Weidemeyer's Admiral Limenitis weidemeyerii

That bold white stripe cutting across dark wings makes this one of the most recognizable butterflies in the mountain West. Admirals are famous for their gliding flight — a few quick wingbeats, then a long, effortless soar on flat wings, which makes them easy to identify from a distance. This species is part of a broader mimicry complex in which several unrelated butterflies share similar wing patterns for mutual protection. Look for them near streams lined with willows and cottonwoods, their preferred caterpillar food plants.

Caterpillars survive mountain winters by rolling themselves inside a dried leaf and hibernating, waiting out the cold as tiny, hidden bundles until spring warmth wakes them up again.