Red Admiral

Vanessa atalanta

With its bold crimson-orange wing stripes adorned with striking black markings and white spots, the Red Admiral stands out among butterflies.

Habitat 

Look for Red Admirals in wetlands, and moist woodlands, across parts of North America, Central America, the Caribbean, Europe, North Africa, and Asia.

Food 

Red Admirals feed on nectar, sap, and overripe fruit.

Behaviour 

Male Red Admirals are territorial. Females will only mate with males that hold a territory. Eggs are laid on nettles, the primary host plants. Caterpillars begin to feed on the leaves after hatching. Eventually a chrysalis is built, and the adult butterflies emerge. Typically, two broods are produced between March and October. Highly migratory, they will head south to warmer areas for winter.

Conservation  

Red Admirals are common and are of low conservation concern.

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