Red Spotted Purple Butterfly Host Plant: A Must-Know Guide for Enthusiasts

The Red-spotted Purple butterfly is a beautiful, iridescent creature that relies on specific host plants during its larval stage. These plants play a crucial role in the lifecycle of the butterfly, as their leaves serve as the primary food source for the caterpillars. By understanding and cultivating these host plants in gardens or natural habitats, we can help support the population of Red-spotted Purples and contribute to the overall health of our ecosystems.

Some common host plants for Red-spotted Purple larvae include cherries (Prunus spp.), willows (Salix spp.), aspens (Populus spp.), serviceberries (Amelanchier spp.), birches (Betula spp.), and hawthorns (Crataegus spp.) source. These plants not only provide the necessary nutrients for the caterpillar’s growth and development, but also help to create a thriving environment for the adult butterflies to live and reproduce.

Red Spotted Purple Butterfly Overview

Scientific Classification

The Red-spotted Purple butterfly (Limenitis arthemis) is a beautiful and unique species of butterfly. It belongs to the Nymphalidae family, which includes Brush-footed butterflies. This species has two subspecies: L. a. astyanax and L. a. arthemis.

Quick Facts

• Size & Wingspan: Red-spotted Purple butterflies have a wingspan that ranges between 2¼ and 4 inches (5.7 – 10.1 cm), making them moderate-sized butterflies.
• Flight Pattern: They are known for their distinctive flying style, which involves a series of rapid, zig-zag movements.
• Distribution: The species is commonly found throughout North America, with L. a. astyanax being a more widespread subspecies.

Some key differences between the two subspecies:

Both subspecies of the Red-spotted Purple butterfly are known to be visually appealing, and they are an excellent subject for photography or even just general admiration. The unique flying patterns and beautiful coloration of these butterflies make them a popular sight in gardens and natural habitats across North America.

Life Cycle and Development

Eggs

Red-spotted purple butterflies lay their eggs on the leaves of their host plants, which include several species of trees like willow, cherry, and poplar¹. Female butterflies tend to lay eggs individually on the underside of leaves. Some features of red-spotted purple eggs include:

• Shape: Round and flat
• Color: Greenish-white

Caterpillars

The caterpillar phase is crucial for growth and development. Upon hatching, caterpillars consume the eggshell and then feed on the host plant leaves, eventually growing larger through several instars¹. Some characteristics of red-spotted purple caterpillars include:

• Color: Green or brown with white speckles
• Two horn-like projections on the head
• Camouflaged appearance, resembling bird droppings

Pupa

When the caterpillar has reached its final size, it pupates¹. The pupa stage involves:

• Formation of a chrysalis
• Attaching to a twig or branch with a small silk thread

During this stage, the caterpillar undergoes a dramatic transformation, leading to the emergence of the adult butterfly. Pupa characteristics:

• Color: Green or brown, blending into surroundings
• Time spent: About 2 weeks

Adult Butterfly

After emerging from the chrysalis, the adult red-spotted purple butterfly feeds on the nectar of a variety of flowering plants^{1 2}. Key features of the adult butterfly include:

• Wingspan: 2¼ – 4 inches³
• Upperside: Blue to blue-green with iridescence
• Underside: Dark brown with red-orange spots and bars³

Table: Comparison of Red-spotted Purple Life Stages

Host Plants and Habitat

Host Plant Selection

Red-spotted purple butterfly larvae feed on various host plants, including:

• Willows
• Cottonwoods
• Hawthorns
• Wild cherries
• Aspens
• Poplars

Of these, the black cherry (Prunus serotina) and deerberry (Vaccineum stamineum) are preferred in Florida. These host plants belong to the deciduous tree family, Rosaceae.

Habitat Preference

The red-spotted purple butterfly prefers habitats that include:

• Woodlands
• Forest edges
• Open woods
• Swamps

These butterflies thrive in areas with rich loam and clay soil. They can be seen enjoying the wild cherries and chokecherries found in their preferred habitat.

Feeding and Nectar Sources

Caterpillar Diet

The caterpillar of the Red Spotted Purple butterfly depends on specific host plants for sustenance. Some examples of their preferred plants include:

• Wild cherry (Prunus species)
• Birch (Betula species)
• Willow (Salix species)
• Poplar (Populus species)

Caterpillars consume leaves of these host plants to grow and develop into the adult butterfly stage.

Butterfly Diet

Unlike caterpillars, adult Red Spotted Purple butterflies feed on a variety of nectar-rich flowers, rotting fruit, dung, carrion, and sap. They gather nutrients and energy from these sources, essential for their survival and reproduction. Some common nectar sources for these butterflies are:

• Milkweed (Asclepias species)
• Joe-pye weed (Eutrochium species)
• Purple coneflower (Echinacea species)

Here’s a comparison of the caterpillar and adult butterfly diets:

By incorporating a mix of both host plants and nectar sources in a pollinator garden, more butterflies can be attracted, and better support the Red Spotted Purple butterfly’s life cycle.

