Red-Spotted Purple Butterfly

Description:

Family: Nymphalidae. A polytypic (different kinds/forms White Admiral form also) species of North American brush-footed butterfly. Wingspan: 2.25 - 4 inches ( 5.7 -10.1 cm) Top of wings are dark blue with iridescent light blue markings and red blotches on top of upper wings. Adult food: Sap, rotting fruit, carrion and occasionally nectar from small white flowers. Hosts: Birch, Aspen, Wild Cherry, willow, etc.

Habitat:

Typically found in open woodlands or forests edges with both deciduous and evergreen trees. But this one was found in a small open meadow with plentiful weeds and wild flowers enjoying Queen's Anne Lace (wild carrot)

Notes:

Dorsal view shown above. Link to Ventral view: https://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/12.... Link to caterpillar: https://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/13...