Red Admiral

The Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta) is a brush-footed butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. Adults of the species are fast, erratic flyers that prefer sap flows on trees and rotting fruit to flower nectar. Around this time of spring they are a common butterfly in the Tampa Bay.

Found throughout most of the continental United States, the Red Admiral larvae live on species in the nettle family including stinging nettle, false nettle (Boehmeria cylindrica) and pellitory. Young larvae live in the shelter of folded leaves of their host plants and older larvae will use silken threads to build nests from several leaves for protection.

The caterpillars of the Red Admiral butterfly are incredibly variable in color. Caterpillars can range from black to pale green or be spotted with patterns or lines.

Use some caution when searching for these caterpillars among pellitory, as stinging nettles look very similar and often grow in proximity to this host plant. Stinging nettles (Urtica chamaedryoides) are covered in thousands of tiny, hollow hairs. These spines, called urticating hairs are small hollow tubes, sometimes with barbs, that are filled with an acrid fluid. These hairs are designed to break off the plant and lodge in a would-be predator.  The fluid inside the urticating hairs  can cause severe rash, irritation, swelling and allergic reactions to skin.

The chrysalis of the Red Admiral has a beautiful gold undertone that shimmers in the light. You might think that appearing metallic in nature might not be the best way to camouflage, but having a slightly reflective surface allows the chrysalis to mirror back the colors of its surroundings. Taking on the colors of surroundings provides better camouflage for the developing butterfly.

Several butterfly species in Florida have reflective gold or silver spots on their chrysalis like the Zebra Longwing, Julia, Gulf Fritillary, American Painted Lady, Queen and Monarch butterflies.  For a truly amazing chyrsalis, check out the gorgeous reflective chrysalis of  the Common Crow (Eupola core) butterfly.