Red Admiral
Image: Workshop of Otto Marseus van Schrieck (Public domain)
Common NameRed Admiral
Scientific NameVanessa atalanta
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)60
Primary Colorsblack, orange, white
HabitatOpen woodlands, gardens, meadows, parks, forest edges, urban areas
Geographic RangeNorth America, Europe, Asia, North Africa, Caribbean
Host Plantsnettles, false nettle
Flight PeriodMarch to November
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae are spiny, typically black or dark brown with yellow markings, and live in silken tents on nettles. Pupae are brown or grey, often with metallic spots.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive broad orange-red bands on the black forewings and hindwings, along with white spots on the forewing apex. The underside is cryptically patterned.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with velvety black wings featuring a striking orange-red band across the forewings and a submarginal orange-red band on the hindwings, accented by white spots near the forewing tips.
