Red admiral

Vanessa atalanta

AdultAn everyday search

Bright red bands cross this butterfly’s dark wings. Look closely for white spots near the tips.

Little clues

Three things to notice.

Out in the world

Around southeastern Wisconsin

Gardens and sunny edges.

When to look

From spring into summer; numbers can change a lot from year to year.

Look closely. Leave your tiny neighbor where you found it.

A closer look

When the wings fold up, the bright red bands can be hard to see. Wait for a gentle wing stretch.

A special find can be hard to spot without being biologically rare. Encounters depend on season and habitat.

For curious grownups, too

Original summaries, with references for deeper reading. Field notes are being checked against the supplied research.

Make a bug slide

Front artwork is made for a 3-inch clear disc. Revised artwork still needs a physical check. Reverse QR files use the confirmed permanent website.