Red Admiral
Image: Patrick Roper (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Common NameRed Admiral
Scientific NameVanessa atalanta
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)65
Primary Colorsblack, red, white
HabitatGardens, parks, woodlands, meadows, urban areas
Geographic RangeNorth America, Europe, Asia, North Africa
Host PlantsUrtica dioica, Urtica urens, Humulus lupulus
Flight PeriodMarch to November (multi-brooded, varies by region)
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on nettle leaves. Larvae create leaf shelters by folding leaves. Pupae are typically brown or grey, often suspended upside down. Adults feed on nectar, tree sap, and rotting fruit.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its dark wings with broad, bright red-orange bands on the forewings and hindwing margins, and white spots on the forewing apex.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with dark brown to black wings, prominent red-orange bands across the forewings and along the hindwing margins, and white spots near the forewing tips.
