Lorquin’s Admiral is a black butterfly with row of white oval spots on each wing. When open flat, the white rows connect, forming a large, single curve. Wing tips are orange with two white spots by the leading edge. A small white speck may be visible inside the curve by the leading edge. It shares a general likeness to other Admirals, but its features are unique.
This butterfly is large and is easy to notice. Its caterpillar is a mess of brown and white, with ridges and bumps. It could be mistaken for bird droppings. The brown head has tiny bumps on it. Poplar, chokecherry, willow, and cottonwood trees provide leafy food. This caterpillar can overwinter inside a curled leafy shelter and emerge in the spring. Adults take nectar from plants like privet, California buckeye, and yerba santa or mountain balm. Males may be seen taking water from muddy puddles, rotting fruit, and animal dung. Lorquin’s Admirals are less common on the outskirts of their range, making them a rare sighting in states like Nevada and Idaho.
General Characteristics Capability, Shape, Texture/Pattern, Benefits, Dangers
Note: An insect's reach is not limited by lines drawn on a map and therefore species may appear in areas, regions and/or states beyond those listed above as they are driven by environmental factors (such as climate change), available food supplies and mating patterns.
Territorial Map U.S., Canada, and Mexico
Alaska
Hawaii
Prince Edward Is.
Butterfly and Moth Anatomy
1
Antennae: Butterflies and Moths have a pair of antennae on the head used for sensing.
2
Head: The head is home to the insect's eyes, antennae, and proboscis.
3
Thorax: Home to the three pairs of legs as well as vital internal organs.
4
Abdomen: Contains vital internal organs such as the heart(s) and reproduction facilities.
5
Forewing: The upper, forward wing pair used for flying.
6
Hindwing: The lower, rearward wing pair used for flying.
NOTE: Butterflies and Moths are part of the Lepidopteran order as they share many similarities.
Colors: black; orange; white
