White Admiral Identification Guide
A striking black butterfly crossed by a bold white band, the northern counterpart of the red-spotted purple.
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Key Features
The white admiral (Limenitis arthemis arthemis) is a large butterfly with a wingspan of about 3 to 3.5 inches. Notable features include:
- Upperside is black with a bold, wide white band crossing straight across both the forewing and hindwing, the species' most obvious field mark.
- Small orange-red spots appear near the outer wing margins, often more visible along the wing edges and on the underside.
- A blue-black iridescent sheen is present on the wings, similar to its southern counterpart the red-spotted purple.
- Underside is brown, with the white band continuing through, plus rows of orange spots and hints of blue along the margins.
- Wings are rounded, with a smooth gliding flight interspersed with several quick wingbeats.
Where and When to Spot It
The white admiral is found in northern hardwood and mixed forests across Canada and the northern United States, with caterpillars feeding on birch, aspen, willow, and wild cherry. It flies from late spring through summer, generally with one main generation in the cooler northern parts of its range. Look for it along forest trails, clearings, and edges, where it often perches on foliage with wings spread or glides low between trees.
Similar Species
- Red-spotted purple: Same species, southern form, lacking the white band entirely and instead showing solid iridescent blue-black wings.
- Viceroy: Orange with black wing veins and a distinct black line crossing the hindwing, quite different in overall color from the black-and-white white admiral.
- Intermediate hybrids: Where the two forms' ranges overlap, some individuals show a partial or reduced white band, blending features of both forms.
Quick ID Checklist
- Large black butterfly with a bold white band across both wings
- Small orange-red spots near the wing margins
- Blue-black iridescent sheen on the upperside
- Found in northern hardwood/mixed forests
- Single main flight period in late spring to summer
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Is the white admiral a different species from the red-spotted purple?
No, they are the same species, Limenitis arthemis; the white admiral is the northern form with a bold white band, while the red-spotted purple is the southern form without one.
How does the white admiral differ from the viceroy?
The white admiral is black with a white band, while the viceroy is orange with black veins and a distinct black line across the hindwing, making the two easy to tell apart by overall color.
What trees do white admiral caterpillars rely on?
Birch, aspen, willow, and wild cherry are common caterpillar host plants in the northern forests where this butterfly lives.
Where the two forms overlap, can individuals look different?
Yes, in overlap zones some individuals show an intermediate, partial white band, blending traits of both the white admiral and red-spotted purple forms.