White Admiral
Key facts
- Latin name
- Limenitis camilla
- Family
- Nymphalidae
- Wingspan
- 44-60 mm
- Flight season
- June — August
- Host plants
- Fly honeysuckle, Tatarian honeysuckle
- Conservation status
- LC
Appearance
The white admiral (Limenitis camilla) is an elegant medium butterfly with a wingspan of 44–60 mm. The upper side is dark brown (almost black) with a broad white band across both wings. On the forewing the band is broken by small white spots near the tip.
The underside is brick orange with the white band and small black spots.
Flight is light and gliding — alternating wingbeats with sailing.
Range and habitat
Found in Europe (Britain to Japan). In Russia in the European part, Urals, and Siberia.
Strictly tied to deciduous forest with honeysuckle. Typical biotopes: shady floodplain woods, oak woods, alder carr.
Life cycle
One generation per year. Flight June–August.
Eggs laid singly on the upper side of honeysuckle leaves. The caterpillar is green with reddish-brown spines; early instars resemble bird droppings. It overwinters in a small rolled-leaf shelter. Pupa angular, green with metallic sheen.
Forest canopy patroller
A typical canopy species. Males hold "sentry posts" on branches and chase rivals. In flight they alternate flaps with gliding — a characteristic "flying leaf" silhouette.