Red Admiral

Red Admiral on Thistle

The people of this world are like the three butterflies in front of a candle’s flame.
The first one went closer and said: I know about love.
The second one touched the flame lightly with his wings and said:
I know how love’s fire can burn.
The third one threw himself into the heart of the flame and was consumed.
The alone knows what true love is.

Rumi’s “Poem of the Butterflies”

Springtime will soon be upon us, and it will be the time to see beautiful pollinators, such as the Red Admiral butterfly.

The Red Admiral butterfly, scientifically known as Vanessa Atalanta, is a colorful and striking butterfly with black wings marked by red-orange bands and white spots. These butterflies are known for their migratory behavior, often traveling long distances. They can be found in various habitats, including woodlands, parks, and gardens.

Red Admiral on Buttonbush

They are avid pollinators feeding on nectar from various flowers, as seen in the photos here. Additionally, Red Admiral butterflies serve as a food source for various predators within the ecosystem, thereby contributing to the overall biodiversity of their habitat. Their wingspan is 1 ¾ – 3 inches (4.5 – 7.6 cm) open.

Red Admiral on Horsemint

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24 Responses

  1. nesfelicio
    | Reply

    Striking colors! Great photos.

    • Egídio Leitão
      | Reply

      Much gratitude for the feedback, Nes. Thank you.

  2. Anne Sandler
    | Reply

    What a beautiful butterfly Egidio. Well done!

  3. Marie
    | Reply

    Love the Rumi poem.

    • Egídio Leitão
      | Reply

      I’m glad you liked it. I like Rumi’s quotes and poetry.

    • margaret21
      | Reply

      So you have Red Admirals too? Excellent.

      • Egídio Leitão
        | Reply

        They travel long distances. I’m glad we share their beauty across the oceans.

      • Marie
        | