In Provence, the Southern White Admiral (Limenitis reducta) flies in two generations between May and August with sometimes a third partial generation observed in September-October. This graceful butterfly, common in the Midi, thrives on the margins, warm and sunny clearings, river banks, the Garrigue and gardens rich in flowering plants.
This medium-sized butterfly, with a wingspan of about 50 mm, has the upper side of its wings brown-black coloured, decorated with white spots, characteristic of the species. Depending on the light, iridescent metallic dark blue hues adorn the wings, due to the diffraction of light on the scales.
The territorial male watches closely from a perch, on the end of a leaf, between 1 and 3 m high, for the passage of females. The female lays her eggs individually on both sides of the leaves of Honeysuckle. The parasitoid wasp Cotesia sibyllarum is specialized in finding caterpillars of the Southern White Admiral. The larvae live inside their host while allowing the caterpillar to develop normally.
In Provence, the chrysalis will arch from time to time to form an angle of about 30°, sometimes on its left sometimes on its right, to avoid being too exposed to the sun.
In the fall, all caterpillars of the last generation hibernate in a winter refuge, the hibernaculum, made from a leaf, folded on itself and held by silk threads, cleverly attached to a branch of the host plant.
In the Midi, the Southern White Admiral can emerge as early as mid-April, producing the 1st generation. Although the Southern White Admiral is common in our region, it is sensitive to changes in the natural environment caused by human activities. Measures of Biodiversity management at various uncultivated locations can make it possible to preserve these natural areas, which are essential for the Mediterranean flora and fauna, and allowing us to see the Southern White Admiral fly in greater numbers in our beautiful region.
For more information visit our website Filming VarWild
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