Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta)

One of our migrant species, which may occasionally successfully overwinter but generally perishes. A large striking butterfly, the wings are black with a bright red band and a number of white spots at the tip of the forewing.

In common with the Painted Lady and Clouded Yellow, this butterfly migrates to our shores from North Africa or continental Europe. Usually arrives in May in variable numbers and is more common later in the summer when the progeny from the spring arrivals emerge. Very much a garden butterfly, particularly later in the Summer, on nectar plants such as buddleia and michaelmas daisy and also rotten fruit. The caterpillar foodplant is stinging nettle.

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