Red Admiral Butterfly (Vanessa atalanta)
![brown butterfly with orange stripes and white dots](https://www.gardenswithwings.com/wp-content/uploads/Red-Admiral-Topwing.jpg)
Brown and Orange Butterfly with White Markings
Copyright: Diane P. Brooks
The Red Admiral is an admired butterfly, popular in much of North America, Asia, and Europe. This butterfly enjoys many types of environments and has a strong affinity to flowers. The males are territorial and many times can be found in the same location day to day.
The undersides of the wings are a mottled brown and tan with a curved bright red color on the upper side of the brown/black wings. Although a quick flier, this beauty is a more docile butterfly, it tends to be a friendly visitor in gardens.
See more photos below to help you identify the stages of the Red Admiral Butterfly life cycle.
Red Admiral Photos, Facts, And Information
![](https://www.gardenswithwings.com/wp-content/uploads/readCATde.jpg)
Caterpillar
Copyright: Fred Miller
![brown spiky pupa with gold spots](https://www.gardenswithwings.com/wp-content/uploads/red-admiral-chrysalis.jpg)
Brown Spiky Chrysalis
Copyright: Fred Miller
![](https://www.gardenswithwings.com/wp-content/uploads/readJshape.jpg)
Larva in J Position
Copyright: Diane P. Brooks
![](https://www.gardenswithwings.com/wp-content/uploads/readUCde.jpg)
Underside Closed
Copyright: Fred Miller
![](https://www.gardenswithwings.com/wp-content/uploads/readUde2.jpg)
Upperside Wingss
Copyright: Linda Grybos
Red Admiral Host and Nectar Plants
Host Plants for the Red Admiral: (What is this?)
Nectar Plants for the Red Admiral: (What is this?)
Red Admiral Facts And Information
Butterfly Family: Brush-footed Butterflies (Nymphalidae)
Butterfly Subfamily: True Brushfoot (Nymphalinae)
Butterfly Wingspan: 1 3/4 in. to 3 in.
Butterfly Habitat: Streamsides, fields, parks, gardens
Red Admiral Flight Range Map
Note: Map represents approximate butterfly flight range.
![](https://www.gardenswithwings.com/wp-content/uploads/readMap20.png)