This depends upon your intended market! If you are raising butterflies for releases outside your state, you need to raise the species the USDA will permit to be transported across state lines for release. The most popular release butterfly is the Monarch. The butterfly which is allowed to be released in more states than any other is the Painted Lady. If you are rearing for exhibits, raise any large showy butterfly in your state or write and ask exhibitors if they are looking for any particular butterflies. Remember, no matter which species you raise, you will need to market your butterflies.