Have you seen many red admirals this year?

This is probably one of the most easily identified butterflies that visits gardens throughout the British Isles.

It has  velvety black wings intersected by striking red bands. In its larval stage its often found on nettles. 

It can be found almost anywhere and is mainly a migrant to our shores as the butterflies arrive from North Africa and the continent. They arrive in about May/June but give rise to the next generation between  August / October. In some parts of southern England they are now considered residents.

Images by Noel Donaldson