Red-spotted Purple
Common NameRed-spotted Purple
Scientific NameLimenitis arthemis astyanax
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyLimenitidinae
Wingspan (mm)75
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorsblack, blue, red
HabitatDeciduous forests, forest edges, clearings, stream banks, suburban gardens
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Canada south to Florida and Texas
Host Plantswillow, birch, poplar, wild cherry, hawthorn, oak
Flight PeriodMay to October
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae are cryptic, resembling bird droppings, and overwinter in a hibernaculum (rolled leaf).
Identification TipsDistinguished from the White Admiral by the absence of a prominent white band. It mimics the Pipevine Swallowtail but has more rounded hindwings and a different flight.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with velvety black wings that display an iridescent blue or purplish sheen, particularly on the hindwings. The underside of the hindwings features a distinctive row of small red-orange spots along the outer margin.
