Description
The White Admiral is a stunning woodland butterfly. From a distance the wings are black/dark brown with a band of white but on closer inspection subtle patterns and colouration occur in the dark areas of the wing. The undersides are more colourful, sky blue near the body, with a dark red/brown and white band corresponding to the upper wing pattern.
The White Admiral has a distinctive and delicate flight pattern consisting of short periods of wing beats, followed by long glides often very near the ground. Adults are often found feeding on Bramble flowers in woodland rides and clearings but may also be encountered on the ground feeding on nutrient rich soils. They are sometimes seen feeding on bird droppings. It prefers shady areas, flying in dappled sunlight. The females lay their eggs on Honeysuckle.
The eggs are laid in late summer, hatching soon after. The small brown spiny larvae feed on the tips of Honeysuckle leaves before sheltering in a dried, rolled up leaf known as a hibernaculum for the winter. As new fresh leaves appear on Honeysuckle plant during the following spring, the larvae feed and as they grow, change into a stunning but highly camouflaged form which is very difficult to find in the wild. The larvae pupate on the plant and look like a leaf and are again extremely well camouflaged.
The White Admiral is a Priority Species for conservation due to the continued loss of habitat and resulting drop in population. |
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Habitat
The White Admiral prefers shady woodland and woodland rides in mature woodland. Sunny glades with patches of Bramble and other flowers providing nectar are also required. |
Distribution
Although its range is expanding north probably due to global warming the White Admiral suffers from poor or complete lack of woodland management. It occurs across southern Britain, spreading rapidly since the 1920s. |
Where to see the White Admiral in the British Isles
Although its range is expanding north probably due to global warming the White Admiral suffers from poor or complete lack of woodland management. It occurs across southern Britain, spreading rapidly since the 1920s.
Key sites for the White Admiral include:
Dorset: Alners Gorse
Northamptonshire: Fermyn Wood, Salcey Forest
Warwickshire: Ryton Wood, Wappenbury Wood, Hartshill Hayes
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Lifecycle chart
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Flight chart
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| The lifecycle and flight charts should be regarded as approximate guides to the White Admiral in Britain. Specific lifecycle states, adult emergence and peak flight times vary from year to year due to variations in weather conditions. |
| IUCN category status 2010 5 |
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IUCN category status 2007 34 |
 Vulnerable
5Fox, R., Warren, M., Brereton, T. M., Roy, D. B. & Robinson, A.
(2010) A new Red List of British Butterflies. Insect Conservation and Diversity.
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Vulnerable
3Fox, R., Warren, M & Brereton, T.
(2007) New Red List of British Butterflies. Butterfly Conservation, Wareham.
4More information about IUCN categories. |
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Wingspan
54-66mm |
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UK status
Resident |
Larval foodplants
The larvae feed solely on the leaves of Honeysuckle (Lonicera periclymenum). 1st first instar larvae can be found on drapes of Honeysuckle in partially shaded woodland. |
Butterflies of Britain ID Chart
Your personal guide to British Butterflies. This 8-panel laminated chart is designed for speedy butterfly identification in the field. Ideal for anyone interested in identifying butterflies, perfect for children and adults and ideal for outdoor use, laminated, shower-proof and robust. |
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Online store
Visit our online store for many more butterfly related books and gifts. |
Population trends 1
UK Population trend 1995-2004  down by -36%
UK Population trend 1976-2004 down by -62%
1Fox, R., Asher. J., Brereton. T., Roy, D & Warren, M. (2006) The State of Butterflies in Britain & Ireland, Pices, Oxford. |
UK BAP status 2
UK BAP status candidate priority species (link)
2For information about the UK Biodiversity Action Plan, visit the JNCC web site jncc.defra.gov.uk. |
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and 
indicate a contraction in distribution of the 
outside the natural distribution may be the result of illegal or accidental releases by breeders or, depending upon the species, migrant individuals from mainland Europe.
