Nymphalidae | ||||||||||||
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Red Admiral | ||||||||||||
Scientific classification | ||||||||||||
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These are typically fairly large butterfies, such as the admirals, tortoiseshells and fritillaries, which have very colourful upperparts. However, the underwings are dull and often look like dead leaves, which helps to conceal stationary or hibernating insects.
The front two legs are small, so these butterflies are effectively four-legged. The caterpillars are hairy or spiky, and the crysalids have shiny spots.
Several species are attracted to Buddleia, the butterfly plant.
Species include