Lorquin’s Admiral

Limenitis lorquini

Animal dung doesn’t sound like a delicious meal, but it provides this butterfly with important minerals. In summer, look for its black and white pattern near the willow trees on which the insects feed as larvae. The butterfly’s wings are about 2 ¼ inches across, decorated at the tips with orange bars. It flies with a series of short, jerky motions, and then coasts slowly downward.

Fun Fact:
The larvae of this butterfly resemble white and olive-brown bird droppings.

What’s for Lunch:
Willow leaves for the larvae; nectar, bird droppings, or dung for the adults

Where’s Home:
Riparian woodlands