Saturday, 11 February 2012
White Admiral Butterfly
Scientific Name:
Limenitis camilla
Wingspan (mm):
Male: 56 - 64mm, Female: 58 - 66mm Description
Brownish black upper wings, with white markings and a double row of black spots - white scalloped markings edge the wings. The underwing has the basis of an orange-brown colour, white markings and a double row of black spots.
Distribution
The White Admiral occurs widely in southern Britain and has spread rapidly since the 1920s, after an earlier contraction. However, population monitoring has shown a dramatic decline in the last 20 years for reasons that are as yet unclear.
Habitat
The butterfly uses shady woodland and ride edges, often associated with neglected or mature woodland where there are sunny glades with large patches of Bramble to provide nectar for the adults. It is found in both deciduous and mixed deciduous/coniferous woodland.
Diet
The sole foodplant is Honeysuckle, usually in shady positions.
Status
UK BAP status: Priority Species Butterfly Conservation priority: high European threat status: not threatened