RED ADMIRAL

A common but beautiful butterfly, you know summer is here when you see them flitting around. 

The migrants arrive from June onwards, but due to global warming, red admirals have been hibernating in the British Isles since the end of the 20th century.

The adults lay their eggs on stinging nettles which is the main food source of the caterpillars. This butterfly has velvety black wings with a red stripe and white spots. Both sexes are similar in appearance and have an overall wingspan of 60mm.