A similar uncompromising beauty
Apr 10, 2021 20:09:15 GMT -8
Adam Cotton, Paul K, and 3 more like this
Post by trehopr1 on Apr 10, 2021 20:09:15 GMT -8
One of the true highlights of our North American butterfly fauna is the sighting
or capture of a freshly emerged Red-spotted Purple (Limenitis astyanax).
For me, this woodland/orchard species offers some of the MOST dazzling and
intensely iridescent blue coloration present in any species found here.
Only, the (males) of the poisonous Pipevine Swallowtail (Battus philenor) rival
L. astyanax in brilliance. Of coarse, it is here that the model/mimic concept is
played out in full fashion in nature; as both species inhabit the same environs.
Red-spotted Purple's are actually iridescent blue/black butterflies. However, in
the right light or perhaps at just the right angle; a "purplish" sheen may be glimpsed.
The red coloration associated with this species is prevalent as spots or rows of spots
on the ventral surface of the species wings.
The species is generally a mid-summer one with adults first appearing
the last week of June and running through July and on into early August.
Unless, you happen to be an avid walker, runner, or bike rider living near
a woodland edge one might never spy this "sparkler' of species in person.
The species is very fond of rotting fruits of all types as well as sap oozing
from tree wounds of sorts. It certainly seems a likely species for bait trapping
success but, I've personally never tried it.
*I have only spied the species from afar (so to speak); as just a happenstance
occurrence on a summer's hike along the woods.
Below, the bold colors of the Red-spotted Purple:
If it were not for the species having a weakness for sugary and/or sweet
attractions; it is otherwise a very wary species. When they light it is only
briefly on the ground but, it is far more often on a leafy perch overheard
AND always seemingly out of reach -- whilst looking at you !
Another lovely species (which comes to mind) during this write-up and of
similar uncompromising beauty and habits is the stunning British/ European
species known as the Purple Emperor (Apatura iris).
A. iris holds a legendary status amongst our fellow British butterfly enthusiasts.
It too is stunningly reflective, bold in color at the right angle, and elusive in habits.
Though, both are an ocean apart in locality; these grand species share a remarkable
common ground in habits and appreciation.
or capture of a freshly emerged Red-spotted Purple (Limenitis astyanax).
For me, this woodland/orchard species offers some of the MOST dazzling and
intensely iridescent blue coloration present in any species found here.
Only, the (males) of the poisonous Pipevine Swallowtail (Battus philenor) rival
L. astyanax in brilliance. Of coarse, it is here that the model/mimic concept is
played out in full fashion in nature; as both species inhabit the same environs.
Red-spotted Purple's are actually iridescent blue/black butterflies. However, in
the right light or perhaps at just the right angle; a "purplish" sheen may be glimpsed.
The red coloration associated with this species is prevalent as spots or rows of spots
on the ventral surface of the species wings.
The species is generally a mid-summer one with adults first appearing
the last week of June and running through July and on into early August.
Unless, you happen to be an avid walker, runner, or bike rider living near
a woodland edge one might never spy this "sparkler' of species in person.
The species is very fond of rotting fruits of all types as well as sap oozing
from tree wounds of sorts. It certainly seems a likely species for bait trapping
success but, I've personally never tried it.
*I have only spied the species from afar (so to speak); as just a happenstance
occurrence on a summer's hike along the woods.
Below, the bold colors of the Red-spotted Purple:
If it were not for the species having a weakness for sugary and/or sweet
attractions; it is otherwise a very wary species. When they light it is only
briefly on the ground but, it is far more often on a leafy perch overheard
AND always seemingly out of reach -- whilst looking at you !
Another lovely species (which comes to mind) during this write-up and of
similar uncompromising beauty and habits is the stunning British/ European
species known as the Purple Emperor (Apatura iris).
A. iris holds a legendary status amongst our fellow British butterfly enthusiasts.
It too is stunningly reflective, bold in color at the right angle, and elusive in habits.
Though, both are an ocean apart in locality; these grand species share a remarkable
common ground in habits and appreciation.
