Red Admiral
Image: Willem van Konijnenburg (Public domain)
Common NameRed Admiral
Scientific NameVanessa atalanta
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)55
Primary Colorsblack, orange, white
HabitatGardens, parks, woodlands, meadows, forest edges, urban areas
Geographic RangeNorth America, Europe, Asia, North Africa, and some Caribbean islands
Host Plantscommon nettle, pellitory
Flight PeriodApril to October (multiple broods)
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae are spiny, dark, and feed within a silken tent. Pupae are typically brown or grey, often with metallic spots, hanging head-down.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive black wings with broad, bright orange-red bands on both forewings and hindwings, and several white spots near the tip of the forewings. The underside is cryptically patterned.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with velvety black wings, featuring a prominent orange-red band across the forewings and a similar band on the hindwings, complemented by white spots near the forewing apex.
