Red Admiral
Image: A1AA1A (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Common NameRed Admiral
Scientific NameVanessa atalanta
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)55
Primary Colorsblack, orange, white
HabitatGardens, woodlands, meadows, urban areas, forest edges
Geographic RangeEurope, Asia, North Africa, North America, Central America, Caribbean
Host Plantsnettles, false nettle, pellitory
Flight PeriodMarch to November
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on nettle leaves. Larvae are spiny, dark, and feed within a silken tent made from folded leaves. Pupae are typically brown or grey, often with metallic markings.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its dark wings with prominent orange-red bands and white spots on the forewing apex. The underside is cryptically patterned with browns and greys, providing camouflage.
Description
A striking medium-sized butterfly with velvety black wings featuring broad, diagonal orange-red bands on the forewings and a marginal orange-red band on the hindwings, complemented by white spots near the forewing tips.
