Insect · GBIF taxon 1898286
Red Admiral
Vanessa atalantaAlso known as Red Admirable
Red Admirals are striking, swift-flying butterflies easily recognized by their dark forewings stamped with bright orange-red bands and white subapical spots. Males establish late-afternoon territories on sunlit ridges and forest edges, actively defending their perches against intruding insects. Rather than relying solely on flower nectar, adults frequently feed on fermenting tree sap, rotting fruit, and mineral-rich damp soil.
MigratoryTerritorialPollinator
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Flower nectar
- Fermenting tree sap
- Rotting fruit juices
Predators
- Insectivorous birds
- Orb-weaver spiders
- Parasitoid wasps
ThreatsPesticide spraying and habitat loss
HabitatsMoist woodlands, parks, gardens, and meadows
Life spanUp to 11 months
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyNymphalidae
- 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
- Observation: Approach slowly from the side without casting a shadow, as adults often allow close inspection and may land on light clothing.
- Gardening: Offer overripe bananas or tree sap feeders alongside stinging nettles to attract egg-laying females.
Host Plant no rights reserved, uploaded by georgiasteel · cc0
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
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