About 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.
Did You Know?
In autumn it is strongly attracted to fermenting fallen fruit and can become intoxicated on the alcohol.
How to Identify Red Admiral
Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta) belongs to the order Lepidoptera, family Nymphalidae. Adults typically measure 56-62 mm wingspan.
Red Admiral Habitat
Red Admiral is found in gardens habitats, particularly across Europe, North America, North Africa, Asia. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Red Admiral Diet and Feeding
Red Admiral feeds on fruits. Fruit-feeding insects are attracted to ripe and decaying fruit, and some species can be significant agricultural pests.
Where Is Red Admiral Found?
Red Admiral can be found in Europe, North America, North Africa, Asia, where it inhabits gardens environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Red Admiral can be found
Is Red Admiral Dangerous?
Red Admiral is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.
Red Admiral Role in Nature
Red Admiral is part of the food web as a primary consumer, feeding on plant material. It serves as an important food source for birds, bats, amphibians, and other insectivores, connecting plant energy to higher trophic levels.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Red Admiral
What does Red Admiral look like?
The Red Admiral typically measures 56-62 mm wingspan.
Where is Red Admiral found?
The Red Admiral is found in Europe, North America, North Africa, Asia and typically inhabits gardens environments.
What does Red Admiral eat?
The Red Admiral feeds on fruits.
Is Red Admiral dangerous to humans?
The Red Admiral is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
What is an interesting fact about Red Admiral?
In autumn it is strongly attracted to fermenting fallen fruit and can become intoxicated on the alcohol.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/red-admiral
MLA:
"Red Admiral." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/red-admiral.