Red Admiral

Vanessa atalanta

Description

Wingspan 64 - 78mm. Mainly black with a diagonal red band across the fore-wing and a red border to the hind wing. The fore-wings have several white spots towards the corners.

Habitat

Woodland edge, hedgerows, gardens anywhere with abundant nectar giving flowers. The caterpillars feed on nettles.

Status and distribution

Common and widespread throughout Britain, the numbers augmented with immigrants from the continent. Common in Nottinghamshire and at Netherfield Lagoons.

Best time to see

March to November.

  • Red Admiral - Vanessa atalanta - October 16th 2011

  • Red Admiral - Vanessa atalanta - July 2nd 2019

  • Red Admiral - Vanessa atalanta - September 17th 2023

  • Red Admiral - Vanessa atalanta - August 3rd 2014

  • Red Admiral - Vanessa atalanta - July 18th 2011

  • Red Admiral - Vanessa atalanta - July 22nd 2012

  • Red Admiral - Vanessa atalanta - July 28th 2013

  • Red Admiral - Vanessa atalanta - well worn - July 9th 2014

  • Red Admiral - Vanessa atalanta - caterpillar - June 24th 2021

  • Red Admiral - Vanessa atalanta - caterpillar - September 13th 2022