How high and how fast do butterflies fly?

As far as we know, butterfly speed has not been measured! Certainly, some fast-flying skippers can fly 30 miles per hour or faster. Slow flying butterflies probably fly five miles per hour or a little faster.

During fall migration, migrating Monarchs (Danaus plexippus) have been seen flying by tall buildings such as the Empire State Building at more than 1,000+ feet. Butterflies are picked up by storm fronts and moved hundreds of miles, probably at altitudes of several thousand feet.