Limenitis reducta

BUTTERFLY INFO

Limenitis reducta is a butterfly of the family Nymphalidae on the island of Crete, Greece.

Scientific name

Limenitis reducta (Staudinger, 1901)

Common name

Southern White Admiral

Classification

Family: Nymphalidae > Subfamily: Limenitidinae > Tribus: Limenitidini > Genus: Limenitis

Wingspan

Male to female: 45-55 mm

Appearance

Both sexes have a similar appearance. The upper side of the wings is dark brown, almost black with metallic blue reflections, especially visible in young adults. Depending on the angle of the light, the blue color is variable. There is also a large band of white markings in the postdiscal area and a submarginal line of small blue dots.

The basic color of the underside of the hindwings is red, with a silvery basal area, a row of white markings, and a row of black spots. A few white cell spots are also present on the underside of the forewings.

Behavior

The butterflies are noted for their nimble and graceful flight, as they weave their way with great precision in and out of the foliage of trees. Sometimes they rest in sweating faces and hands.

Habitat

Limenitis reducta in Crete lives in deciduous forests, glades, dense shrubland, and fields of medium altitude.

Food plant

The larva feeds on Caprifoliaceae plants.

Flight Period

The butterfly flies in at least 2 generations per year.

Remarks

The Southern White Admiral has very limited distribution in Crete. It has a unique appearance in Crete and can’t be confused with any other butterflies of the island.

Status*

Least Concern (LC)

(*European Red List of Butterflies, 2010)