Red-spotted Purple
Limenitis arthemis astyanax
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Lepidoptera
- Superfamily: Papilionoidea
- Family: Nymphalidae
- Subfamily: Limenitidinae
- Tribe: Limenitidini
- Genus: Limenitis
- Species: arthemis
- Subspecies: astyanax
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Limenitis arthemis astyanax: //laɪˈmɛnɪtɪs ˈɑrθɪmɪs ˈæstɪənæks//
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Summary
Limenitis arthemis astyanax, also known as the red-spotted purple, is a North American butterfly that is often studied for its mimicry and hybridization patterns. Noted for its colorful wings and distinctive behavior, this subspecies lacks the prominent white band found in its northern counterpart, the white admiral.
Physical Characteristics
Black-brown with metallic bluish coloring on both sides (may appear purplish or greenish) with orange spots on lower hind wing and pale bluish to white markings near outer margins of wings. Upperside is mostly blackish-blue with white postmedian bands across both wings in some individuals. The underside is blackish with a broad white post-median band and red spots. The hindwings may have bright iridescent blue or bluish-green.
Identification Tips
Hard to confuse with any other species due to distinct color pattern. Can be mimicked by Pipevine Swallowtail; however, L. arthemis lacks tails on hindwings and Pipevine lacks spots at wing base.
Habitat
Deciduous woodlands and shady areas along the edges of forests, including roadsides.
Distribution
Vastly spread throughout North America; L. a. arthemis in northern areas (New England and southern Great Lakes to Canada) and L. a. astyanax living further south to Florida.
Diet
Caterpillars feed on tree species in the family Salicaceae (such as aspen and willow) and members of the Rosaceae family (like black cherry). Adults feed on rotting fruit and nectar from small white flowers.
Life Cycle
Two broods from April to October. First brood hibernates, while the second often mates and lays eggs before winter. Life as an adult lasts approximately 6 to 14 days.
Reproduction
Females lay eggs on the tips of food plant leaves, usually only a few per day. The oviposition takes place around 2 to 3 feet off the ground.
Cultural Significance
The white admiral is the official state butterfly of New York and considered by some as the unofficial insect emblem of Quebec.
Evolution
A prime example of mimicry evolution in butterflies; it involves hybridization between two non-mimetic and mimetic populations.
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
Commonly confused with the Pipevine Swallowtail due to similar color; however, they differ in wing shape and markings.
Tags
- butterfly
- Limenitis
- Limenitis arthemis astyanax
- Red-spotted Purple
- Nymphalidae