Insect
Red-spotted Purple
Limenitis astyanaxThe Red-spotted Purple is a dark forest butterfly whose upper wings glow blue-green in angled light and whose undersides carry red-orange spots. It glides along sunny woodland openings and often pauses on damp soil or tree sap.
Iridescent ButterflyForest EdgeMimicry
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyAdults take tree sap, moisture, and decaying organic fluids; caterpillars browse willow-family and related host leaves
Predators
- Birds
- Spiders
- Praying mantises
ThreatsForest fragmentation, pesticide use, host-tree removal, road traffic, and drought
HabitatsDeciduous forest, river corridors, woodland roads, pond edges, gardens, and sunny clearings
Life spanAdults live for several weeks; the full life cycle spans a season or overwinters as a larva
Classification
- FamilyNymphalidae
- SpeciesLimenitis astyanax
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Observe without netting, baiting, or handling adults because wing scales rub away easily.
Responsible observation
- Light: Watch for blue-green iridescence that changes with viewing angle.
- Underside: Look for red-orange spots when the butterfly folds its wings.
- Behavior: Stand still near damp trail edges rather than chasing a gliding adult.
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?
Checking your Fauna account…Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.