White Admiral
Limenitis camillaThe White Admiral is an elegant woodland butterfly, gliding through shady canopies before drifting down to nectar on Bramble. Their velvety black wings are crossed with bold white bands, while the undersides reveal orange, silver and white tones with dark spots. They are often confused with the Purple Emperor but have their own quiet majesty. Caterpillars feed on Honeysuckle and build protective shelters for the winter.
The woodland glider with striking underwings
The White Admiral is a woodland glider, its velvety black wings crossed by striking white bands beating briefly before it drifts down from the treetops to nectar on Bramble.
Aside from its striking upperwings, its underwings are a beautiful array of orange, white and silver with black spots.
White Admirals lay eggs that look like tiny little golf balls. Its caterpillars are also very distinctive – fully grown, they are bright green with red spines protruding down their bodies, and they hold themselves in a characteristic ‘S’ shape.
Their favourite food is Honeysuckle, and from its leaves they’ll create a little shelter to sleep in called a hibernaculum. They’ll spend the winter here and, even as the leaf dies, the caterpillars’ silk strands will keep them attached to the plant.
Later, the White Admiral chrysalis is green with silver spots and two horns, which helps it mimic a shrivelled Honeysuckle leaf.
To spot this butterfly at any stage of its stunning life cycle, you’ll have to be in southern Britain. They live in shady woodland with sunny glades and patches of Bramble.
Vibes
Each butterfly is scored out of 100 across a set of traits, from how bold and visible it is to how far it travels or how particular it is about where it lives. These scores compare each species with the other butterflies in Britain, helping you see their differences at a glance. Here’s what makes the White Admiral special.
Bright colours, bold patterns, and a love of the spotlight. Some butterflies just can’t help showing off.
Fast, or throwing some seriously impressive moves, these butterflies are in a flutter.
Always on guard, ready to hide or defend - these butterflies have self-preservation down to an art.
It’s ok to be a little… well, weird. These butterflies have been certified with the freak factor.
Like Goldilocks, everything has to be just right for these perfectionists.
Hard to spot and even harder to forget, these butterflies are a true one of a kind.
Bold, curious, and ready to explore, these brave butterflies live for the thrill and aren’t afraid to travel.
Weather-resistant, battle-hardened, and built to survive, these butterflies know how to take it on the wing.
White Admiral caterpillars build leaf shelters called hibernacula and stay inside them all winter, even as the leaf dies.
Test your knowledge
What plant do White Admiral caterpillars rely on?White Admiral caterpillars feed on honeysuckle and use its leaves to build their winter shelters.
Does the White Admiral get your vote?