Red Admiral
Image: Attributed to Otto Marseus van Schrieck (Public domain)
Common NameRed Admiral
Scientific NameVanessa atalanta
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)60
Primary Colorsblack, red, white
HabitatGardens, woodlands, meadows, forest edges, urban areas
Geographic RangeNorth America, Europe, Asia, North Africa
Host Plantsnettles, false nettle
Flight PeriodMay to October
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants, primarily nettles. Larvae are spiny and feed within a leaf shelter. Pupae are typically brown or grey, hanging head down.
Identification TipsLook for the striking black wings with a distinct orange-red band across the forewings and a submarginal band on the hindwings, along with white spots near the forewing apex.
Description
This painting depicts several insects, including a prominent Red Admiral butterfly with its characteristic black wings, broad orange-red bands, and white forewing spots. Other butterflies, such as a white Pierid (likely Cabbage White) and a brown moth, are also visible.
