Butterflies, Moths, Dragonflies & Damselflies of Dayton, Ohio

Red-Spotted Purple

This is the underside of a Red-spotted Purple. These butterflies are considered a subspecies of the Red-spotted Admiral. They mimic the toxic Pipevine Swallowtail. (Another subspecies, the White Admiral, is found in northern Ohio, but not in our area.) 

Few butterflies can match the striking blue color of a fresh Red-spotted Purple. This species typically flies from May through September (with stragglers into October). 

Red-spotted Purple butterflies are common near wooded habitats. Like many woodland species, they prefer to feed from tree sap, dung, and rotting fruit. However, I occasionally see Red-spotted Purples nectaring at flowers. 

This was an interesting color variation, with a two-toned effect. These butterflies usually appear more blue than purple, but this individual had lovely purplish highlights. 

This is another color variation. Some Red-spotted Purple butterflies are more greenish in color (form viridis).