Skip to main content
Close

Red-Spotted Purple

Limenitis arthemis

Photo by Jim Nelson
Published on Project Noah
Zoom
NominateNominate for Wildlife Photograph of the Month
reportFlag Spotting

34.3038, -111.202

Field Notes

Description:

Iridescent blue on the topside. Red spots on the underwing, on blue background as pictured. I noted that almost all spottings on Project Noah are in the eastern and mid-western parts of the US. This spotting appears to be native to Arizona and New Mexico which is a variation from those posted from other areas. The markings on the upper wing are somewhat different. They in some ways mimic pipeline swallowtails in appearance.

Habitat:

This butterfly was spotted in Tonto Bridge State Park, central Arizona, in the Coconino National Forest in one of the narrow V-shaped ravines that stem from the Mogollon Rim. Pine Creek, a year-round stream in the canyon, is lined with ponderosa pine, pinyon, juniper and scrub oak, along with mosses and ferns at several waterfalls in the area.

Notes:

This striking butterfly is interesting in that it does not frequent flowers for nectar, but seem to be more attracted to damp soil, and decaying vegetation…according to the Western National Parks Association. They are easily approached, and were frequently spotted in several areas from Sedona to Payson in central Arizona.

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (0)

Be the first to comment

Sign in to comment

Accelerate our Mission to Photograph 
Every Species in the World!

Image
Butterflies icon

Wildlife Community

Wildlife Community

Join a worldwide community passionate about wildlife and nature!

Join Project Noah

Nature School

Nature School

Transform your green space into a curiosity-creating nature classroom!

Visit Nature School

Wildlife Game

Wildlife Game

Defend wildlife throughout the jungle in thrilling nature game!

Play Baboon