Animal Diversity Web

Diversity

Four species of Admiral butterflies are found in North America, but this number is not agreed upon by authorities. The number may be interpreted as few as two species or as many as five or six. Due to species hybridization, it is difficult to define the number of species. Some species tend to hybridize where their ranges overlap. This may lead to entire populations of hybrid butterflies in these “blend” zones. In Eurasia, there are one or more species that are distinct from those found in North America. (Bartlett, 2012)

Geographic Range

Species of the genus Limenitis, known as admiral butterflies, are found throughout North America and temperate Eurasia. (Bartlett, 2012)

• Biogeographic Regions
• nearctic
  • native
• palearctic
  • native

Habitat

Admiral butterflies are found in sunny areas of wooded areas like forests and mountains. Caterpillars of this genus are most often found near their host plants. (Bartlett, 2012)

• Habitat Regions
• temperate

• Terrestrial Biomes
• forest
• mountains

• Aquatic Biomes
• lakes and ponds
• rivers and streams

Systematic and Taxonomic History

American species may be classified into a genus called Basilarchia in some literature. (Bartlett, 2012)

• Synapomorphies

  • Basilarchia

Physical Description

Admiral butterflies are large butterflies that don’t have tails nor additional appendages on their wings. Coloring between species of this genus is distinct. They may be confused with the species queens, members of the genera sisters and monarchs, and the family called swallowtails. (Bartlett, 2012)

The caterpillars of the various species look very similar and can be hard to differentiate. Caterpillars look rough and have large bumps. They have two large bumpy horns. Resembling bird droppings, caterpillars are dark brown or green in color. They may have spots of white or cream color. Swallowtail caterpillars may look similar, but they lack the horns. (Bartlett, 2012)

• Other Physical Features
• ectothermic
• bilateral symmetry

Development

Admiral butterflies, like other butterflies, undergo complete metamorphosis. Members of this genus overwinter as larvae. They build hibernaculum, which is like a cocoon made from part of a rolled leaf. (Bartlett, 2012)

• Development - Life Cycle
• metamorphosis
• diapause

Reproduction

Admirals breed seasonally and use sexual reproduction. Females lay eggs. (Bartlett, 2012)

• Key Reproductive Features
• seasonal breeding
• sexual
• fertilization
  • internal
• oviparous

• Parental Investment
• no parental involvement

Lifespan/Longevity

Most adults live from late spring to early summer. They produce one generation per year. In the south, multiple generations may occur. Members of this genus overwinter as larvae. (Bartlett, 2012)

Communication and Perception

Admiral butterflies communicate through visual and chemical manners. They utilize vision and chemical methods for perception.

• Communication Channels
• visual
• chemical

• Other Communication Modes
• pheromones

• Perception Channels
• visual
• ultraviolet
• chemical

Food Habits

Larvae are laid on and feed on host plants. They prefer members of the family Salicaceae, such as poplars and willows. They may also consume members of the family Rosaceae, including apple, serviceberry, and cherry. Occasionally, they have been observed feeding on alder, birch, oak, lindens, and vaccinium. Adults feed on nectar. (Bartlett, 2012)

• Primary Diet
• herbivore
  • folivore
  • nectarivore

Predation

Some species of admiral butterflies utilize Batesian mimicry. Viceroy butterflies (Limenitis archippus) are well-known mimics of monarch butterflies. Red-spotted purple or white admirals (Limenitis arthemis) are mimics of pipevine swallowtails. Monarch butterflies and pipevine swallowtails are unpalatable for predators. Members of this genus are eaten by predatory birds like blue jays (Platt, et al., 1971)

• Anti-predator Adaptations
• mimic

• Known Predators

  • predatory birds like blue jays

Ecosystem Roles

Adult admiral butterflies are pollinators that feed on nectar. Some species of this genus are mimics of unpalatable butterflies. Caterpillars feed on the host plants on which they are laid. (Bartlett, 2012; Porter, 1989)

• Ecosystem Impact
• pollinates

Economic Importance for Humans: Positive

Adult admiral butterflies are pollinators.

• Positive Impacts
• pollinates crops

Economic Importance for Humans: Negative

No information about negative economic impact for humans was found.

Conservation Status

Some species of this genus, such as viceroys, are of conservation concern due to loss of habitat. (Bartlett, 2012)

• IUCN Red List [Link]

  Not Evaluated

Contributors

Deena Hauze (author), Animal Diversity Web Staff.

References

Austin, G., D. Murphy. 1987. ZOOGEOGRAPHY OF GREAT BASIN BUTTERFLIES: PATTERNS OF DISTRIBUTION AND DIFFERENTIATION. The Great Basin Naturalist, 47(2): 186-201. Accessed July 31, 2020 at https://www-jstor-org.ezproxy2.library.colostate.edu/stable/41712322.

Bartlett, T. 2012. "Genus Limenitis - Admirals & Viceroy" (On-line). Bug Guide. Accessed July 31, 2020 at https://bugguide.net/node/view/358.

Platt, A., R. Coppinger, L. Brower. 1971. Demonstration of the Selective Advantage of Mimetic Limenitis Butterflies Presented to Caged Avian Predators. Society for the Study of Evolution, 25(4): 692-701. Accessed July 31, 2020 at http://www.jstor.com/stable/2406950.

Porter, A. 1989. Genetic Evidence for Reproductive Isolation between Hybridizing Limenitis Butterflies (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) in Southwestern New Mexico. The American Midland Naturalist, 122(2): 275-280. Accessed July 31, 2020 at https://www-jstor-org.ezproxy2.library.colostate.edu/stable/2425913.