RED ADMIRAL (Vanessa atalanta)

Flight Period: Multiple brooded all seasons in warm climates.  The red admiral overwinters as an adult butterfly.  It will fly on warm winter days even if there is several feet of snow on the ground.  Male red admiral and mourning cloak butterflies are well known for landing on people or harassing anyone that invade their territory.  Mass migratory movements occur in the U.S., Canada, and Europe.

Range: North America, Europe, Asia, Bermuda, and Hawaii.

Common Host Plants: Stinging nettle (Urtica spp.), false nettle (Boehmeria spp.), baby's tears (Soleirolia soleirolii), pellitory (Parietaria spp.), and hops (Humulus spp.).

Wing Span: 1 3/4 - 2 1/4" (44 - 57mm).