Limenitis reducta – southern white admiral

The southern white admiral is a daily butterfly that belongs to the family Nymphalidae. They are most prevalent in south-eastern and central Europe as well as in western Asia. They live on forest edges and meadows up to 1,600 meters above sea level. Larvae are light green and eat leaves of the plant Lonicera sp. (Caprifoliaceae). Adult individuals, in addition to nectar from flowers, often eat juice from fallen fruits, secretions from flies etc.

The southern white admiral has a wingspan of 46 to 54 mm. The upper side of the wings is brownish-black with a metallic blue glow, a large transverse band of white markings and a sub-marginal line of blue dots. 

Butterflies are characterized by their swift and grandiose flight, skilfully and accurately flying over the leaves in the woods. At the Galichica National Park, you can find them on the edges of oak and beech forests. They fly from May to August and live for two years.