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Red admiral

Red admiral

Vanessa atalanta

A species of Ladies and red admiral, Also known as Red admirable, Northern red admiral

Red admiral (Vanessa atalanta) is a visually striking species of butterfly. Unusually territorial, males will compete for choice areas, and females will only mate with males that maintain their own territories. This butterfly is known for being particularly patient with human interactions, even to the point of perching on clothing or flesh.

General Info About Red admiral
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Attributes of Red admiral
Colors
Brown
Black
White
Orange
Habitat
forest; garden; park
Adult Food Sources
Nectar from various flowers, rotted fruit, tree sap, pollen, bird droppings
Larva Food Source
Nettles (urtica dioica), false nettle (boehmeria cylindrica), pellitory (parietaria judaica), hop (humulus lupulus), elm (ulmus species)
Non-poisonous
The Red admiral is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
The Red admiral is often found near the corolla, where its fluffy hairs easily pick up pollen, assisting in the pollination of the plant.
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Red admiral feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Siphoning mouthparts
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Species Status of Red admiral
It is widely distributed across temperate regions of North Africa, the Americas, Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean. It resides in warmer areas, but migrates north in spring and sometimes again in autumn.
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Distribution Area of Red admiral
Temperate regions of North Africa, North and Central America, Europe, Asia, and island regions of Hawaii and the Caribbean
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Appearance of Red admiral
Vanessa atalanta, the red admiral or previously, the red admirable, is a well-characterized, medium-sized butterfly with black wings, orange bands, and white spots. It has a wingspan of about 5 cm. The forewing of this butterfly bears on a black ground an oblique vermilion band and a group of white subapical spots. Sometimes, especially in the female, the red band of the forewing bears a small white spot in the middle. Red admiral larvae measure approximately 2.5 cm in length. Their coloration is variable, but they are usually black with white spots and spines.
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How to Identify Red admiral?

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Life Cycle of Red admiral
Egg The egg stage is initiated when a female red admiral deposits eggs on host plants. The eggs are small, round, and vary in color. They serve as a protective casing for the developing larva inside.
Larva Upon hatching, the red admiral enters the larval stage, often called caterpillars. They are elongated with a series of segments, possessing a chewing mouthpart for feeding on leaves. Rapid growth occurs, with the body increasing in size and sometimes varying in coloration.
Pupal The larva forms a pupa, encasing itself in a chrysalis. During this period, the red admiral undergoes a significant transformation in which tissues are broken down and reorganized. The pupa is immobile and protective coloration often camouflages it from predators.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult red admiral’s development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction.
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Adult Size of Red admiral
Wingspan 5 - 6 cm
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Predators of Red admiral Larvae
Birds, rodents, arachnids, insects
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Scientific Classification of Red admiral
Tips for Finding Red admiral
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Youth Habitat of Red admiral
Rotting and Decaying Matter, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies
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Adult Habitat of Red admiral
Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Tropical Rainforests, Savannas
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How Can You Attract Red admiral
Since red admiral feed on nectar from flowers, sugar water, and sometimes overripe fruit, these can be used as trap foods.
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Habitat Preferences of Red admiral Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of red admiral are usually found on the leaves of nettles, thistles, and overripe fruit. As caterpillars, they are commonly seen on the host plants, often on the underside of leaves to avoid predators. Searching for these caterpillars requires gently inspecting the host plant leaves. The chrysalids tend to be attached to secure, hidden spots near the caterpillars' food sources, such as plant stems or leaves, possibly requiring careful observation to spot them. Adult red admiral are frequently found in open habitats including fields, meadows, and gardens where they feed on nectar from various flowers. To find adults, one should look for flowering plants in sunny, open areas during warm months.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Red admiral
The best time to find adult red admiral is on sunny days, especially in the mid-morning when they are most active and looking for nectar.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Red admiral
Warm and sunny weather with little to no wind is ideal when searching for red admiral, as they prefer sunny spots for basking and are less active on cooler, cloudy days.
Are Red admiral harmful?
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Usually, the red admiral won't threaten or hurt humans. But remember that even a worm will turn. Remember to still be cautious.

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Are Red admiral harmful to humans?

Some larvae of tortoiseshell butterflies feed on milkweed, which is a poisonous plant containing cardiac glycosides, so the larvae are poisonous. Although poisonous, these butterflies will not directly affect humans if not swallowed. Touching the larvae of certain tortoiseshell butterflies may cause a rash.
Beneficial Effects of Red admiral
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Pollination Behavior Reason
Eat Pollen Or Nectar
Red admiral is attracted to flowers by their vivid colors, alluring scents, and distinct shapes. This pollinator primarily feeds on pollen for nutrition. During the feeding process, pollen is inadvertently transferred to red admiral's body and subsequently dusted onto other flowers, facilitating cross-pollination.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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