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Red Admiral Butterfly

The Red Admiral is a common and regular migrant to the UK which in mild winters also survives here (primarily in the south of England) so some of the population are from resident stock. This large black butterfly with a flash of vivid orange-red across its forewings and around the edge of its rear wings and a splatter of white spots towards its wing-tips is a common sight in our gardens during mid-late summer. They are often found nectaring on garden Buddleias Michaelmas Daisy or Ice Plant or during late summer/early autumn seen feeding often in large numbers on flowering Ivy and rotting fruit in gardens and orchards. Sightings of the Red Admiral can continue well into November on sunny days and they are often reported during December, January and February when almost all other species of butterfly are unlikely to be seen.

Anywhere in the UK where abundant nectar sources are available and Common Nettle the larval food plant can be found. Distribution This familiar butterfly can be found anywhere in Britain in almost all habitat types. It is a strong flyer and is known to migrate from continental Europe to the UK every year. Global warming will no doubt help it to become firmly established as a resident species in the future across Britain. Where to see the Red Admiral in the British Isles This familiar butterfly can be found anywhere in Britain in almost all habitat types. It is a strong flyer and is known to migrate from continental Europe to the UK every year. Global warming will no doubt help it to become firmly established as a resident species in the future across Britain.