Hodges#4525

Limenitis lorquini

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Limenitis lorquini: //lɪˈmɛnɪtɪs lɔːrˈkwɪni//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Limenitis lorquini (23542535670) by USFWS - Pacific Region. Used under a Public domain license.
Limenitis lorquini-1 by Eugene Zelenko. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.
2019-06 Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park (06) Limenitis lorquini by Ralf Lotys (Sicherlich). Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.
Lorquin's Admiral (Limenitis lorquini) (5977107148) by Leslie Seaton from Seattle, WA, USA. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.
Lorquins Admiral (Limenitis lorquini) by Linda Tanner. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.
2019-06 Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park (08) Limenitis lorquini by Ralf Lotys (Sicherlich). Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Summary

Lorquin's admiral (Limenitis lorquini) is a butterfly in the Nymphalinae subfamily, characterized by its distinctive wing pattern and territorial behavior. It thrives in environments such as forest edges and can be found from southern British Columbia to Baja California. Larvae feed primarily on willow and poplar, while adult butterflies primarily gather nectar.

Physical Characteristics

Brown-black wings with distinct white spots; forewings have orange tips. Wingspan: 47 to 71 mm; females are generally larger than males.

Identification Tips

Distinguished by the distinctive bold wing pattern, especially the extra row of white dots on the front wing-tips that differentiate it from the California Sister.

Habitat

Resides in forest edges, mountain canyons, parks, streamsides, fencerows, orchards, and groves of cottonwood and poplar.

Distribution

Southern British Columbia to Baja California, including areas like Vancouver Island, Cypress Hills in southwestern Saskatchewan, and southwestern Alberta; east to western Montana and Idaho.

Diet

Adults feed on nectar; larvae feed on willows, poplars, chokecherry, California buckeye, yerba santa, and privet.

Life Cycle

Typically flies from April to October, with varying brood cycles depending on region; northern populations generally have one brood per year (June-August), while southern populations may have multiple broods.

Reproduction

Eggs are laid near or on the tips of leaves of host plants.

Predators

Territorial behavior includes defending against large birds.

Ecosystem Role

Plays a role in pollination as an adult; larvae contribute to the food web by feeding on various plants.

Cultural Significance

Named after Pierre Joseph Michel Lorquin, a French naturalist known for his contributions to natural history during the California Gold Rush.

Similar Taxa

Tags

  • butterfly
  • Nymphalinae
  • Limenitis lorquini
  • ecosystem role
  • California species