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Nymphalidae (Brush-footed)•Egg to adult: 27 days

Red Admiral

Vanessa atalanta

Darwin Core (DwC) Taxonomic Classification

Vanessa atalanta (Linnaeus, 1758)

OrderLepidoptera
FamilyNymphalidae
GenusVanessa
Speciesatalanta

Quick Rearing Snapshot & Biology Overview

Rearing and biology notes for Red Admiral

Instant Answers
Host Plants

Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica), Wood Nettle (Laportea canadensis), False Nettle (Boehmeria cylindrica)

Life Cycle Time

~27 Days total (Egg → Butterfly)

Winter Behavior

Pupal Diapause (Does Not Migrate)

Pupation Anchor

Vertical J-Hang

Thermal Degree-Day Hatch SimulatorInteractive

Slide ambient temperature to see how heat accelerates metamorphosis for Red Admiral

75°F / 24°C
65°F (Cool / Slow)75°F (Optimal Room Temp)85°F (Warm / Fast)
Egg Incubation~4 Days
Larval Instars~14 Days
Chrysalis / Pupa~9 Days
Total Metamorphosis~27 Days

*Calculated via standard insect thermal summation models (base threshold 50°F / 10°C).

PLATE VI • FIG. 6A•Taxonomic Plate • ADULT

Red Admiral

Vanessa atalanta (Linnaeus, 1758) — Nymphalidae • Nymphalini

5 cm Scale
•
Vermilion Median Band
•
Tornal Blue Spot
•
Subapical White Clusters
Key Diagnostic Field Identifiers:
  • Velvety espresso-black wings crossed by an unmistakable bright scarlet/vermilion median band
  • Forewing apex marked with a cluster of pure white spots and delicate blue marginal traces
  • Hindwing outer edge bounded by a wide scarlet border enclosing 4-5 black dots
  • Tiny iridescent royal-blue double spot at the anal angle (tornus)
:4 Days
:14 Days
:9 Days
:~27 Days

Larval Host Flora:

Silo 02 Botany

Only supply fresh, pesticide-free foliage from these verified native botanical species:

  • •Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica)
  • •Wood Nettle (Laportea canadensis)
  • •False Nettle (Boehmeria cylindrica)
  • •Pellitory (Parietaria spp.)

Key Husbandry Tips

Silo 04 Husbandry
  • •False Nettle is a stingless native host plant — perfect for raising without itchy skin reactions!
  • •Larvae curl leaves around themselves with silk stitches to form a private feeding shelter.
  • •Adults adore feeding on sliced ripe watermelon, cantaloupe, and banana slices placed in a shallow dish.

Frequently Asked Questions (Red Admiral)

Direct answers to the most common rearing, diet, and metamorphosis questions

Q&A Hub
Metamorphosis typically takes ~27 days from oviposition to adult eclosion at 75°F (24°C).

Master Research Guides for Red Admiral

Rearing protocols, lifecycle stages, and field husbandry

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