The 2024 butterfly season is underway, and we couldn’t be more excited! This year, the Massachusetts Butterfly Club is continuing to update its records to get a better idea of the overall health of the butterfly populations throughout the state. Community input is a big part of the data that we may use for these records. In an ongoing effort to involve the residents of communities throughout the state of Massachusetts in our excitement, we, down here on the south coast, are inviting YOU to share your sightings and (if any) photos with us!
Don’t know what you have seen? As always, we love to identify butterflies for anyone who emails a photo to us as well! A great way to learn the butterflies is on one of our free, family friendly field trips which we hold throughout the spring and summer months. To view our current schedule of field trips, click the link here - Butterfly Field Trips. Note, butterfly field trips are subject to change due to weather and more may be added to the list so check back often!
During these early months of the year, common sightings include the Spring Azure, various Elfins, various Hairstreaks, American Lady, Mourning Cloak and many more! See photos below to help with identifying some that you may have seen in your area.
Have a sighting you would like to report to us? Please send an email to butterfliessouthcoast@gmail.com
Eastern Comma - These butterflies overwinter as adult butterflies, and as such are usually one of the first butterflies reported each year. They will come out during warm late winter/early spring days and will remain flying throughout the year. 
Spring Azure - These small beauties are often seen by there flashy blue wings while in flight. When landed, they generally sit with the blue side of their wings closed as in this photo. Flying from early April through May, NOW is the time to see them! 
Hessel’s Hairstreak - a small butterfly primarily found around white cedar swamps. Flies during the month of May. Keep an eye out for these beauties and be sure to let us know if you see some!
Photo courtesy of Garry Kessler
Eastern Pine Elfin - Very small butterflies found in various areas around the south coast. Just about any area with pine trees could host a population of these. Flying from right around the end of April through May, NOW is the time to see them. 
Brown Elfin (along with Hoary Elfin and Frosted Elfin) - Very small butterflies that are generally found in specific habitats such as pine barrens. Flying from April into May, NOW is the time to see them. 
American Copper - a small regular butterfly here on the south coast. Flies from May through October. 
American Lady - a larger butterfly which already seems to be arriving in higher numbers this year. These butterflies will fly all year long and can be found in just about any environment.
