Red Admiral

About this butterfly

The Red Admiral is a migratory butterfly that reaches much of Europe from southern Europe and North Africa. Its black wings carry a bold red-orange band and white spots near the tips of the forewings. Adults visit gardens, woodland edges and parks from spring into late autumn. They take nectar from flowers and also feed on fallen fruit and other sweet liquids. Some individuals overwinter in milder regions, while northern numbers are boosted by summer immigrants. Later broods can produce fresh butterflies well into autumn. The usual larval host is Common Nettle, though Small Nettle, pellitory and hop are also used. Eggs are laid singly, and the spiny caterpillar later hangs as a chrysalis. After warm summers the species is often abundant and readily seen basking on paths and walls.