The red admiral butterfly is a common sight in Florida, flying from spring to fall. It is a medium-sized butterfly with a wingspan of 58-76 mm. The upper side of the wings is orange with black borders and a distinctive red band across the forewing. The underside of the wings is brown with orange markings.
Red admiral butterflies are found in a variety of habitats in Florida, including forests, woodlands, gardens, and fields. They are most common in moist open areas near woods. Their host plants are nettles, such as stinging nettle, false nettle, and Pellitory.
The red admiral butterfly has a two or three generation life cycle in Florida. The adults lay their eggs on the host plants in the spring. The caterpillars hatch and feed on the leaves of the host plant. They pupate in the fall or winter, and the adults emerge in the spring.
Red admiral butterflies are important pollinators. They help to transfer pollen from one flower to another, which helps plants to reproduce. They are also preyed upon by birds, spiders, and other insects.
Red admiral butterflies are a beautiful and beneficial part of Florida's ecosystem. They are a welcome sight in gardens and other outdoor areas.
Here are some tips for attracting red admiral butterflies to your yard:
Plant nettles or other host plants for the caterpillars.
Provide a source of nectar for the adults, such as flowers, fruit, or sap.
Create a moist environment by watering your plants regularly and providing a birdbath or shallow dish of water.
Avoid using pesticides in your yard.
By following these tips, you can help to create a butterfly-friendly habitat in your yard!
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