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Animal profile

Red Admiral

Vanessa atalanta

InsectaWoodland edges, gardens, orchards, parks and damp meadows

Field profile

A black butterfly with a red band across each forewing and white apical spots. Caterpillars feed on nettles, building shelters by folding leaves. Adults are strongly attracted to rotting fruit in late summer and undertake seasonal movements.

Scope note

This is an editorial profile, not a diagnostic field-identification guide or a substitute for current conservation assessments. Follow the cited sources on each fact for the evidence trail.

Published field notes

2026-08-01

Red Admiral

Red admirals now survive British winters

The red admiral was long treated as an annual immigrant to Britain that could not survive the cold season. Records of adults active in midwinter and of overwintering success have accumulated as winters have warmed, changing how the species is classified.

Read with evidence →

Red Admiral | Daily Animal Facts