Knowledgebase

What is this butterfly? #876559

Asked July 09, 2024, 6:24 PM EDT

Saw this beautiful blue butterfly and wondered what it is.

St. Mary's County Maryland

Expert Response

This beautiful butterfly is a red-spotted purple. They are a native insect found widespread throughout our state. 


This page provides more information about them, their life cycle, and some of their host plants.

I'm sure yours is appreciating a sip of water from the bird bath on these hot days. Enjoy!

Christa
Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied July 10, 2024, 11:32 AM EDT
Thank you!

Even thought there is no spots on it?

Ann
Sent from my iPhone

On Jul 10, 2024, at 11:32 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:


The Question Asker Replied July 10, 2024, 12:08 PM EDT
The spots are mainly on the undersides of the wings. The top sides of the wings sometimes have obvious red spots and sometimes do not. The photos here on the Maryland Biodiversity Project page show examples of the variations and the spots that are more prevalent on the undersides of the wings. 

Christa
Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied July 10, 2024, 2:07 PM EDT
Thank You!

Sent from my iPhone

On Jul 10, 2024, at 2:07 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:


The Question Asker Replied July 10, 2024, 3:56 PM EDT

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