We have four different species of dark swallowtail butterflies where I live, so I naturally assumed that this butterfly belonged to one of those species when I first spotted it last Friday at Jackson Miles Abbott Wetland Refuge. I was wrong. When I got closer, I was able to see that it was instead a Red-spotted Purple butterfly (Limenitis arthemis astyanax).
When you examine the photo, you might come to the conclusion that I should have my eyes checked, because the butterfly clearly has no “tails.” However, it is difficult to make that call when the butterfly is in motion, as this one is. Moreover, at this time of the summer, many butterfly have wings that are tattered and torn from encounters with vegetation and predators and I have encountered many tailless swallowtails in the past.
You may never have seen this species, because its range is limited to the eastern part of North America. Red-spotted Purple butterflies are not found in gardens, but are most often seen in woodlands and along streams and marsh lands—we share a fondness for these types of habitats.
I love the beautiful coloration of the Red-spotted Purple butterfly, though I must confess that I find the spots on its wings to be a bit more orange than red and the dominant colors on the wings look more grayish-blue than purple. Maybe the lighting was bad when the scientist named this species or perhaps he was slightly color blind. But what’s in a name? By any other name, the butterfly is just as beautiful.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
One of the most beautiful. I remember seeing my first one and being dazzled by the colors. Lovely shot, Mike. I have seen a few insects that make me wonder about the first discovered being color blind. No mater, they are all beautiful.
Thanks, Steve. I shake my head sometimes about the common names that scientists give to birds and insects. What makes it even more complicated is that the same species can have different names in multiple languages or can have the same name for completely different species (the European robins and blackbirds come to mind–it is not our blackbird that sings in the dead of night).
What a great find Mike and it’s a perfect one. Nice shots 🙂
This is such a beautiful butterfly. Thank you for sharing, Mike.
Thanks, Tricia. I try to be alert to beauty that seems to be all around me when I slow down and take the time to notice it.
You certainly find it, Mike. Thank you for sharing such beauty.
Beautiful and informative. It is always fun to meet a new butterfly !
Thanks, John. I like to give a bit of added value in my postings beyond the photos themselves. As you may have noticed, my approach varies–sometimes I will provide information about the species itself, while other times I will focus on the details of my encounter with the species.
What a beautiful butterfly!
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Thanks, Mitzy. Butterflies tend me get even more favorable responses than dragonflies–they seem to have a kind of universal appeal.
Beautiful image Mike! Enjoyed seeing it!
Terrific photograph of one of my favorites!
Managed to see two last week. One in Florida and one in Georgia.
Nice. You seem to get around quite a bit, Wally. 🙂
Truly beautiful!
What a stunner! The blue and purple hues are beautiful.
Thanks, Chris. I love colorful butterflies. Every few years I visit an indoor butterfly garden in my local area that has all kinds of tropical species and I am blown away by their vibrant colors. Everything seems brighter in the tropics.