Vanessa atalanta
Red Admiral
Vanessa atalanta, Red Admiral, is a large and distinctive butterfly, seen in Wensleydale during late summer and autumn. It is primarily a migratory species, coming to the UK from Europe annually. Eggs are laid on the food plants, usually Stinging Nettle, Urtica dioica, on which the larvae feed. The adult is a nectar feeder on a wide variety of flowers.
Photograph detail
Slide 1: Vanessa atalanta, Red Admiral, resting on a plum leaf. Garden in Redmire. September.
Slide 2: Vanessa atalanta, Red Admiral, feeding on Buddleia. Garden in Redmire. August.
Slide 3: Vanessa atalanta, Red Admiral, resting after feeding, with proboscis coiled. Sedum spectabile. Garden in Redmire. September.
Slide 4: Vanessa atalanta, Red Admiral, feeding on Sedum spectabile. Garden in Redmire. September.
Slide 5: Vanessa atalanta, Red Admiral, feeding on Ivy, Hedera helix. Church Lane, Redmire. October.
Slide 6: Vanessa atalanta, Red Admiral, feeding on fallen plum. Garden in Redmire. September.
Slide 7: Vanessa atalanta, Red Admiral. Several butterflies feeding on fallen plums. Garden in Redmire. September.