Identification
Above, adult is dark brown to black with a broad red band on the hind wings and red stripe diagonally across each forewing; tips of forewings have a pattern of white spots. Below, the leading edge of the forewing is marked with red, white and blue; otherwise mostly mottled grey/brown.
Caterpillar highly variable "ranging from almost white or pale yellow-green to black;usually heavily salted with pale flecking."
(1)
Range
Almost cosmopolitan. In North America it enters the northern part every year and dies out.
Food
Caterpillar feeds on various plants in the nettle family (Urticaceae).
Life Cycle
Overwinters as pupae and adults in the South.
Click on an image to view the life cycle:
Remarks
Caterpillar makes a larval shelter, either tying up the leaves of a shoot tip, or usually later in the life cycle rolling a leaf.
Internet References
The Red Admiral and Painted Lady Research Site. Help contribute to scientific knowledge about these butterflies.
