A very attractive red and black butterfly that is a common visitor to garden flowers.

Statistics
Wingspan: 60mm.

Physical description
Red admirals are mostly black with red bands on the upper wings and red borders on the bottom half of the lower wings. The upper wings have a pattern of white markings near the tips. Red colouration varies from dark red to orange red.

The caterpillars vary in colour from black to greenish-grey with a yellow line along each side. The upper surface is covered with a row of spines.

Distribution
They are widespread in Europe, North America, North Africa and Asia.

Habitat
Red admirals are found from sea level up to 2,000m in woodlands, orchards and gardens.

Diet
Caterpillars feed on nettle, spinning leaves together to make a tent-like shelter. The adults feed from flowers such as buddleia and also from rotting fruit.

Behaviour
Though normally a day-flying butterfly, red admirals have been known to fly at night.

Conservation status
Red admirals are not listed as endangered on IUCN Red List 2000.