Poplar admiral

The Poplar admiral (Limenitis populi) is a butterfly belonging to the order Lepidoptera and the family Nymphalidae. As a potential pest of woody plants, its larvae can cause localized but significant defoliation of poplar species during peak population years.

The primary host plants for this species include various trees of the genus Populus, with a strong preference for Populus tremula (aspen) and Populus nigra (black poplar). In areas with high host density, the pest can significantly impact the health of both natural forests and urban landscape plantations.

The biological cycle is univoltine, meaning there is one generation per year. Larvae overwinter in a hibernaculum—a specialized shelter constructed from a rolled leaf secured with silk to a twig. Following the bud break in spring, the larvae emerge to feed on developing foliage, undergoing several instars before pupation.

The damage is characterized by the consumption of leaf tissue. Young larvae typically skeletonize the leaves, while later instars consume the entire leaf lamina, leaving only the primary veins. Severe infestations result in significant defoliation, which hampers tree growth, reduces vitality, and increases susceptibility to secondary diseases.

Effective management strategies focus on integrated pest control. In silviculture, maintaining biodiversity and protecting natural predators such as parasitic wasps and predatory birds is essential. During outbreak years, targeted application of biological insecticides, specifically Bacillus thuringiensis, is the preferred method to minimize impact on non-target species.