RED ADMIRAL
One of the most common and well-known butterflies, the red admiral can have a wingspan ranging from 46 to 66mm. This butterfly was originally called the red admirable. The upper forewing is black with an orange-red stripe and white patches. The upper hindwing is also black with an orange-red border interspersed with black dots. The underside forewing is similar to the upper, and the underside of the hindwing has a dark mottled pattern.
This butterfly migrates in the North of Europe but here on Kefalonia, it is a resident. Red admirals are fond of moist woodlands but can be found along hedgerows, gardens and parks. The caterpillars feed on stinging nettles and the adults like buddleia and overripe fruit. In my garden, they love the pomegranates and grapes. Red admirals are very territorial, with the females only mating with males that hold territory.
