Photograph by Tony Mainwood
DESCRIPTION
Yellow - orange ground colour, with white dots and dashes against black tips on forewings.
Wingspan 58 - 70mm (male), 62 - 74mm (female).
LIFE CYCLE
Like the Red Admiral, a common migrant species, though less regular in its appearance. The first influx usually arrives in June, followed by further arrivals in August, September and October, augmenting locally bred specimens.
Ova laid usually on thistles, and hatch after 7 - 10 days. Larvae may be found from July to September, requiring warm sunshine to develop. The pupal stage lasts about a fortnight.
This species is unable to survive the winter, and is replenished by migration.
FLIGHT TIMES
June to September or October.
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION
Appears in this area most years, and has been recorded from The Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland.
LINKS
REFERENCES
