RED ADMIRAL (Vanessa atalanta)

This pretty butterfly is black with red or orange-red bands on the upper wings, and matching borders on the bottom of the lower wings. White markings are seen near the tips of the upper wings. The wingspan is 60mm.

The caterpillars may be greenish grey or black or any graduation of colour in between. Theyhave a yellow line the length of each side and their upper surface has a row of spines.

The Red Admiral is a common visitor to gardens and open spaces, orchards and woodlands.

The caterpillars feed on nettles; the adults on flowers, e.g. buddleia. Adults also like rotting fruit. The caterpillars spin nettle leaves together to make a shelter.

Red Admirals normally are seen in the daytime, but have been known to fly out at night. They are not an endangered species.