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| Vanessa atalanta stretching its wings while searching for nourishment on Cirsium Arvense. This beautiful butterfly is a powerful migrant, being able to fly long distances utilizing the currents of air. Notice also the beautifully patterned underwings, on the right. Photographed by Taina. |
| Vanessa Atalanta - Red Admiral (Nymphalidae) Appearance: There is dignified nobility about this dark butterfly, with its distinctive red bands and white markings on black. Its has a wingspan of about 60mm. Geographical distribution/ habitat: Europe, North and South America, Asia, Australian region. Occurs in many open habitats. Host plant: Common Nettle (urticaceae) only. Food plants: Thistle, especially Cirsium arvense (Creeping thistle). In gardens they can be seen especially on buddleia, asters and sedum, particularly during autumn months. They also like juices of rotting fruit like pears, plums and apples. Flight time: In Europe, migratory originating from the Mediterranean region where it can be seen a great part of the year. In Northern Europe the butterfly is seen as a migrant from May to June, and again from July to September when the new generation is on the wing. The Red Admirals born in the Northern Europe migrate back to the Mediterranean in the autumn. Other: Migrates alone, not in swarms like Cynthia cardui (Painted Lady), a specimen of close relation. Taina's Butterfly Page Photos and Information Index Home Butterfly Garden |