Red Admiral
Common NameRed Admiral
Scientific NameVanessa atalanta
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)65
Primary Colorsblack, orange, white, blue, grey, brown
HabitatGardens, parks, woodlands, fields, urban areas
Geographic RangeNorth America, Europe, Asia, North Africa
Host PlantsStinging Nettle, Hops
Flight PeriodMarch to November
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on nettle leaves. Larvae are spiny, dark, and feed within silken tents. Pupation occurs in a chrysalis suspended from the host plant.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive broad orange-red bands on black wings with white forewing spots. The mottled grey-brown underside provides camouflage when at rest.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with black wings featuring a prominent orange-red band across the forewing and along the hindwing margin, complemented by white spots near the forewing apex. The underside is cryptically patterned in mottled grey and brown.
