Latin name - Vanessa atalanta

Flight period - January to December

Wingspan 6.4 to 7.8 cm, 2.5 to 3.1 inch.

A fairly large butterfly, this butterfly is primarily a migrant to our shores. However some adults often hibernate, and may be seen flying on warm days throughout the year, so they are now considered resident. The Red Admiral is mainly black with broad, red stripes on the hind and forewings, and white spots near the tips of the forewings. In the autumn large numbers can often be seen feeding on rotting fruit in gardens and orchards.