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Red-Spotted Purple

Red-Spotted Purple

Limenitis arthemis

A species of Admirals, Also known as Red-Spotted Admiral, Red-spotted purple butterfly, White admiral butterfly, Banded purple

The red-Spotted Purple (Limenitis arthemis) is a beautiful butterfly that shows off a metallic-blue color. They are also known as White Admirals due to the brilliant, white band that is seen on them. Males are incredibly aggressive in defending areas that have high female traffic. They will regularly patrol these areas to ensure other males do not take over claimed territories.

General Info About Red-Spotted Purple
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Attributes of Red-Spotted Purple
Colors
Black
White
Blue
Habitat
forest; moist upland; valley bottom; coastal plain
Adult Food Sources
Nectar from thistle, milkweed, joe-pye weed, ironweed, dogbane
Larva Food Source
Leaves of deciduous trees such as willow, cherry, poplar, birch, aspen
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Pollinator
The Red-Spotted Purple is often found near the corolla, where its fluffy hairs easily pick up pollen, assisting in the pollination of the plant.
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Red-Spotted Purple feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Siphoning mouthparts
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Species Status of Red-Spotted Purple
They are vastly spread out throughout North America.
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Distribution Area of Red-Spotted Purple
Eastern United States, West into the Rocky Mountains
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Appearance of Red-Spotted Purple
Limenitis arthemis can be split into two major groups, mainly based on one physical characteristic: the presence of a white band along the wings. Individuals of the northern group, called white admirals, have a conspicuous white band that traverse both the dorsal and ventral surfaces of the wing, while those of the southern group, called red-Spotted Purples, lack that trait as they have evolved to mimic the poisonous pipevine swallowtail (Battus philenor). Two forelegs often have brush-like hairs. The butterfly species themselves can be divided into two major groups simply from one main characteristic, the white band on the upper wings.
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How to Identify Red-Spotted Purple?

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Life Cycle of Red-Spotted Purple
Egg The egg of red-Spotted Purple marks the beginning of life, usually laid on a host plant. The appearance is often spherical or ovate with a hard protective shell that might vary in texture and color.
Larva As a larva, red-Spotted Purple hatches from the egg, primarily focused on eating and growth. This stage features multiple molts, significantly increasing in size and sometimes changing patterns.
Pupal The pupa of red-Spotted Purple represents a period of transformation enclosed within a chrysalis. At this stage, the insect is immobile and undergoes a major reorganization, transitioning into its adult form.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult red-Spotted Purple's development is marked by wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the insect is mobile, focusing on reproduction.
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Adult Size of Red-Spotted Purple
Wingspan 8 - 9 cm
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Predators of Red-Spotted Purple Larvae
Birds, small mammals, spiders, ants
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Scientific Classification of Red-Spotted Purple
Tips for Finding Red-Spotted Purple
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Youth Habitat of Red-Spotted Purple
Forests and Woodlands
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Adult Habitat of Red-Spotted Purple
Forests and Woodlands, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
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How Can You Attract Red-Spotted Purple
Since red-Spotted Purple caterpillars feed on leaves of specific host plants and the adults feed on flower nectar, fermenting fruit, and tree sap, these food sources can be used to attract them.
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Habitat Preferences of Red-Spotted Purple Through Different Life Stages
The egg stage of red-Spotted Purple typically attaches to the underside of host plant leaves, where conditions are moist, while the caterpillar is found chewing on the leaves of deciduous trees like willows and cherries in a woodland habitat. Looking for chrysalises requires searching on the bark of these trees or occasionally on nearby structures, as they blend in well with their surroundings. Adult red-Spotted Purple are most commonly spotted fluttering through forested areas, especially near meadows or streams, where they feed on flower nectar and sap flows.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Red-Spotted Purple
The best time to find red-Spotted Purple is during their active months, usually the warmer seasons when the caterpillars are feeding and the adults are seeking nectar. Early morning or late afternoon when temperatures are milder are ideal times.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Red-Spotted Purple
Mild, dry days are most suitable for finding red-Spotted Purple, as they prefer sunny weather for flying and are less active in the rain or extreme heat.
Are Red-Spotted Purple harmful?
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Usually, the red-Spotted Purple won't threaten or hurt humans. But remember that even a worm will turn. Remember to still be cautious.

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Are Red-Spotted Purple harmful to humans?

Some larvae of tortoiseshell butterflies feed on milkweed, which is a poisonous plant containing cardiac glycosides, so the larvae are poisonous. Although poisonous, these butterflies will not directly affect humans if not swallowed. Touching the larvae of certain tortoiseshell butterflies may cause a rash.
Beneficial Effects of Red-Spotted Purple
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Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Attract Plant Feature
Color, Smell
Pollination Behavior Reason
Eat Pollen Or Nectar
Red-Spotted Purple is attracted to flowers primarily through visual cues such as color and olfactory signals like scent. This pollinator visits blossoms primarily to consume pollen, aiding in plant fertilization in the process. Their interaction with flowers is vital for the ecosystem.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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