Southern White Admiral
Common NameSouthern White Admiral
Scientific NameLimenitis reducta
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyLimenitidinae
Wingspan (mm)55
Primary Colorsdark blue, white
HabitatOpen woodlands, forest edges, clearings, scrubland, often near streams or damp areas.
Geographic RangeSouthern Europe (Iberian Peninsula, France, Italy, Balkans), parts of North Africa, and extending into Western Asia.
Host PlantsLonicera periclymenum, Lonicera caprifolium, Lonicera etrusca
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on honeysuckle leaves. Larvae are cryptic, overwintering as small caterpillars in a hibernaculum. Pupae are typically green or brown, resembling a leaf or twig.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its dark blue-black wings with a distinct, continuous white band across both wings, and a row of small white submarginal spots. The underside is reddish-brown with similar white markings.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with deep dark blue to black wings adorned with a prominent band of white spots across both forewings and hindwings, and a row of smaller white submarginal spots.
