(Limenitis arthemis)
Indiana, USA – August 2019

This magnificent butterfly is a good example of mimicry. The butterfly imitates a poisonous swallowtail (Battus philenor) in shape and colour and is thus protected from predators. There are four different sub types of these butterflies, whose coloring varies strongly. Shown here is Limenitis arthemis astyanax, which is common in the east and southeast of the USA.

Red-spotted Purple Admiral
Red-spotted Purple Admiral