A medium-large butterfly with iridescent blue wings and red spots. Closely related to (and hybridizes with) White Admiral.

Also called: Red-spotted Admiral

Native status: Native to eastern North America

§ Quick facts

SizeWingspan 7–9 cm
Weight~0.5 g
LifespanAdults 1–3 weeks; 2–3 generations per year
OrderLepidoptera
FamilyNymphalidae

§ Encyclopedia

Limenitis arthemis, the red-spotted purple or white admiral, is a North American butterfly species in the cosmopolitan genus Limenitis. It has been studied for its evolution of mimicry, and for the several stable hybrid wing patterns within this nominal species; it is one of the most dramatic examples of hybridization between non-mimetic and mimetic populations.

Source: Wikipedia — Limenitis arthemis Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Large dark butterfly with iridescent blue scales; bright red-orange spots on underside of hindwings; black wings with white-pink central band.

Similar species. White Admiral (same species; white band; northern range). Mourning Cloak (cream margin; different pattern). Pipevine Swallowtail (similar mimicry model; different shape).

Voice. N/A

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Adults: tree sap, fermenting fruit, rotting meat, animal dung. Caterpillars: cherries, oaks, poplars, willows.

Behavior. Among the most beautiful North American butterflies — males are iridescent purple-blue with metallic shine. Considered the same species as the White Admiral north of about 40°N latitude; the two intergrade where ranges overlap. The Red-spotted Purple mimics the toxic Pipevine Swallowtail in southern populations, gaining protection through Batesian mimicry. Caterpillars overwinter in leaf shelters they construct.

§ Range

Eastern US

§ Habitat

Forest edges, riparian areas

§ Threats

Habitat loss, climate change.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the red-spotted purple is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Maintain forest edges. Support diverse butterfly habitat.

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§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • Butterflies and Moths of North America
  • Xerces Society
  • iNaturalist