Admiral Butterflies
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There are many different subspecies in the family found in North America, including the Viceroy (Limenitis archippus), which is common throughout the United States.
The Lorquin's Admiral (Limenitis lorquini) and the California Sister (Adelpha bredowii) butterflies are similar looking West Coast butterflies in the Limenitidinae subfamily.
In addition to the physical resemblance, the Lorquin's Admiral and California Sister share another common behavioral trait. Both tend to perch in sunny spots on branches close to the ground, making it easy to photograph them.
While both species share some habitats, the Lorquin's Admiral enjoys a more diverse diet and is adapted to a more diverse habitat
You can find them in coastal areas, stream sides, and on flowers in both valley and mountain terrain. They are not shy butterflies, and they will commonly approach you as you pass them by during a walk.
The easiest way to identify the Lorquin's Admiral is by checking the size of the mustard color patch on the end of the wing. It is normally very thin.
The California Sister has a more limited diet.
The caterpillar version feeds on oak leaves. You will often find the adult California Sister in areas surrounding oak groves.
They have two distinguishing characteristics. First, the mustard mark on the end of the top wing is circular. Second, there is a blue stripe that runs across both sides of the wing tops.
Both butterflies have very colorful patterns under their wings.
© 2007. Patricia A. Michaels