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Project Noah Nature School
Limenitis arthemis astyanax
The Red-spotted Purple (Limenitis arthemis astyanax ) is a polytypic species of North American brush-footed butterfly, common throughout much of the eastern United States. L. a. astyanax has red spots on its underside and the top of the wings are notable for their iridescent blue markings.
This one appeared to be nectaring on Eastern Baccharis (Baccharis halimifolia) at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park near Augusta (Richmond County), GA.
Both sexes of this species are identical except that the females are slightly larger than the males. Caterpillar Hosts: Leaves of many species of trees and shrubs including wild cherry (Prunus), aspen, poplar, cottonwood (Populus), oaks (Quercus), hawthorn (Crataegus), deerberry (Vaccinium stamineum), birch (Betula), willows (Salix), basswood (Tilia), and shadbush (Amelanchier). Adults are diurnal, they fly from the morning until soon after dusk.
Spotted on Oct 18, 2014
Submitted on Dec 25, 2014
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