New Zealand Red Admiral
Common NameNew Zealand Red Admiral
Scientific NameVanessa gonerilla
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)55
Primary Colorsdark brown, orange, black, white, blue
HabitatForests, forest edges, gardens, parks, open country
Geographic RangeNew Zealand
Host PlantsUrtica ferox, Urtica incisa, Urtica dioica
Flight PeriodYear-round, most active from spring to autumn
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on the leaves of nettle host plants. The spiny, dark caterpillars feed on nettles, often creating a silk-lined leaf shelter. The chrysalis is typically brown or grey and hangs head-down.
Identification TipsKey features include the broad orange bands on both sets of wings, the row of black spots within the orange on the hindwings, and the distinct white and blue spots at the forewing tips. The underside is cryptically patterned for camouflage.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with dark brown to black wings, featuring prominent orange bands across both forewings and hindwings. The forewings have white and iridescent blue spots near the apex, while the hindwings display black spots within the orange band.
