ODNR Division of Wildlife - A to Z Species Guide - Butterflies and Skippers - Red-spotted Purple

 Red-spotted Purple


Photo by Richard Day/Daybreak Imagery
 In the springtime dozens of this species may be found on forest roads and mud puddles in southern Ohio.
 

Red-spotted Purple
Limenitis arthemis

At-a-Glance

• Flight Period: May, June, July, and August

• Wings: 3.0 - 4.0 inches

Description
The red-spotted purple butterfly is a beautiful forest butterfly. It can be confused with females of several dark swallowtail butterflies because of the brilliant blue on the dorsal hindwings, but it lacks eyespots and tails.

Habitat and Habits
The red-spotted purple inhabits woodland edges and clearings, roads and trails through woods. It can be found in all wooded regions, but is less common in northern Ohio.

Reproduction and Care of the Young
The larvae of the red-spotted purple feed on wild cherry, poplar, and aspen.