Photo © Nick Montegriffo

Red Admiral

Vanessa atalanta

Checklist Number
59.023 [B&F: 1590]

Verification
Record will be accepted (subject to date and location checks)

Classification

Family:Nymphalidae
Subfamily:Nymphalinae
Genus:Vanessa
Species:atalanta
Authority:(Linnaeus, 1758)

Common immigrant from mainland Europe and Fennoscandia, appearing throughout the British Isles, in most years arriving in sufficient numbers to breed. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight widespread and common throughout. Wingspan 67-72 mm. Larva feeds on Stinging Nettle, Small Nettle and Hop, unable to over-winter in significant numbers.