Which butterfly species is scientifically named Vanessa atalanta?

Vanessa atalanta is the scientific name of the red admiral butterfly.

The red admiral is a widespread brush-footed butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. Adults are recognizable by their dark wings, red-orange bands, and small white spots near the forewing tips. Its range includes Europe, northern Africa, Asia, and North America.

Red admirals commonly visit flowers for nectar and may also feed on tree sap, fermenting fruit, and bird droppings. Caterpillars mainly eat plants in the nettle family, especially stinging nettles. This association helps explain why gardens and hedgerows can attract the species.

The red admiral is sometimes confused with the painted lady, but the painted lady has a different pattern of orange, brown, and eye-spotted markings. Vanessa atalanta is also not restricted to one continent; it is a migratory or dispersive species in several parts of its range.