Red-spotted Purple
Limenitis arthemis
The Red-spotted Purple is a dark, iridescent butterfly with deep blue scaling along the hindwings and small red-orange spots near the wing margins. Although it lacks the long tails of dark swallowtails, its rich blue-black pattern can give it a similar impression at first glance. In these photos, the butterfly is shown both on a gravelly path and tucked into low green vegetation, where the blue markings stand out against the shaded wings.
For identification details and comparison with similar species, see Limenitis arthemis in the Field Notes section.
Red-spotted Purple on a Gravel Path
A wider view showing the butterfly open-winged, with blue scaling visible along the hindwing margins.
Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Lens: EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
Settings: ISO 800 • Aperture f/8.0 • Shutter 1/640
E22A4116 • Size: 1800 x 1200
Red-spotted Purple in Green Foliage
The surrounding leaves frame the dark wings, blue hindwing scaling, and small red-orange marginal spots.
Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Lens: EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
Settings: ISO 250 • Aperture f/4.5 • Shutter 1/200
E22A3851 • Size: 2500 x 1667