Nymphalids, Vanessids & Fritillaries
A diverse family of our largest, most striking and beautiful butterflies containing some well known migrants. Conical eggs, laid singly or in batches produce gregarious caterpillars often sporting long, protective spines. Chrysalises are suspended from the tail end by silken pads and are often attractively adorned with silvery, metallic spines and spots.
Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta)
Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta)

Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta)
Family: Nymphalidae
Subfamily: Nymphalinae
Tribe: Nymphalini
Genus: Vanessa
Species: atalanta

Key ID Features:
Striking red, black and white upperwings.
Underwing plain but with pale blotch at top edge of hindwing is distinctive.

Seen in UK: March-October

The Red Admiral is a frequent visitor to gardens throughout the British Isles and one of our most well-known butterflies. This butterfly is unmistakable, with the velvety black wings intersected by striking red bands.

This butterfly is primarily a migrant to our shores, although sightings of individuals and immature stages in the first few months of the year, especially in the south of England, mean that this butterfly is now considered resident. This resident population is considered to only be a small fraction of the population seen in the British Isles, which gets topped up every year with migrants arriving in May and June that originate in central Europe. Unfortunately, most individuals are unable to survive our winter, especially in the cooler regions of the British Isles.

Text (c) UK Butterflies, used with permission
For more information click here

Photographer: Tim Tapley

Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta)

Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta)
Family: Nymphalidae
Subfamily: Nymphalinae
Tribe: Nymphalini
Genus: Vanessa
Species: atalanta

Key ID Features:
Striking red, black and white upperwings.
Underwing plain but with pale blotch at top edge of hindwing is distinctive.

Seen in UK: March-October

The Red Admiral is a frequent visitor to gardens throughout the British Isles and one of our most well-known butterflies. This butterfly is unmistakable, with the velvety black wings intersected by striking red bands.

This butterfly is primarily a migrant to our shores, although sightings of individuals and immature stages in the first few months of the year, especially in the south of England, mean that this butterfly is now considered resident. This resident population is considered to only be a small fraction of the population seen in the British Isles, which gets topped up every year with migrants arriving in May and June that originate in central Europe. Unfortunately, most individuals are unable to survive our winter, especially in the cooler regions of the British Isles.

Text (c) UK Butterflies, used with permission
For more information click here

Photographer: Tim Tapley