Butterflies are one of the species of insects that Link can collect in Breath of the Wild. There are four different types: Smotherwing, Winterwing, Summerwing, and Thunderwing. While these insects can't be cooked to make healthy meals, they're vital ingredients to crafting Elixirs.
Each butterfly has its own special effect when cooked with monster parts. The Thunderwing Butterfly will give Link temporary Shock Resistance. Out of all four species, the Thunderwing Butterfly can be the most difficult one to farm in Breath of the Wild.
Thunderwing Butterfly Habitat
Players can find the Thunderwing Butterflies in the Seres Scablands in Hyrule Ridge or in the Gerudo Highlands. However, they'll only appear when it's raining. Regular weather will prevent them from spawning. Instead, players will find Winterwing Butterflies and Cold Darners.
Players can either wait in-game for it to rain, or they can rest at a campfire or inn until it rains. Since the Seres Scablands is located to the east of Tabantha Bridge Stable, it's preferred to set up a campfire (with Wood and Flint) in the Hyrule Ridge/Scablands instead. This will save players from having to rush over from the stable or one of the nearby Towers (ie: Ridgeland and Tabantha Tower).
Rain won't last forever, so make sure to farm as many as possible.
When searching for Thunderwing Butterflies, equip the Stealth Set or consume a stealth-enhancing Elixir. This will lower Link's chances of being spotted. Thunderwing Butterflies, like all other creatures, will take off the minute they hear or see Link.
If players are quick enough, they can take a picture using the Camera Rune to register the Thunderwing Butterfly to the Hyrule Compendium. From there, they can track the butterfly by using the Sheikah Sensor+. Go into the map with (-), tab over to Hyrule Compendium with R-button, search for the Thunderwing Butterfly picture under Creatures, and then track them with Y-button. The Sheikah Sensor icon at the bottom-right of the screne will blink green when Link is near a Thunderwing Butterfly.
The Sheikah Sensor can be upgraded to the Sheikah Sensor+ at Hateno Ancient Tech Lab in Hateno Village.
Where to Buy & Use Thunderwing Butterflies
Thunderwing Butterflies can be bought for 10 Rupees per butterfly from Beedle. He will carry 3 Thunderwing Butterflies, potentially totalling up to 30 rupees if players choose to buy all of them. Beedle will have the butterflies in stock at the following Stables:
- Tabantha Bridge Stable
- Lakeside Stable
- Riverside Stable
Thunderwing Butterflies can't be used to upgrade armor, but they can be used to craft Electro Elixirs. These will prevent Link from being shocked by electric-based attacks. This means he won't be dropping weapons any time soon so long as the effect of the Electro Elixir is active.
Electro Elixirs require one Monster Part and at least one Thunderwing Butterfly or another Electric Resisting creature, such as the Electric Darners. Players can enhance the duration of the Elixir by cooking up to four Thunderwing Butterflies.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is available on Nintendo Switch.