Red Admiral

Description:

The Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta) 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) wing span. The species is resident only in warmer areas, but migrates north in spring, and sometimes again in autumn. This large butterfly is identified by its striking dark brown, red, and black wing pattern. More specifically, the dark wings possess orange bands that cross the fore wings and on the outer edge of the hind wings; white spots on the dorsal fore wings near the front margin; reddish bars on dorsal surface of all four wings. Adults have been seen in all parts of N. Ireland. In common with other migrant species, the largest numbers are usually seen on the southeast coast. A migrant species that reaches N. Ireland virtually annually. There are a few mid-winter sightings but little evidence of successful overwintering. The adults seen each year are immigrants from southern Europe and North Africa. Arrivals frequently occur from May onwards but the largest numbers are always present in late summer into the autumn. These can be seen anywhere as adults search out nectar sources. Late in the year adults will often be seen on fallen fruit. 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.