Summary ⁵

The Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta) is a well-known colourful butterfly, found in temperate Europe, Asia and North America. The Red Admiral has a 45–50 mm (1.8–2.0 in) wing span. The species is resident only in warmer areas, but migrates north in spring, and sometimes again in autumn.

Host plants ⁵

Plants of the nettle family (Urticaceae) including stinging nettle (Urtica dioica), tall wild nettle (U. d. gracilis), wood nettle (Laportea canadensis), false nettle (Boehmeria cylindrica), pellitory (Parietaria pennsylvanica), mamaki (Pipturus albidus), and possibly hops (Humulus).

Etymology ⁵

Atalanta is a figure in Greek mythology, a strong yet feminine woman who faces obstacles and backlash for refusing to follow gender norms.

Sources and Credits

1. (c) Drriss & Marrionn, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA), https://www.flickr.com/photos/drriss/7683157626/
2. (c) Ouwesok, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), https://www.flickr.com/photos/95975006@N08/35407243724/
3. (c) Ondřej Zicha, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), https://www.biolib.cz/IMG/GAL/413.jpg
4. (c) Marek Velechovský, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), https://www.biolib.cz/IMG/GAL/99356.jpg
5. (c) Wikipedia, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), https://www.inaturalist.org/guide_taxa/613469

More Info

• taxon page
• Animal Diversity Web
• Biodiversity Heritage Library
• BOLD Systems BIN search
• BugGuide
• Butterflies and Moths of North America
• CalPhotos
• CUIC Insect Images
• Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)
• HOSTS - a Database of the World's Lepidopteran Hostplants
• Lepiforum
• Maryland Biodiversity Project
• Maryland Moths
• Mass Moths
• Moth Photographers Group
• Moths of North Carolina
• NatureServe Explorer 2.0
• NBN Atlas
• Pacific Northwest Moths
• Red Admiral and Painted Lady Research Site
• UK Moths

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