Weidemeyer's Admiral
Image: AdvaitaMakaranda (CC0)
Common NameWeidemeyer's Admiral
Scientific NameLimenitis weidemeyerii
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyLimenitidinae
Wingspan (mm)65
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorswhite, black, orange
HabitatMountainous areas, riparian zones, aspen groves, open woodlands, canyons
Geographic RangeWestern North America, including the Rocky Mountains and Sierra Nevada, from southern Canada to Arizona and New Mexico
Host Plantswillow (Salix spp.), aspen (Populus tremuloides), cottonwood (Populus spp.)
Flight PeriodJune to August
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae are cryptic, resembling bird droppings, and overwinter as partially grown caterpillars in a hibernaculum.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its bold black and white pattern with broad white bands and the absence of orange wing tips, which differentiates it from similar admirals like Lorquin's Admiral.
Description
A striking medium-sized butterfly with broad white bands across otherwise black wings, featuring a row of white spots along the black margins. The underside shows similar patterns with some orange-brown coloration near the body.
