Red Admiral
Vanessa atalantaThe Red Admiral is one of the UK’s most iconic butterflies, known for its bold black wings marked with vibrant red-orange bands and white tips. Its underside is just as striking, blending blues, oranges and mottled browns for camouflage against bark and stone. Strong migrators, they arrive from continental Europe and North Africa, though some now overwinter in southern England. Adults feed on fermenting fruit, tree sap and even dung, while caterpillars rely on nettles.
A powerful icon of UK skies
You might have seen this one before… The Red Admiral can be found anywhere from gardens and town centres to coasts and even the tops of mountains!
This large and swift butterfly has vibrant black and bright orange/red wings with splashes of white at the tips. Underneath, its forewings are a mix of blue, orange, black and white, while the hindwings offer an array of mottled browns to help it blend in with tree trunks and rocks.
Unusually for butterflies, Red Admirals have been known to fly at night, particularly during their migrations. They sometimes even show up in moth traps.
Ever heard of a drunk butterfly? Well, adult Red Admirals particularly enjoy fermenting fruit, which can have some intoxicating side-effects, even affecting their flight patterns and fear response.
Their caterpillars, meanwhile, enjoy Common Nettle, Small Nettle, Pellitory-of-the-wall and Hop.
The Red Admiral can be seen all across the UK and in a variety of habitats, though they migrate here from continental Europe and North Africa so are usually more common in the south of the UK. As our climate changes, some are even choosing to stay there over winter.
Vibes
Each butterfly is scored out of 100 across a set of traits, from how bold and visible it is to how far it travels or how particular it is about where it lives. These scores compare each species with the other butterflies in Britain, helping you see their differences at a glance. Here’s what makes the Red Admiral special.
Bright colours, bold patterns, and a love of the spotlight. Some butterflies just can’t help showing off.
Fast, or throwing some seriously impressive moves, these butterflies are in a flutter.
Always on guard, ready to hide or defend - these butterflies have self-preservation down to an art.
It’s ok to be a little… well, weird. These butterflies have been certified with the freak factor.
Like Goldilocks, everything has to be just right for these perfectionists.
Hard to spot and even harder to forget, these butterflies are a true one of a kind.
Bold, curious, and ready to explore, these brave butterflies live for the thrill and aren’t afraid to travel.
Weather-resistant, battle-hardened, and built to survive, these butterflies know how to take it on the wing.
Red Admirals sometimes feed on fermenting fruit and can become a little 'tipsy' from the sugary alcohols.
Test your knowledge
Where do Red Admirals migrate to the UK from?Red Admirals migrate to the UK from continental Europe and North Africa each year.
Does the Red Admiral get your vote?