Insect
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Size
67–72 mm wingspanAbout as wide as a credit card
Weight
0.5 gBarely anything — lighter than a paperclip
Lifespan
Several months as adult
Top speed
48 km/h
Rarity
Common
M vs F
Males and females look nearly identical, though males are slightly smaller and more territorial
Habitat
Gardens, woodland rides, coastlines, meadows
Best time
May–October, peak August–September
Conservation
UK: Green
LC
💡 Did you know?
The Red Admiral can taste with its feet! It has taste receptors on its tarsi that detect sugars as soon as it lands on a flower or fruit.
Most Red Admirals in the UK are migrants from southern Europe, arriving in spring. Some overwinter here now — thought to be an effect of milder winters. Their caterpillars feed exclusively on nettles.
Often confused with
Painted Lady
Camberwell Beauty
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