Red Admiral
Image: Giovanna Garzoni (Public domain)
Common NameRed Admiral
Scientific NameVanessa atalanta
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)55
Primary Colorsblack, orange, white
HabitatGardens, parks, meadows, forest edges, open woodlands, urban areas
Geographic RangeNorth America, Europe, Asia, North Africa, Caribbean
Host PlantsUrtica dioica, Boehmeria cylindrica, Parietaria spp.
Flight PeriodMultiple broods from spring to autumn, migratory
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants, primarily nettles. Larvae are spiny, dark, and feed within a silken tent on leaves. Pupae are typically brown or grey, often with metallic spots, and hang head-down.
Identification TipsIdentify by the striking broad orange-red band on the black forewings and the orange-red submarginal band on the hindwings. The underside is mottled brown and grey, providing excellent camouflage when at rest.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly characterized by velvety black wings with a prominent orange-red band across the forewings and a similar submarginal band on the hindwings, complemented by white spots near the forewing apex.
