Limenitis arthemis
Limenitis arthemis arthemis
Limenitis arthemis is a butterfly ( butterfly ) of the family Nymphalidae ( Nymphalidae ). Contrasting vary the moths extraordinary, there are two black-and- white subspecies and two blue-violet subspecies. Between the subspecies, there are vital and fertile hybrids, is so clearly demonstrated that it is one and the same type. Due to the very different appearance, there are two English common names, "White Admiral " and "Red -spotted Purple ," for the species
Limenitis arthemis arthemis was chosen after a referendum in October 1998 ( unofficial ) Insect emblem of the Canadian province of Quebec.
- 5.1 Literature
- 5.2 Notes and references
Features
Butterfly
The moths reach a wingspan of 47-78 millimeters, with the smaller moths occur in the north.
The four subspecies of the species can be distinguished as follows:
- Limenitis arthemis arthemis ( nominate ) shows on the wings broad white bars on black brown or blue- black ground with sometimes red and blue spots on the hem of the hind wings. The lower wing is brownish, provided with a broad white band on all wings and reveals red and blue spots near the hem.
- Limenitis arthemis rubrofasciata shows very similar drawing elements such as the nominate form. On the underside of the hind wings are missing blue drawing elements.
Both subspecies have a black forewing apex unlike Limenitis lorquini and the underside of the hind wings lack the white in the basal region of Limenitis weidemeyerii.
- Limenitis arthemis has astyanax no white bands on the wings and is characterized by a bluish staining. Near the apex of the forewing there are several red spots. The hind wing underside is black to black blue and shows distinct red and blue spots.
- Limenitis arthemis arizonensis also has a bluish ground color and lacks the white bars on the wings. However, the bluish ground color mostly works out darker. Often missing the red spots at the apex of the fore wings or are reduced. The drawing of the dark underside of the hind wings is red and bruises.
Comparison of the upper wing
Limenitis arthemis astyanax
Limenitis arthemis arizonensis
Comparison of underwings
Limenitis arthemis astyanax
Egg
The eggs are colored gray-green.
Caterpillar
Adults caterpillars usually have a brownish, greenish or whitish-green color. The head is reddish brown and bears two small, dark, serrated horns. In the middle of the abdomen there is a saddle-shaped bulge, the pink, whitish or cream-colored shimmers. In overall appearance, they represent a bird droppings - mimesis
Doll
The saddle-shaped bulge of the bead is formed very much like a horn even with the doll. The nominate is in basic color creamy white. Leaf sheaths and saddle brown.
In the subspecies L. astyanax predominate in the color yellow-brown to pink shades. It is also equipped with dark green and gray speckles.
Mimicry
The blue subspecies resemble the " Pipevine Swallowtail " ( Battus philenor ) which, although short tail shows on the hind wings, is still difficult to distinguish. The toxic Battus philenor is the model in this Bates'schen mimicry for L. astyanax and numerous other imitators such as Papilio troilus, Papalio polyxenes females and black Papilio glaucus females that protect all so predators. The distribution areas of imitators agrees well with that of the models in the eastern United States, where this mimicry ring has developed. In experiments inexperienced birds were eating the non-toxic imitators. However, if they had tried once Battus philenor and those not eating due to its aristolochic they wanted mostly eat no more impersonators. The genes for the black wings that are responsible for the mimicry, are dominant. In contrast, the gene for the white stripe is recessive. From 40 ° to 46 ° north latitude is a transitional zone in which occur all possible combinations of properties. South of it all moths have dark hind wings and north of the white band is always present.
Geographical distribution and habitat
Limenitis arthemis occurs in the United States and Canada and settled mainly deciduous forests and clearings and forest edges. The same habitat is inhabited by Limenitis Limenitis lorquini widemeyerii and in other geographical regions.
- Limenitis arthemis comes in Canada east front from Manitoba and northeastern U.S.
- Limenitis arthemis rubrofasciata occurs in Canada from Manitoba to central Alaska and is therefore also referred to as the " Western White Admiral ".
- Limenitis arthemis astyanax is widespread in eastern and southeastern United States.
- Limenitis arthemis arizonensis has no geographical overlap with other subspecies and comes from Arizona through New Mexico and western Texas to southern Mexico before.
Way of life
The type is in the northern regions of one generation a year, flying their moth depending on the region from June to August. In New York State there are two generations, flying from June to September. In the southern areas of occurrence for several generations are formed, flying from March to November ( Florida) or from April to November (Arizona ). The moths suck for receiving liquid, food and minerals from bleeding trees, damp Erdstellen, overripe fruits, flowers, carrion, excrement or decaying wood. Male moths of ssp. astyanax are relatively slow flight and like to rest on the branches of shrubs and trees, whereas the male of ssp. arizonensis almost throughout the day in search of the females to the food plants along fly. After mating, the females lay eggs singly on the underside of plant food from. Young plants are preferred. The caterpillars feed on the leaves of a variety of plants, these include birch (Betula ), willow ( Salix), hawthorn (Crataegus ), poplar (Populus ), alder ( Alnus ), Prunus, oak ( Quercus ), elm (Ulmus ) and Linde species. They overwinter in a Hibernarium.