If you've ever taken a springtime stroll through a park or garden, you might have seen a fast, darting flash of orange and black zip past your face. That bold little flier is likely the red admiral butterfly , a widespread member of the Vanessa genus.

Unlike some butterflies that stick to flower patches, red admirals show up in unusual places. You’ll spot them sunning themselves on sidewalks, chasing rivals through woodland edges, or sipping tree sap.

These butterflies are active early in spring and keep flying through late autumn in warmer climates.

What Is the Red Admiral Butterfly?

The red admiral ( Vanessa atalanta ) is a medium-sized butterfly known for its striking coloration: black wings marked with orange bands and white subapical spots. The underside is a camouflaging mi

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