Red admiral
Vanessa atalanta
Insecta Vanessa atalanta, commonly known as the Red Admiral, is a striking butterfly belonging to the family Nymphalidae. In the Comunidad Valenciana, it is also known as Almirante Rojo.
This butterfly is easily recognizable by its distinctive appearance. The upper side of the wings is black with striking red bands and white spots, making them highly visible and easy to identify. The wingspan typically ranges from 5 to 6.5 centimeters.
- Habitat: Vanessa atalanta is quite adaptable, thriving in various environments including open fields, meadows, woodland edges, gardens, and parks. In the Comunidad Valenciana, they are frequently seen during warm months.
- Behavior: The Red Admiral is known for its migratory behavior. They migrate northward in the spring and southward in the fall. They are frequently observed basking in the sun with their wings open.
- Diet: Adult Red Admirals primarily feed on nectar from a variety of flowers. They are also known to feed on tree sap, rotting fruit, and bird droppings.
- Life Cycle: The life cycle of Vanessa atalanta includes four stages: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa (chrysalis), and adult. The larvae primarily feed on nettles.
- Conservation Status: Vanessa atalanta is not considered endangered and has a stable population, benefiting from its adaptability to different environments.
The Red Admiral is appreciated not only for its beauty but also for its role in pollination, making it an essential part of the local ecosystem in the Comunidad Valenciana.