Insect
Red Admiral
Vanessa atalantaAlso known as Red Admirable, Alderman
Red admirals are striking migratory butterflies recognized by their velvety dark wings slashed with bright orange-red bands and dotted with white tips. Males establish sunny afternoon territories along forest edges, hilltop openings, or garden clearings, darting out to challenge rivals or investigate passing observers. Females lay pale green eggs individually on the leaves of nettles, where the hatched caterpillars construct protective leaf shelters tied together with silk.
MigratoryTerritorialColorful
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyNectar, Tree sap, Overripe fruit
Predators
- Birds
- Spiders
- Wasps
ThreatsHabitat loss, severe winter weather, and pesticide application
HabitatsWoodland edges, moist meadows, parks, gardens, and coastal paths
Life spanup to 11 months (including overwintering)
Classification
- OrderLepidoptera
- FamilyNymphalidae
- GenusVanessa
- SpeciesVanessa atalanta
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Approach slowly: Walk with gentle movements as adults are bold and often permit close observation.
- Offer fermenting fruit: Lay out bruised peaches or bananas in sunny garden spots to attract adults.
- Watch damp ground: Look for males puddle-feeding on wet gravel or soil to absorb essential minerals.
Host Plant no rights reserved, uploaded by georgiasteel · cc0
Nectar Source (c) Izigabo, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Close Relative no rights reserved, uploaded by Joan C. Hinojosa · cc0
Close Relative (c) Fyn Kynd, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Fyn Kynd · cc-by-sa
Family Member (c) S. Rae, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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Mystic Meadows
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