BUTTERFLIES AND MOTHS

Red Admiral, Vanessa atalanta

Order: Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)

Size: Wingspan 1 3⁄4–2 1⁄2"

Habitat: A wide variety of open habitats, especially moist areas

Range: Throughout the contiguous United States

The Red Admiral is not technically an admiral, but a member of the “ladies” or “thistle butterflies” group. The upperside wings are a deep velvety brownish black with orange (not red) medial bands and white apical spots on the forewings and broad, orange marginal bands on the hindwings. Individuals of spring broods are lighter overall, while those of fall broods are darker. The underside of the forewing is similar to its upperside, while the underside of the hindwing is cryptically mottled with grays. The body is black overall, with club-tipped antennae ending with light dots. The caterpillar varies from pale green to blackish, is covered with tiny white spots, and has many branched spines. The caterpillar eats the leaves of plants in the nettle family (Urticaceae). Adults feed on flower nectar (especially thistles), tree sap, moisture from soil, and rotting fruit. The illustration shows the adult’s darker “fall” form.