Red Admiral
Image: Franz Xaver Petter (Public domain)
Common NameRed Admiral
Scientific NameVanessa atalanta
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)52.5
Primary Colorsblack, orange, white
HabitatGardens, parks, woodlands, meadows, urban areas
Geographic RangeNorth America, Europe, Asia, North Africa
Host PlantsUrtica dioica, Boehmeria cylindrica
Flight PeriodMarch to November
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants, primarily nettles. Larvae are spiny and feed within a leaf shelter. Pupation occurs on the host plant, leading to the emergence of strong migratory adults.
Identification TipsKey features include the broad orange-red diagonal band on the black forewing and a row of orange-red spots on the hindwing margin, along with white spots near the forewing tip.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with dark wings featuring a prominent orange-red band across the forewings and a similar band on the hindwings, complemented by white spots near the forewing apex.
