Red Admiral butterfly
Introduction
The Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta) is a well-known colourful butterfly, found in temperate Europe, Asia and North America. The Red Admiral has a two-inch (45–50 mm) wing span. The species is resident only in warmer areas, but migrates north in spring, and sometimes again in autumn.
Description and Identification
The Red Admiral is a medium-sized butterfly with black wings, orange bands, and white spots. It has a wingspan of about 2 inches (5 cm). The forewings are black with an orange-red band. The hindwings are black with an orange-red band along the outer edge, and usually have a blue spot near the tail. The underside of the wings is patterned in a cryptic coloration, appearing like tree bark or leaves.
Distribution and Habitat
The Red Admiral is found in temperate regions of North America, Europe, Northern Africa, and Asia. It is most commonly found in moist woodlands, where its larval host plants, the stinging nettle (Urtica dioica), are found. However, it can also be found in other habitats such as parks and gardens.
Life Cycle
The life cycle of the Red Admiral includes four stages: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa (chrysalis), and adult butterfly. The female lays her eggs singly on the upper surface of host plant leaves. The caterpillar hatches and feeds on the host plant, growing rapidly and shedding its skin several times. After a few weeks, the caterpillar forms a chrysalis, inside which it metamorphoses into an adult butterfly. This process takes about two weeks. The adult butterfly emerges from the chrysalis and, after its wings have dried and hardened, flies off to feed and eventually reproduce.
Behaviour and Ecology
Red Admirals are territorial and will perch on tall structures in the sun to look out for females. During courtship, the male and female will fly high into the sky before the female descends to lay her eggs. The Red Admiral feeds on nectar from a variety of plants, including milkweed and aster. It also feeds on tree sap, rotting fruit, and bird droppings.
Conservation Status
The Red Admiral is not currently considered a threatened species. It is widespread and common throughout its range. However, like all butterflies, it is susceptible to habitat loss caused by development, agriculture, and climate change.