Hodges#4522

Limenitis arthemis

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Superfamily: Papilionoidea
Family: Nymphalidae
Subfamily: Limenitidinae
Tribe: Limenitidini
Genus: Limenitis
Species: arthemis

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Limenitis arthemis: //lɪˈmɛnɪtɪs ɑːrˈθɛmɪs//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Limenitis arthemis astyanax side view by Ks0stm. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

Limenitis arthemis rubrofasciata (Red-spotted Admiral) by Kristof Zyskowski & Yulia Bereshpolova. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Limenitis arthemis arthemis × astyanax by Kevin Barnes. Used under a CC0 license.

'Astyanax' Red-spotted Purple. Limenitis arthemis astyanax. Nymphalidae (24876255958) by gailhampshire from Cradley, Malvern, U.K. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Unknown Butterfly - panoramio by bottomdollar. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

Schmetterling 2 db by wikipedia. Used under a Public domain license.

Summary

Limenitis arthemis, commonly known as the red-spotted purple or white admiral, is a butterfly species in North America characterized by its striking wing patterns and its hybridization between different groups, showcasing notable examples of mimicry and natural selection in its evolution.

Physical Characteristics

75-101 mm wingspan; typically blackish-blue with distinct white bands (L. a. arthemis), or dark with iridescent blue/green and orange spots (L. a. astyanax); underside features red and/or bluish spots.

Identification Tips

Dorsal side shows presence or absence of a white band depending on the subspecies: L. a. arthemis has a conspicuous white band, whereas L. a. astyanax lacks this band and has bright blue hindwings.

Habitat

Deciduous woodlands, forest edges, and roadsides throughout North America.

Distribution

Widely distributed across North America; Northeastern U.S. (L. a. arthemis), Southeastern U.S. (L. a. astyanax), and also present in Canada and Alaska (L. a. rubrofasciata).

Diet

Caterpillars feed on tree species from the Salicaceae family (e.g., willow and poplar) and cherry. Adult diet includes nectar from flowers and moisture from rotting fruit.

Life Cycle

Two broods from April to October; caterpillars hibernate in winter, some mature in summer for second brood.

Reproduction

Females lay eggs on food plant leaves at the tips; high egg production but low daily count.

Ecosystem Role

Pollinator; caterpillars serve as food for various birds and other predators.

Cultural Significance

Official state butterfly of New York; considered an emblematic insect in Quebec.

Evolution

Known for dramatic examples of hybridization and evolution of mimicry; distinctive traits evolved in response to environmental factors.

Similar Taxa

Battus philenor (Pipevine Swallowtail)

Misconceptions

Intergrades between subspecies are common, which may confuse species identification; some may be unsure about the separate subspecies due to varying appearances.