Red Admiral vs Demon Charaxes

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Red Admiral Demon Charaxes
Scientific Name Vanessa atalanta Charaxes lucretius
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Nymphalidae Nymphalidae
Size 56-62 mm wingspan 70-90 mm wingspan
Habitat Gardens Forests
Diet Fruit Feeders Dung Feeders
Regions Europe, North America, North Africa, Asia Central Africa (Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, DRC)
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Red Admiral

A bold black butterfly with red-orange bands and white spots, commonly seen in gardens. It is a strong migrant and occasional overwinterer.

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Did You Know?

In autumn it is strongly attracted to fermenting fallen fruit and can become intoxicated on the alcohol.

Demon Charaxes

A large forest Charaxes with deep black upperside marked with blue iridescence in males. Females are larger and browner. The underside has intricate leaf-like patterning providing excellent camouflage.

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Did You Know?

When resting with wings closed, this butterfly is almost invisible against the bark of forest trees thanks to its cryptic underside.