Mimicry and Relationship with Other Butterflies

Mimicry in Red Spotted Purple

The Red Spotted Purple butterfly exhibits mimicry as an evolutionary strategy to deter predators. This butterfly’s unique patterns and colors resemble those of toxic or unpalatable species, causing potential predators to avoid them.

• Examples of mimicry in Red Spotted Purple:
  • Coloring resembles that of the toxic Pipevine Swallowtail
  • Wing patterns imitate the unpalatable White Admiral

Red Spotted Purple and White Admiral

The Red Spotted Purple is closely related to the White Admiral butterfly. These two butterflies occasionally interbreed, resulting in hybrid offspring showing characteristics of both parent species.

• Relationship between Red Spotted Purple and White Admiral:
  • They have similar wing patterns
  • Occasional hybridization can occur

Comparison Table: Red Spotted Purple and White Admiral

Red Spotted Purple and Pipevine Swallowtail

The Red Spotted Purple butterfly’s mimicry extends to its resemblance of the Pipevine Swallowtail, a toxic species which deters predators.

• Characteristics found in both species:
  • Red spots on the wings
  • Dark coloration
  • Similarities in wing patterns

By imitating the toxic Pipevine Swallowtail, the Red Spotted Purple gains an advantage in predator evasion, thus increasing its chances of survival. This is a prime example of how mimicry plays a vital role in the evolution and success of various butterfly species.

Geographical Distribution and Regional Varieties

Eastern United States

The red-spotted purple butterfly (Limenitis arthemis astyanax) is commonly found in the Eastern United States, including states such as Pennsylvania and North Carolina.

Main features:

• Prefers deciduous forests and woodland edges
• Blackish-blue color with red spots on its wings

Southwest

In the Southwest, the Limenitis arthemis arthemis, or white admiral, is found. It shares similar features with the red-spotted purple butterfly.

Comparison table:

Florida

In Florida, the red-spotted purple butterfly can also be observed, with local variations in appearance.

Characteristics:

• Brighter coloration
• Tends to favor warmer climates

Overall, different regional varieties of red-spotted purple butterflies can be found throughout the Eastern US, Southwest, and Florida, each with distinct features and habitat preferences.

Cultivating Host Trees for Red Spotted Purple Butterflies

Planting Tips

Red spotted purple butterflies primarily lay their eggs on the leaves of cottonwood and wild cherry trees. When planting host trees, ensure they have enough space to grow, as both cottonwood and wild cherry trees can become quite large. For example, cottonwoods can become large, while wild cherries typically remain a small tree.

Tree Care

Cottonwoods and wild cherries require different levels of care.

• Cottonwoods: These trees are relatively low-maintenance and can tolerate wet soil conditions. However, they can be susceptible to diseases such as cankers and cottonwood leaf beetles.
• Wild Cherries: They require more care as they are prone to diseases like fire blight and powdery mildew. Regular pruning can help manage these issues, along with monitoring for pests like tent caterpillars.

Appropriate Conditions

To help your host trees thrive and attract red spotted purple butterflies, consider the following conditions for each tree type:

• Cottonwoods:
  • Full sun or partial shade
  • Moist to wet soils
  • Adaptable to various soil types
• Wild Cherries:
  • Full sun
  • Well-drained soils
  • Adaptable to various soil types

Creating the right environment for your host trees will not only help them grow but will also provide the needed resources for red spotted purple butterflies and other pollinators. With proper care and attention, your garden will become a haven for butterflies and a beautiful, lush specimen in any landscape.

Conservation and Viewing Tips

Conservation Efforts

• Plant native host plants for caterpillars
• Reduce pesticide use to protect butterfly populations
• Preserve habitats to support natural life cycles

Red spotted purple butterflies play an essential role in ecosystems, and it’s crucial to support their conservation. One way to do this is by planting native host plants, such as Prunus species like wild cherry, plum, and chokecherry trees, as the caterpillars depend on these for food (source).

Another important aspect is reducing pesticide use to prevent harm to butterfly populations. Preserving habitats that support the natural life cycle of these butterflies is also necessary.

Tips for Observing Red Spotted Purple Butterflies

1. Look for moist habitats

These butterflies are commonly found in moist habitats, such as wetlands and forest edges (source).

2. Observe from a distance

For a clear dorsal view, keep a safe distance and use binoculars to observe them while perched.

3. Watch male butterflies

Male butterflies are more active and are known to perch on trees, making them relatively easier to observe.

Following these tips will enhance your butterfly-watching experience and contribute to the conservation of the red spotted purple butterfly. Happy viewing!