Vanessa atalanta
Size:
Wingspan is
1 3/4 - 2 1/4 inches.
Similar Species:
None.
Habitat:
Fields, meadows, roadsides, stream banks and gardens.
Range/Abundance:
Common and widespread in the entire
region. This species is known to migrate in large numbers some years.
Flight Period:
Adults fly from early April until early November in two to three broods
with gaps between broods.
Larval Host Plants:
False Nettle Boehmeria cylindrica, Stinging Nettle Urtica
dioica, Wild Nettle U. gracilis and Wood Nettle Laportea canadensis.
Comments:
The Red Admiral is considered to be one of the fastest flying butterflies.
It is territorial and will defend the territory by attacking whoever comes
by. They will approach cars, people or other insects. It rarely nectars
and can be found on tree sap, carrion and rotten fruit.
The top photo was taken in Gates Co., NC on September 21, 2000. The top rollover photo was taken in Page Co., VA on June 16, 2001. The center photo was taken in Durham Co., NC during June of 2000. The center rollover photo was taken in Grant Co., WV on July 05, 2001. The bottom photo was taken in the Green Bottoms Wildlife Management Area in Cabell Co., WV on August 27, 2002.
