Basilarchia arthemis astyanax
"Red Spotted Purple"
Family: Nymphalidae
Basiarchia arthrmis astyanax, the Red Spotted Purple butterfly belongs to the family Nymphalidae. It is a large black butterfly with a few white markings and patches of blue iridescence on the upper surface of the wings. It has orange/red spots under its wings, which is where the name comes from. As a caterpillar it is mottled brown with a white saddle on its back, which makes it look like a bird dropping. As an adult, it protects itself by mimicking the Pipevine Swallowtail which has similar coloring. The butterfly is found nationwide but is most common in the southeast. Its wing span ranges from 2 5/8 to inches to 3 ¾ inches. The Red Spotted Purple caterpillars feed on mainly on leaves of cherry trees, while adults prefer tree sap, rotting fruit and dung. If you would like a Red Spotted Purple butterfly to come to you simply put some rotted fruit in your yard and they will come for a visit.
Anna Harris
Whitney Atkinson
Insect Biology & Diversity Fall 2002
