White Admiral

§ Quick facts

§ Encyclopedia

Limenitis arthemis, the red-spotted purple or white admiral, is a North American butterfly species in the cosmopolitan genus Limenitis. It has been studied for its evolution of mimicry, and for the several stable hybrid wing patterns within this nominal species; it is one of the most dramatic examples of hybridization between non-mimetic and mimetic populations.

Source: Wikipedia — Limenitis arthemis · Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Large dark butterfly with prominent white band across both wings; iridescent blue on hindwing margins; underside red-spotted similar to Red-spotted Purple.

Similar species. Red-spotted Purple (same species; southern populations; no white band). Mourning Cloak (cream margin). Other admirals (different colors).

Voice. N/A

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Adults: tree sap, fermenting fruit, rotting fruit. Caterpillars: aspens, willows, birches, poplars.

Behavior. Northern form of the Red-spotted Purple — considered the same species (Limenitis arthemis). The white band on the wings differentiates White Admirals from southern Red-spotted Purples. Where the two ranges overlap (across central US), individuals show varying intermediate appearance. Caterpillars overwinter in shelters constructed from rolled leaves.

§ Range

Northern North America

§ Habitat

Mixed forests, riparian areas

§ Threats

Habitat loss, climate change.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the white admiral is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Maintain mixed forests. Plant native willows and birches (caterpillar hosts).

§ Further reading

• Wikipedia — Limenitis arthemis
• www.nwf.org — authoritative profile of Limenitis arthemis arthemis
• iNaturalist · taxon 49348
• IUCN Red List — search for Limenitis arthemis arthemis
• GBIF occurrence records
• Encyclopedia of Life — Limenitis arthemis arthemis

§ Sources cited

• Butterflies and Moths of North America
• Xerces Society
• iNaturalist