Scientific Name: Polygonia interrogationis

The Question Mark butterfly, native to North America, is named after the silver mark resembling a question mark on its hindwings. This black and yellow butterfly has a  a wingspan of 2.0 to 2.8 inches.

18. Variegated Fritillary

Scientific Name: Euptoieta claudia

The Variegated Fritillary has orange-brown wings with black markings and has a wingspan of 2.0 to 2.5 inches. It is common in meadows and gardens.

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19. Dainty Sulphur

Black and Yellow Butterfly 19

Scientific Name: Nathalis iole

The Dainty Sulphur butterfly has bright yellow wings and a wingspan of about 1.0 to 1.3 inches. You can spot this black and yellow butterfly in open habitats.

20. Alfalfa

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Scientific Name: Colias eurytheme

This black and yellow butterfly has yellow wings with black spots here and there. You can easily spot it in your yard if you have plenty of flowers to invite it!

21. Southern Birdwing

Black and Yellow Butterfly 21

Scientific Name: Troides minos

This sizable butterfly boasts a wingspan of up to 6-7 inches. It’s popular for its striking black wings with green and white bands. The males feature a metallic green sheen on their hindwings.

22. Eversmann’s Parnassian

Scientific Name: Parnassius eversmanni

This black and yellow butterfly features distinctive white wings with black veins and dots. It’s common in mountainous and alpine meadow habitats.

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23. Golden Birdwing

Black and Yellow Butterfly 23

Scientific Name: Troides aeacus

It is remarkable Southeast Asian butterfly with wings spanning up to 7 inches, featuring deep golden-yellow upper wings with black markings.

24. Little Dancer Metalmark

Scientific Name: Anteros renaldus

This black and yellow butterfly features delicate, intricate wing patterns with a wingspan typically measuring around 1-2 inches.

25. Pure-banded Dartwhite

Black and Yellow Butterfly 25
flickr

Scientific Name: Catasticta siva

The Pure-banded Dartwhite butterflies have white wings with two shimmering bands – one pearlescent blue, the other shifting from violet to indigo. They have a wingspan of 2.5 to 3 inches (6-7.5 cm) and delicate, pearl-tipped antennae.

26. Cape Autumn Widow

Phillipskop Mountain Reserve

Scientific Name: Ricinula haemus

The Cape Autumn Widow butterfly has grey to black wings with yellow bands and spots here and there. They are common in open lands and gardens.

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27. Yucca Giant-Skipper

Black and Yellow Butterfly 27

Scientific Name: Megathymus yuccae

The Yucca Giant-Skipper is a large butterfly native to the southwestern United States and parts of Mexico. With a wingspan of up to 3 inches (7.6 cm), it features brown-black wings with small white or yellow spots.

28. Yellow Coster

Scientific Name: Acraea issoria

The Yellow Coster is a colorful butterfly found in Asia, including India and Southeast Asia. With a wingspan of 50 to 60 millimeters (2 to 2.4 inches), it prefers open areas, gardens, and forest clearings where nectar-rich flowers are abundant.

29. Mexican Yellow

Black and Yellow Butterfly 29

Scientific Name: Eurema daira

The Mexican Yellow butterfly, native to Mexico’s diverse habitats, including forests, meadows, and gardens, boasts four colorful wings and a variable size, usually spanning a few centimeters to several inches.

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30. Yellow Swallowtail

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Scientific Name: Papilio eurymedon

This black and yellow butterfly is popular for its vibrant yellow coloration, often with black markings, and have a wingspan of 3 to 6 inches. It inhabits diverse environments such as gardens, meadows, woodlands, and fields.

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