Red Admiral - The Butterfiles - ERCA Traditional Cache

This series "The Butterfiles" will highlight some of the butterflies/moths you will see along the green way the ones marked with an * are rare/imperilled in the region so if you see them please take note of where and report to ERCA or Ojibway park. Cache is located just off the trail, minimal bush whacking required.

Caterpillar	Wing variation	Butterfly

This familiar, medium-sized (wingspan: 45 to 57 mm) butterfly is easy to recognize, even on the wing. The dark blackish-brown upperside of each wing is crossed by a bright red band, that of the forewing being duplicated on the underside. The tip of the forewing upperside is black with a number of white spots. The hindwing underside is a mottled grey and green when fresh.

Abundance: Like other migrants, Vanessa atalanta varies in abundance, but is rarely completely absent from Canada in the summer. In good migrant years, like 1981, it can be extremely abundant.

Flight Season: Migrants are seen in May over most of southern Canada(mid-April at Point Pelee). There are two or possibly three generations per year, with fresh specimens seen even in September. They occasionally overwinter successfully in Canada in mild winters.

Habits: This is a conspicuous and aggressive butterfly that often claims a territory, like a road through a woods or even a parking lot, and defends it against all comers. Its habitat preferences vary widely, from clearings in woods to vacant lots in downtown areas. An avid flower visitor, it is regularly seen in gardens.