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White Admiral

Limenitis camilla

Not yet photographed by the community

Elegant glider of shaded woodland rides.

Species Profile

Amber List; declining in range and abundance due to habitat loss and woodland management practices.

Lifespan: 4–6 weeks as an adult butterfly
Size & Weight: Wingspan 48–54 mm
Habitat: Woodland rides, clearings, and margins where honeysuckle grows as the larval foodplant, typically in dappled sunlight.
UK Distribution: Southern England, particularly the Midlands, South East, and parts of Wales; absent from northern Britain. Resident species with a single generation per year.
Diet: Adults feed on honeydew from aphids and occasionally on rotting fruit; caterpillars feed exclusively on honeysuckle leaves.
Predators: Birds, spiders, and parasitic wasps (particularly affecting larvae and pupae).
Mating Season: June to August
Breeding: Females lay eggs singly on honeysuckle plants in July–August. Caterpillars overwinter as pupae, and adults emerge in June the following year. Single generation per year.
Behaviour: White Admirals are fast, powerful fliers that patrol woodland rides with a characteristic jerky flight pattern. They are relatively shy and difficult to approach, often remaining in the canopy. Males are territorial and perch on vegetation to intercept passing females.

Did You Know?

•The White Admiral is named for the distinctive white bands and spots on its dark brown wings, which resemble naval insignia.
•Adults have a preference for aphid honeydew and are rarely seen visiting flowers, making them inconspicuous compared to other butterflies.
•The caterpillar has a highly specialized diet, feeding almost exclusively on the honeysuckle species Lonicera periclymenum (woodbine).
•Unlike many UK butterflies, the White Admiral overwinters in the pupal stage, making it vulnerable to harsh winters and spring frosts.
•The species has contracted significantly in range since the 1970s, with populations now largely restricted to ancient woodlands in southern England.

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