White Admiral. Photo: Mark Pike
The White Admiral is a woodland butterfly. Dorset is not a heavily wooded area, so the species is not common, and is seen more in the north and east of the county.
Where to see
- Habitat: Mainly broad-leaved woodland, but also coniferous plantations before the shade becomes too dense. It tends to be found in sunny rides. Its eggs are laid on non-flowering spikes of honeysuckle, so look for stalks which dangle, clamber or weave in and out of tree branches in half shade.
- Caterpillar foodplants: Honeysuckle
- Best places: Piddles Wood, Stubhampton Bottom, Alners Gorse Butterfly Reserve, Studland (low numbers), Garston Wood (low numbers)
Distribution map
White Admiral was recorded from these 1km squares in Dorset (2020-24).
- Key:
- 1 record
- 2-9 records
- 10+ records
When to see
Single brood, mainly June and July.
Sightings by month (last 5 years)*
This year and last*
What to look for
An easy butterfly to identify, partly because its habitat – shady woodland – is different to the majority of Dorset butterflies. Its flight is also different to a lot of species: it flaps its wings, then glides gracefully, hugging the contours of the trees. It spends a lot of time in the tree tops, but may come down to nectar, particularly on bramble flowers.
The male and female are very similar, the male being just slightly smaller and darker. The upperside is dark brown, sometimes looking nearly black, The colouring of the underside can appear variable, depending on the light.
The only butterfly with which you might confuse it at a distance is the Purple Emperor, but this is a very rare butterfly in Dorset. It is a lot larger than the White Admiral, with more pointed wings, and the male looks an iridescent purple when they catch the light. Close up the differences are clear.
Photo gallery
Click thumbnails to view full-size images.
White Admiral. Photo: Tim Field.
White Admiral. Photo: Mark Pike.
White Admiral. Photo: Ken Dolbear
White Admiral. Photo: Ken Dolbear
White Admiral. Photo: Tim Field