Species Page: Weidemeyer’s Admiral (Limenitis weidemeyerii)

Family: Nymphalidae

Status: Occasional resident

NENHP Rank: S3, Tier 2

Range: Weidemeyer’s Admiral inhabits most of Montana south to southern New Mexico and southeastern Arizona, west to most of Nevada and east to western portions of Nebraska and the Dakotas. In Nebraska it is primarily associated with Pine Ridge habitats, and follows the Niobrara River east to Brown County. It has been sighted at Cedar Point Biological Station (Keith County) and there is a specimen from Furnas County taken by Doug Long.

Larval Hostplant(s): Of the various willows, aspens and Rosacea recognized as hostplants (Coyote Willow – Salix exigua, Quaking Aspen – Populus tremuloides, Chokecherry – Prunus virginiana and Juneberry – Amelanchier alnifolia) are found in Nebraska, and of these Chokecherry is utilized almost exclusively.

Broods/Flight Times: In Nebraska there is a single flight (May 28 – July 6) peaking in mid-late June. A second flight reported at the lower altitudes of its range has not yet been observed in our area.

Overwintering: Second instar larvae attach a partially eaten leaf to the hostplant with silk and roll the leaf into a tube in which they spend the winter.

Habitat: Weidemeyer’s Admirals frequent Pine Ridge canyons and stream sides where they occasionally become common.

Avg. Wingspan: 2 1/4 – 3 3/4 inches

Found at: Gilbert-Baker SWMA, Wildcat Hills SRA, Niobrara Valley Preserve, Ash Hollow SHP, I-80 East Sidney Rest Area, Fort Robinson & Chadron SPs

Similar Species:

Notes: At the eastern edge of their range (along the Niobrara River in north central Nebraska) they have hybridized with Viceroys and Red Spotted Purples. In this area Weidemeyer’s Admirals are rare to scarce, while the latter two species are common to abundant. It is suspected that male Admirals, finding few or no females, court the other two members of its genus found in the area.