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ISM System :Butterfly and Moth Collection: Introduction

Butterflies

Butterfly and Moth Image Gallery : Butterflies

Vanessa atalanta (Red Admiral)

The Red Admiral butterfly is distinguished by the orange stripes, one across the center of the front wing and one on the margin of the hind wing. These stripes form a parenthesis when the wings are spread out. The front wings also have white spots near the tips. The undersides of both wings have complex patterns. The hindwing's under surface has a bark-like appearance (protective coloration) and the underside of the forewing has white, blue, and red-orange marks.

This species lives at the edges of woods, in fields, along streams and roadsides, and in towns. It is found throughout Illinois. There are at least two generations per year. They may be able to overwinter as pupae and adults. They may migrate. The females lay eggs on nettles and hop plants, which feed the larvae. Adults feed on flower nectar and overripe fruit, sap, and dead animal flesh.

Collection of the Illinois State Museum
Photographed by Dr. Everett Cashatt
Accession #:

<b>Vanessa atalanta  (Red Admiral)</b>

Butterfly and Moth Image Gallery : Butterflies

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