“Explanation of Names
Greek Αστυαναξ – In Homer's Iliad, this is the title given to Hector's infant son by the people of Troy. It means ‘master of the city.’
“As to the common name, many people wonder why it is a ‘Purple’ instead of a ‘Blue’, since the color seen on the wings usually looks decidedly more blue (even greenish) than purple. Something to debate about when time needs killed.”
“Identification
Hard to confuse with any other species. Black-brown with metallic bluish coloring on both sides (may appear purplish or greenish); with orange spots on lower hind wing, and with pale bluish to white markings near outer margins of wings.
“Red-Spotted Purple mimics the Pipevine Swallowtail, but its hind wings lack the tails and Pipevine lacks spots at wing base. Other Pipevine Swallowtails may look somewhat similar, but only superficially, and all are easy to tell apart. Other mimics (or possible mimics) in the same region include Pipevine, Black, & female Tiger Swallowtails, and Mourning Cloak” — https://bugguide.net/node/view/38193
Retired economics professor (“dismal scientist”). Married 40+ years to the love of my life; we have two grown daughters, both married, two granddaughters and a...