Red Admiral
Common NameRed Admiral
Scientific NameVanessa atalanta
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)50
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsblack, red, white
HabitatGardens, woodlands, meadows, forest edges, urban areas
Geographic RangeNorth America, Europe, Asia, North Africa, and some Caribbean islands
Host PlantsUrtica dioica, Urtica urens, Humulus lupulus
Flight PeriodMultiple broods from spring to autumn, can overwinter in warmer regions
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae are spiny, typically black with yellow stripes, and feed within a silken tent. Pupae are brown or gray, often with metallic spots, and hang head-down.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive broad red-orange bands on the black wings, especially on the upperside. The underside is mottled brown and grey, providing camouflage when at rest.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with black wings, prominent red-orange bands across the forewings and hindwings, and white spots near the forewing tips. The underside, as shown, is a cryptic mottled pattern of browns, grays, and blacks.
