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Red-spotted Purple
By Nathan Brockman, Reiman Gardens, Iowa State University
It is easy to watch and enjoy hundreds of native and tropical butterflies year-round in Reiman Gardens’ Christina Reiman Butterfly Wing. However, while the outdoor gardens are still in full bloom, there is a wide variety of native species to be seen, including the Red-spotted Purple (Limenitis arthemis).
This Iowa native, characterized by beautiful iridescent blue and purple hind wings, has had an uncommonly abundant population growth in central Iowa this summer. It also occupies southeast portions of the United States where it shares most of its range with the Pipevine Swallowtail (Battus philenor). These two butterflies are so similar in appearance that the Red-spotted Purple is able to mimic the Pipevine Swallowtail taking advantage of its distastefulness to predators.
In addition, this butterfly once considered a close relative of the White Admiral is now considered the same specie. The White Admiral is primarily found in the northern United States and Canada while the Red-spotted Purple is found in the southeastern United States, which led to the classification of two different species. In Iowa, we border both regions, making it possible to find a butterfly offspring of these two butterflies.
The Red-spotted Purple will visit a variety of flowers but they prefer tree sap and rotting fruits. To increase the likelihood of seeing this butterfly put out a dish of fruit, but keep in mind the fruit will also attract bees, wasps, ants and flies. In the last few weeks of summer, be sure to look for this stunning butterfly before they are gone for the season.
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