Limenitis camilla
This is a very elegant species of large, mature woodlands where it may be found in glades and sun-exposed woodland rides. It is an uncommon species and even in favoured locations we are lucky if we see more than three or four individuals. However, there are exceptional years when it is so plentiful, that every ten steps or so, another one appears, and when making this outrageous statement, Southwater Woods comes to mind.
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.
There is typically one brood a year with the first adults emerging in mid-June, or shortly thereafter, and reaching a peak in the second or third week of July. Very occasionally, at the end of a hot summer, a few individuals may emerge in September, suggesting a partial second-brood.
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).
White Admiral resting on Bracken – photo by Dave Brown
With closed wings – photo by Dave Brown
Nectaring on Blackberry blossom – photo by Graham Hubbard
Feeding on dung – photo by Bill Gemmell
Nectaring on Blackberry blossom – photo by Dave Brown
Checking out the Honeysuckle – photo by John Williams
Butterfly Conservation White Admiral
