Zebra longwing is the state butterfly in the garden
Florida's state butterfly is the zebra longwing, a striped garden and hammock visitor that makes a small state symbol feel alive.
The zebra longwing is one of those Florida symbols you can actually meet.
State law names the zebra longwing as Florida’s official butterfly. It has long dark wings with pale stripes, so it is easier to notice than many small garden visitors. UF/IFAS describes it around wooded edges, hammocks, thickets, gardens, parks, and nearby open areas.
That makes the symbol feel less like a list item and more like something moving through the yard. A butterfly garden, passionflower vine, shady park edge, or museum display can make the name stick faster than a statue or seal.
If you are planting for butterflies, check local UF/IFAS guidance before buying plants. The right host plants, pesticide habits, and sunny or shaded spots can change what shows up. A small yard can become part of the bigger Florida scene without needing to be fancy.
Where to see it
Butterfly gardens, shady edges, parks, hammocks, and Florida Museum or UF/IFAS butterfly information. Look for current garden hours, plant lists, and local conditions before planning around a butterfly visit.
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Sources
Last checked against these sources: July 3, 2026.
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