The Red Admiral
Vanessa atalanta
Status :
July to October, Common
Wingspan : 5-6 cm
The Red Admiral is a welcome addition to our butterfly population in Ireland. Normally seen in the summer and autumn months often around fallen fruit, tree sap, flowering plants and shrubs. The Red Admiral opens and closes its wings vigorously when feeding. It lays single eggs on the food plant.
The Caterplliars vary in colour
from greenish grey through to black with spots down their sides and short
spines.
Crysalis is grey-brown with golden
spots, suspended from the underneath of a leaf.
Photographed St Margret's Caravn Park, Wexford feeding upon a pale pink Fushia, September 2007