(Linnaeus, 1758)
Red Admiral
Description:
The Red Admiral is a wide-ranging, migratory butterfly that in temperate areas can only survive the winter where it is exceptionally mild. Each year, butterflies from southern Europe fly northwards, and in good years Red Admirals can be seen practically everywhere. They are often seen in gardens and parks. The butterflies need a lot of nectar, which they get from flowers. They also feed on rotting fruit and at harvest time are often seen in orchards. They are also attracted to the resin oozing from trees. The Red Admiral is a distinctive and beautiful butterfly, the unusual, contrasting colours prevent it from being confused with any other species.
It lays its eggs on Common Nettle (Urtica dioica) in sunny, but not all too dry places. The caterpillars live alone or in small groups in small tent-like shelters made by spinning leaves together. The caterpillars of the Red Admiral are variable in appearance, ranging from yellow with black spots to plain dark-brown to black. They also pupate in a little tent of spun leaves.
Habitat:
Generalist
Similar species:
Unmistakable