A widespread butterfly we tend to think of as native, but it has only been breeding in this country relatively recently. A lot of the individuals you see will have come in from continental Europe. If you see a lot all of a sudden it may well be that favourable winds have brought them in.
Where to see
- Habitat: Very wide range of habitats: hedgerows, wood, gardens: anywhere with shelter and a lot of flowers.
- Caterpillar foodplants: Stinging nettle, occasionally hop. The nettles need to be in full sun.
- Best places: Widespread.
Distribution map
Red Admiral was recorded from these 1km squares in Dorset (2015-19).
- Key:
- 1 record
- 2-9 records
- 10+ records
When to see
Any month, but most numerous July to September.
Sightings by month (last 5 years)*
This year and last*
What to look for
The vast majority of the Red Admirals you see will be migrants, though some do manage to hibernate through the winter nowadays.
There is no butterfly with which this can be mistaken.
Male and female are similar, though the male is slightly smaller. If you see a butterfly nectaring on flowers in the shade, it is almost always a Red Admiral. It will also feed on blackberries and rotting fruit.
Photo gallery
Click thumbnails to view full-size images.
Red Admiral. Photo: Lyn Pullen
Red Admirals on Michelmas Daisies. Photo: Lyn Pullen
Red Admirals on rotting pears. Photo: Elaine Conlon
Red Admiral on a viburnum flower in November. Photo: Lyn Pullen
Red Admiral nectaring on a bluebell. Photo: Ken Dolbear
Red Admiral. With the forewing closed down, this can look a very dark butterfly. Photo: Ken Dolbear.