Sussex Butterfly Conservation : Species

Butterfly Species in Sussex

White Admiral resting on Bracken – photo by Dave Brown

White Admiral

Limenitis camilla

Description

This species is widely-distributed in the woods of Wealden Sussex, where its larval foodplant, Honeysuckle, is ubiquitous and common. Honeysuckle is less common on the coastal plain and on chalk and unsurprisingly White Admirals are also uncommon in those geographical areas. Even in favoured localities such as Southwater Woods it is not unusual for this beautiful, elegant butterfly to be common one year, but scarce the next. Sunny glades and widened rides with plenty of Blackberry blossom gives us the best chance of a close-up view.

A high-flying adult might be mistaken for a Purple Emperor, but with its velvet-black wings and brilliant white stripe, it is so distinctive, that it is difficult to confuse with any other British species.

Usually single-brooded, the “average first sighting” between 2006-2024 was June 17th (range June 2nd to June 29th). Peak numbers are reached in the second or third week of July and thereafter the numbers dwindle rather quickly, as the “average last sighting” for 2006-2024 was an early July 31st.

An occasional second brood flies from early September to the third week in October. This has occurred on seven occasions in this millennium, including one at Ebernoe Common on 22/09/2023.

Where to find

Any woodland that has a plentiful supply of Honeysuckle, its larval foodplant. For large numbers, try Abbot’s Wood at TQ5607, Binsted Wood, Paine’s Wood and Tortington Common at SU9906, Eartham Wood at SU951114, Friston Forest at TV5399, and Southwater Woods between TQ131257 and TQ140254, and TQ141258 to TQ141254 (via TQ147254).