Butterflies and Moths of North America

collecting and sharing data about Lepidoptera

  Sighting 1382886

Red Admiral
Vanessa atalanta

Observation date: June 18, 2024
Submitted by: buttts
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: I spotted this one hanging out in my bush in the front garden at my house. They've been hanging out in my viburnum the past few days since the bush has flowered. It's such a cool looking butterfly. It's got these antennae that are black with white stripes and white bulbus tips. The wings are an amazing bright orange with white spots on the tips and the bottom has these little black spots. Looks almost cartoon when looking up-close. I hope to see more of them and others. I keep trying to add to my garden more enticing flowers for them.
Status: Temporary Colonist
Verified by: talusrutgers
Verified date: March 16, 2026
Coordinator notes: None.
Checklist region(s): United States, Michigan, Livingston County