RED ADMIRAL |
VANESSA ATALANTA |
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| Fig 1 |
ADULT: Wingspan - 64 - 72mm (male); 70 - 78mm (female). A
easy butterfly to ID with its recognisable black upperwing surface and
red central band. The hindwing also has a distinct red
margin. There are several white spots towards the forewings tip
and all wing edges are marked in a black and white pattern. The
hindwing undersides are a mottled montage of black and grey and the
forewing undersides are as above with a distinct blue patch. CHRYSALIS: 22 - 24mm. Light grey with gold markings. Found on
nettles within feeding shelter. LARVA: 35mm. Variable from black and yellow to grey and
yellow, with spines. As above located in feeding tent. EGG: Pale green turning black, oblong and located on stinging
nettle leaves. Hatching time within 7 days. BEHAVIOUR: A powerful flyer with a combination of wing beats and
glides. Likes to feed on rotten fruit and buddleia. HABITAT: Gardens, parkland, open woodland, meadows, hedgerows and
orchards. FLIGHT PERIOD: May - October in two broods. |