How to Identify Spotted Admiral Butterflies

The red-spotted admiral butterfly is found throughout the Eastern U.S. and in the southwestern states and Mexico. This species is particularly interesting for butterfly hunters because it is made up of two subspecies that appear to be strikingly different. Scientists re-classified red-spotted purple and white admiral butterflies as subspecies of the red-spotted admiral butterfly in 2001. Follow these steps to identify either subspecies in the field.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Red-Spotted Purple Butterfly

1. Look at the coloration on the upper side of the wings. Although they are called purple butterflies, they range in color from blue to blue-green.

2. Check the outer edge of the wing for iridescent coloring to identify these butterflies.

3. Examine the underside of the wings. Red-spotted purples appear dark brown under their wings. There are red-orange patterns against the dark brown background.

4. Confirm that there is no tail or protrusion from the hind wing. The red-spotted purple mimics the pipevine swallowtail because the pipevine has a foul taste. Their similar coloration fools predators; but it won't fool you if you look for any sign of a tail.

White Admiral Butterfly

5. Note the coloration of the upper wings. The white bands that are this insect's namesake appear against a black background.

6. Observe the edges of the wings for blue and red patterns.

7. Watch the underside of the wings when the specimen lands. A white admiral is red-brown in color and has white markings that match the upper wings.

Tips & Warnings

• Because the red-spotted purple and the white admiral are part of the same species, they can breed and create hybrid offspring. Hybrids have intermediate coloration making them difficult to identify.

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