Poplar Admiral
Key facts
- Latin name
- Limenitis populi
- Family
- Nymphalidae
- Wingspan
- 62-84 mm
- Flight season
- June — July
- Host plants
- Aspen, White poplar
- Conservation status
- LC
Appearance
The poplar admiral (Limenitis populi) is one of the largest nymphalids in Russia with a wingspan of 62–84 mm. The upper side of the wings is black-brown with a broad white band. Above the band on the hindwings is a row of small orange spots.
The underside of the wings is reddish orange with a silvery blue tint at the base and retained white spots. The underside is brighter and more colorful than in the white admiral.
Range and habitat
Found in the forest zone of Europe and Asia to Japan. In Russia in the European part and Siberia.
Closely tied to aspen and poplar forest. It prefers shady old aspen stands, floodplain poplar woods, and mixed forest with aspen.
Life cycle
One generation per year. Flight from late June through July, rarely into early August.
Eggs are laid singly on the upper side of aspen leaves. The caterpillar overwinters in a special pocket of folded leaf. In spring it completes a "tube" of leaf in which it lives. Pupa suspended, greenish.
Male behavior
Males are strongly territorial. They hold permanent "lookout posts" on tree tops and attack any intruders, including large birds and other butterflies. They attack swiftly and return to the same spot.