Poplar Admiral Limenitis populi, J�svafő, Hungary – Peter Bruce-Jones
Introduction
There are about 25-30 species in the genus Limenitis. Some such as populi and camilla are widely distributed across Europe and temperate Asia. The majority however are largely restricted to China and the countries of the former Soviet Union. There are 4 species found in tropical Asia, but there the genus is largely replaced by Neptis.
The majority of Limenitis species have black wings, banded and spotted with white. These markings are repeated on the underside, which in most species has an orange ground colour, and a single or double row of black submarginal spots.
The Poplar Admiral is found over most of continental Europe, and across temperate Asia to Siberia, China and Japan.
Habitats
This species is found in mature deciduous woodlands where poplar trees border unmetalled roads and tracks. It occurs mainly at elevations between 200-1400m.
Lifecycle
The egg is laid singly on the upperside of a leaf of the foodplant Populus tremula ( Salicaceae ). The larva hibernates when small and resumes feeding in the spring.
Adult behaviour
Males often descend from the trees to imbibe fluids from carnivore excrement or other sources of minerals on the ground. They commonly bask with wings fully outspread while feeding. The females rarely descend from the trees.