
Community identification
Red Admiral
Vanessa Atalanta
- Order & Family
- Order: Lepidoptera, Family: Nymphalidae
- Size
- Wingspan: 4.5–7.6 cm (1.8–3.0 in)
Natural Habitat
Found in diverse habitats including gardens, woodlands, parks, and fields across North America and Europe.
Diet & Feeding
Adults primarily feed on tree sap, rotting fruit, and bird droppings but also visit flowers for nectar. Larvae (caterpillars) feed on nettles and pellitory.
Behavior Patterns
Known for a fast, erratic flight pattern. Males are highly territorial and perch in sunny areas to watch for females. It is a migratory species in many parts of its range.
Risks & Benefits
Provides significant ecological benefits as a pollinator and serves as a food source for birds and spiders; they pose no risks to humans or property.