Red-spotted Purple

Deciduous forests, woodlands, forest edges, and along streams and roadsides.

Adults feed on rotting fruit, tree sap, carrion, dung, and occasionally flower nectar. Caterpillars feed on the leaves of host trees such as wild cherry, willow, and aspen.

Fast, erratic fliers that often glide. They are known for perching on tree trunks, moist soil, or animal droppings rather than visiting flowers frequently. They mimic unpalatable pipevine swallowtails to deter predators.

Harmless to humans. They are beneficial pollinators and serve as an important part of the food web for birds and other predators.