The Red Admiral ( Vanessa atalanta) is a well-known colourful butterfly, found in temperate Europe, Asia and North America. The species is resident only in warmer areas, but migrates in spring, and sometimes again in autumn.
This large butterfly is identified by its striking dark brown, red and black wing pattern. The caterpillars feed on nettles, the adults on flowering plants like the Buddleia and over-ripe fruit.