Red Admiral

Species: Red Admiral (Venessa atalanta)
Family: Nymphalidae
Date: 7.22.15

Observation:

 I wasn't planning on taking any pictures this day, but I changed my mind when this Red Admiral decided to hang around the asters in our backyard.

Facts:

Red Admiral butterflies prefer to feed on sap slows and fermenting fruit; nectaring on flowers is typically a secondary option. Caterpillar hosts are the nettle family.

Learn more at Butterflies and Moths of North America - Red Admiral