Red-spotted Admiral
Common NameRed-spotted Admiral
Scientific NameLimenitis arthemis astyanax
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyLimenitidinae
Wingspan (mm)75
Primary Colorsblack, blue, white
HabitatDeciduous forests, forest edges, open woodlands, parks, gardens
Geographic RangeEastern North America
Host Plantswild cherry, aspen, willow, birch, oak, hawthorn
Flight PeriodMay to October
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Caterpillars are cryptic, resembling bird droppings, and feed on leaves, overwintering as a partially grown larva in a hibernaculum or as a chrysalis.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its dark, iridescent blue-black wings and the *absence* of the broad white band found on its close relative, the White Admiral. Small white spots may be present near the forewing tips.
Description
This butterfly has velvety black wings with a striking iridescent blue or blue-green wash on the hindwings and outer forewings, often with a few small white spots near the forewing apex.
