White Admiral

Characteristics

A type of Nymphalidae with a white band running in a V shape on a blackish-brown ground. Its color and size are very similar to that of the red butterfly, but as its name suggests, it has only one muscle. It extends obliquely upward from the middle of the hind wings and the tip of the abdomen. The white crest around the root appears to be slightly blurred. The lower part of the hindwing has a faint orange crest. The underside of the wings is white near the body, but becomes orange and mottled towards the tip.

In Japan, there is a similar Asamaichimonji, but the Ichimonjicho has a clearer color.

Ecology

It occurs around spring. Inhabits forests and grasslands near rivers in low mountains, sucking nectar from flowers and water on the ground. It does not glide like the red-spotted butterfly, but flaps its wings normally.

The larvae feed on plants of the honeysuckle family.

Habitat

I took a picture of it absorbing water on the ground of a forest in Hachioji city. If you look only at the color, it looks very similar to the red butterfly. In fact, there was also a red-crowned red butterfly right next to this individual. It was moving from sunshine to sunshine within a range of about 10m.

I get the impression that it is closer to "V" than "1 (one)".