
Red Admiral
This is a large and distinctive butterfly, even in flight, as the white wing borders are unmistakable. The adults live solitary and, as such, migrate singly rather than in the swarms associated with other migrant species.
Migrant insects arrive in Great Britain most years during summer and autumn, but numbers are usually very low. There is no evidence that the species breeds in Britain; it is thought that mild, wet winters prevent them from surviving here for very long. It was believed that some sightings had originated from individuals that had hibernated in stacks of timber which were then shipped to England, and had not travelled naturally.
These butterflies have a lifespan of 11 to 12 months, one of the longest life-spans for any butterfly.
Caterpillars feed primarily on Elms (Ulmus ssp), Poplars (Populus) and Willows (Salix).
In Europe and America, the butterfly is found predominantly in cold, mountainous areas but can often be seen in hardwood forests and even gardens where it will feed on rotting fruit.
Camberwell Beauty (upperwing) - Adam Gor
Adam Gor
Camberwell Beauty (underwing) - Adam Gor
Adam Gor
Camberwell Beauty (upperwing) - Adam Gor
Adam Gor
Camberwell Beauty (underwing) - Adam Gor
Adam Gor
Camberwell Beauty (upperwing) - Adam Gor
Adam Gor
Camberwell Beauty (underwing) - Tim Melling
Tim Melling
Camberwell Beauty (upperwing) - Ervin Szombathelyi
Ervin Szombathelyi
Camberwell Beauty (upperwing) - Adam Gor
Adam Gor
Camberwell Beauty (upperwing) - Peter Eeles
Peter Eeles
Camberwell Beauty (caterpillar) - Tapio Kujala
Tapio Kujala
Camberwell Beauty (caterpillar) - Dean Morley
Dean Morley
Camberwell Beauty (pupa) - Peter Eeles
Peter Eeles