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White admiral on birch leaf

 

 

The white admiral is a little smaller than the poplar admiral but otherwise quite similar.

We described the poplar admiral a few days ago:

http://www.looduskalender.ee/en/node/17340

 

Both species are forest butterflies that stand out with their fast and powerful flying and extreme vigilance about threats. An individual feeding on a flower loses its alertness; then an observer has his chance, but sudden movements should be avoided.

 

The upper surfaces of the white admiral’s wings are not as colourful as those of the poplar admiral: the blackish brown basic colour is only garnished with clearly outlined white flecks. The white pattern of the orange underwings mirrors the white flecks of the upper side  a little more broadly.

 

Both species can be quite frequently encountered in Estonia, white admiral more often in South Estonia.

 

In addition to the already presented species we will look at the rather similar summer generation of the small tortoiseshell.

 

White admiral on birch leaf