• Tyuonyi Pueblo and Big Kiva from Frey Trail

    Bandelier

    National Monument New Mexico

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  • Access by Shuttle Bus Only

    Starting May 24, 2013 all access to the most visited part of the park, Frijoles Canyon, will be via a mandatory shuttle bus from the nearby community of White Rock from 9 AM - 3 PM daily. Private cars may drive in before 9 AM or after 3 PM. More »

Butterflies (and Moths)

mourning cloak

Mourning cloaks can be seen flying on warm days as early as mid-February.

NPS Photo by Sally King

Over 100 species of butterflies have been identified with Bandelier. Some, like the Mourning Cloak and California Tortoiseshell, can be seen flying on warm days in late winter and early spring. These butterflies overwinter as adults tucked neatly under loose bark, awakening on warm days to seek sustenance. Early spring-flying butterflies usually feed on tree sap, rotting vegetation, and early blooming flowers.
 
Great Spangled Fritillaries

During the right season and in the right place, butterflies can congregate in large numbers.

NPS Photo by Sally King

The majority of butterflies are active only in the summer because they feed on the pollen of flowering plants. These include several species of Tiger Swallowtails, Fritillaries, Hairstreaks, and Admirals. Some are large with wingspans of up to 4.5" while others are tiny and often overlooked. Some of these tiniest butterflies display the most vivid colors of blue, green, and orange.
 
juniper hairstreak
Although quite small, Juniper Hairstreaks exhibit vivid color.
NPS Photo by Sally King

Did You Know?

Western Pygmy Blue butterfly

Western Pygmy Blue butterflies are the smallest butterflies in North America.  They have wingspans of just .5 to .6 inches.