I better be right about this butterfly identification: Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta). According to the National Audubon Society’s Field Guide to North American Butterflies (1981, Robert Michael Pyle, Contributor, Alfred A. Knopf, Inc., Publisher), this butterfly is “unmistakable.” Robert Pyle, the “consulting lepidopterist” for this guide, founded the Xerces Society. This organization focuses on invertebrate conservation, and Mr. Pyle is impressive, even at first glance. I am looking forward to learning more about him, his works, and the Xerces Society.
As for the Red Admiral, I like his attitude! He always keeps his chin up!
August 28th, 2008 at 7:26 pm
Your piece got me wondering if Red admirals can be found here in North Florida. Yes, they can. The larval host is nettles (Urtica spp.), false nettle (Boehmaria cylindrica). According to Florida Butterfly Gardening by Minno the male perches waiting for females. They sometimes drink from wet soil, visit sap flows, fruit, and fresh dung.
August 28th, 2008 at 8:59 pm
Gorgeous!!!