Attenborough Nature Reserve


Butterflies



Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta)

Red Admiral Another large butterfly with an unmistakable wing pattern. Both the upper and underside of the forewing show a bright red band and white patches towards the tip. The upperside of the hindwing also shows red around the outer margin of the wing. Migrants from southern Europe and North Africa may be seen basking in the sunshine in open flowery areas around the reserve during the late summer months, whilst early spring butterflies may appear after overwintering. The larvae feed mainly on nettles or occasionally on thistles.