Red Admiral
Image: Kadereit (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Common NameRed Admiral
Scientific NameVanessa atalanta
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)55
Primary Colorsblack, red, white
HabitatGardens, woodlands, parks, meadows, urban areas
Geographic RangeNorth America, Europe, Asia, North Africa
Host Plantsnettles (Urtica spp.), pellitory (Parietaria spp.)
Flight PeriodSpring to Autumn (multi-brooded)
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants, primarily nettles. Larvae are spiny and typically dark, feeding within leaf shelters. Pupae are often brown or grey, sometimes with metallic markings.
Identification TipsEasily identified by the prominent orange-red bands on its otherwise black wings, with white spots on the forewing apex. The underside is cryptically patterned.
Description
A striking butterfly with black wings featuring a broad orange-red band across the forewings and a similar band along the hindwing margins, complemented by white spots near the forewing tips.
