North American Butterflies and Moths List

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The Registry of Nature Habitats

U.S. Geological Survey


Butterflies of North America

Butterflies of Michigan

'Astyanax' Red-spotted Purple (Limenitis arthemis astyanax (incl. arizonensis))
JPG -- species photo


Red-spotted Purple (Limenitis arthemis astyanax and L. arthemis arizonensis)

These two subspecies of Limentis arthemis lack the prominent white bands on both wings. The range of these two subspecies is shown because these look so different from the white-banded form. The fact that both forms interbreed over a broad zone and produce fertile offspring is why they are treated under the single species (see page for Limentis arthemis).

State and Regional References:

Layberry, R.A., Hall, P.W. & Lafontaine, D.J., 1998.  The Butterflies of 
     Canada.  University of Toronto Press, Toronto, ON.  280 pp.

Nielsen, Mogens C., 1999.  Michigan Butterflies and Skippers: A Field Guide 
     and Reference.  Michigan State University Extension, East Lansing, MI.
     248 pp. 
     
Opler, P.A. 1998. A field guide to eastern butterflies, revised format.
     Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston.     
'Astyanax' Red-spotted Purple (Limenitis arthemis astyanax (incl. arizonensis))
distribution map
map legend

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