Also known as the Red Spotted Purple butterfly.
Any of several butterfly species in the family Nymphalidae (order Lepidoptera) that are fast-flying and prized by collectors for their coloration, which consists of black wings with white bands and reddish brown markings.
The migratory red admiral (Vanessa atalanta), is widespread in Europe, Scandinavia, North America, and North Africa and feeds primarily on stinging nettles.
The western, or Weidemeyer’s, admiral (Limenitis weidemeyerii) is found in the western United States.
The white admiral (L. arthemis), a species made up of a white version and a red-spotted purple version, were once thought to be two distinct species. The white admiral occurs in North America and from Great Britain across Eurasia to Japan, feeds on honeysuckle.
The Indian red admiral, (V. indica), is found in the Canary Islands as well as India and is distinguished by a red band on the forewings wider than the band found on the migratory Red Admiral. (V. atalanta )
Avg. Wingspan: 5 cm. / 2 "
Diet: adults eat rotting fruit, tree sap, bird droppings, flower nectar, the nectar of daisies, asters, goldenrod, butterfly bush and milkweed.
* Being Brush-footed butterflies, White Admirals have a short pair of fore legs that are used to taste food, and two pairs of longer rear legs that are used for propulsion.
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The single biggest threat to butterfly survival is habitat destruction!!
