White Admiral Butterfly.
The White Admiral (Limenitis arthemis) is one of the most elegant native butterflies in New York. As a matter of fact, it lives across the northern United States as well. Observers easily recognize Limenitis arthemis by its striking black wings banded with a clean white stripe.
This woodland species is a frequent sight in shady forest edges, trails, and quiet rural gardens.
White Admiral’s Cousin Butterfly.
Closely related to the Red-Spotted Purple butterfly (Limenitis arthemis astyanax), the White Admiral represents the northern color form of the same species. In fact, the two can hybridize where their ranges overlap. The Red-Spotted Purple is found farther south. It lacks the white band and has shimmering blue iridescence instead. These markings are certainly an excellent example of regional adaptation and mimicry.
Host Plants.
White Admiral caterpillars feed on a variety of native trees and shrubs. Their favorite host plants include Wild Cherry (Prunus serotina), Willow (Salix spp.), Poplar (Populus spp.), Birch (Betula spp.), and Serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.). These trees support the complete life cycle of this butterfly, providing both food for larvae and resting spots for adult butterflies.
Habitat and Behavior.
Adults are often seen gliding gracefully along forest edges or perched on leaves basking in dappled sunlight. They drink nectar from native wildflowers like Swamp Milkweed, Joe Pye Weed, and Beebalm. Additionally, Limenitis arthemis also seek out sap flows and overripe fruit.
If you want to attract the White Admiral butterfly to your garden, plant a mix of native flowering species for nectar along with a few of their larval host trees. By recreating their woodland habitat, you’ll straightaway invite one of the Northeast’s most striking butterflies to make your landscape home.
Jessecology specializes in creating Matrix plantings of so many beautiful native wildflowers.
The butterflies certainly feel welcome to procreate in the Jessecology built garden systems. Start Your Project now to enjoy your own personal habitat oasis soon.