The White admiral is a medium-sized butterfly found in shady woodlands, clearings and rides in late summer. Adults are often found on the flowers of Bramble and lay their eggs on Honeysuckle leaves, which the caterpillars feed on. Usually seen in ones or twos, it is never very common, but is widespread in southern England.
How to identify
The White admiral is a black butterfly with distinctive white bands on the wings and a gingery-brown underside. It has a characteristic flight pattern of short periods of wingbeats followed by long glides. The similar Purple emperor is larger.
Did you know?
There is usually only one brood of White admirals per year, with adults emerging in June and July. Eggs are laid in late summer, and the new larvae wrap themselves in a silken leaf shelter for the winter.
How people can help
The Wildlife Trusts manage many woodland nature reserves sympathetically for the benefit of all kinds of butterflies, including the White Admiral. A mix of coppicing, scrub-cutting, ride maintenance and non-intervention all help woodland wildlife to thrive. You can help too: volunteer for your local Wildlife Trust and you could be involved in everything from traditional forest crafts to surveying for butterflies.
