A Closer Look At...

The Red Admiral Butterfly

Species: Red Admiral

Trivia tidbit: This butterfly’s common name comes from its red-orange wing markings which resemble the chevrons of naval uniforms. One of the most widely distributed butterflies in the world, occurring across most of North America, Europe, northern Africa, and into Asia. Unlike many other adult butterflies, red admirals prefer to feed on sap flowing from trees and fermenting fruit. They are generally associated with moist habitat types such as marshes and bottomlands where their larval host plants, nettles, grow. Southern Texas is a primary wintering spot for this butterfly in the United States.

State Parks to Visit:
Brazos Bend State Park, Caddo Lake State Park, Choke Canyon State Park, Guadalupe River State Park, Inks Lake State Park, Lost Maples State Natural Area are good spots to look for red admirals.