The red admiral is a medium-sized, easy to recognise butterfly with a striking black, orange and white wing pattern. The black wings are broken by a broad bright red-orange band on both the hind and forewings and white spots near the tip of the forewings. The underside is partly variegated with blue; the forewing is similar in markings to the upper side, while the hind wing is brightly variegated and clouded.

Behaviour

The red admiral is a largely migratory butterfly to the British Isles, though some adults may hibernate in warmer southern parts. The red admiral regularly migrates north to all parts of Scotland and has even been found on St Kilda and Fair Isle. The first wave of immigrants arrive in late March, (from North Africa), followed by another wave (from Spain/Portugal) reaching our shores in May/June. Any later arrivals probably originate from further north within Western Europe.

Typically found in moist woodlands, the red admiral caterpillar’s primary host plant is the stinging nettle. The adult butterfly drinks from flowering plants like buddleia and overripe fruit and is a common visitor to our gardens. It is known as an unusually people-friendly butterfly, often landing on, and using humans as perches.

Size

• Wingspan: 64-78mm

Status

Common; of no concern

Distribution

The red admiral can be found throughout the British Isles, including the Outer Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland, in habitats ranging from the seashore, woodlands, marshes, gardens and mountain tops. In some years this butterfly can be extremely widespread and common, in others rather local and scarce.

When to see

Can potentially be seen in any month of the year, especially in Southern Scotland, but sightings tend to be from April to late October. Peak numbers occur from August to early October.

Facts

• Egg-laying females are very easy to spot. The usual powerful flight is replaced by a slow and deliberate flight. She flits from leaf to leaf of the food plant, depositing one egg if the leaf is deemed suitable and continuing to lay eggs interspersed with periods of resting and feeding.
• The caterpillars of the red admiral go through five moults, or instars, over a period of three to four weeks. The caterpillars are bristly and dark with a pale yellow stripe running down each side. The primary larval food plant is the common nettle (Urtica dioica).