Puneet Varma (Editor)

Vanessa atalanta

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Kingdom
  
Animalia

Order
  
Lepidoptera

Genus
  
Vanessa

Higher classification
  
Painted lady

Phylum
  
Arthropoda

Family
  
Nymphalidae

Scientific name
  
Vanessa atalanta

Rank
  
Species

Vanessa atalanta Vanessa atalanta rubria live adults page 1

Similar
  
Painted lady, Butterflies and moths, Butterfly, Small tortoiseshell, Aglais io

Red admiral butterfly vanessa atalanta in my garden


Vanessa atalanta, the red admiral or red admirable, is a well-known colourful butterfly, found in temperate Europe, Asia and North America. The red admiral has a 45–50 mm (1.8–2.0 in) wingspan. The species is resident only in warmer areas, but migrates north in spring, and sometimes again in autumn.

Contents

Vanessa atalanta Vanessa atalanta rubria pinned specimens

This medium-sized butterfly is identified by its striking dark brown, red, and black wing pattern. More specifically, the dark wings possess orange bands that cross the forewings and on the outer edge of the hindwings; white spots on the dorsal forewings near the front margin; reddish bars on dorsal surface of all four wings. The caterpillar feeds on nettles, and the adult drinks from flowering plants like the Buddleia and overripe fruit.

Vanessa atalanta Vanessa atalanta Vicipaedia

In northern Europe, it is one of the last butterflies to be seen before winter sets in, often feeding on the flowers of ivy on sunny days. The red admiral is also known to hibernate, re-emerging individuals showing prominently darker colourings than first-brood subjects. The butterfly also flies on sunny winter days, especially in southern Europe.

In North America, the red admiral generally has two broods from March through October. Most of North America must be recolonized each spring by southern migrants, but this species over-winters in south Texas.

The red admiral is the butterfly featured by Vladimir Nabokov, an amateur lepidopterist, in his novel Pale Fire.

Host plants

Plants of the nettle family (Urticaceae) including stinging nettle (Urtica dioica), tall wild nettle (U. d. gracilis), wood nettle (Laportea canadensis), false nettle (Boehmeria cylindrica), pellitory (Parietaria pennsylvanica), mamaki (Pipturus albidus), and possibly hops (Humulus).

Etymology

Atalanta is a figure in Greek mythology, a strong yet feminine woman who faces obstacles and backlash for refusing to follow gender norms.

References

Vanessa atalanta Wikipedia