Lepidoptera Gallery
Butterflies
Butterfly and Moth Image Gallery
: Butterflies
Limenitis arthemis astyanax (Red-spotted Purple)
The wingspan of the Red-spotted Purple is from 3 to 4 inches, with females being somewhat larger than males. The upperside of the wings is bluish-black and the hindwings feature an iridescent blue. Rows of orange spots are on the underside of the wings, with rows of blue spots along the margins. It mimics the Pipevine Swallowtail, but lacks tails.
This species lives in treed areas such as forest, parks, and towns. In May and June adults emerge from their larval overwinter state. A second generation of adults emerges from July to September. Females lay eggs on hosts plants, which are apple, wild black cherry, willow, poplar, and hackberry trees. Adults feed on carrion, sap, and ripe fruit.
Collection of the Illinois State Museum
Photographed by Dr. Everett Cashatt
Accession #:
Butterfly and Moth Image Gallery
: Butterflies
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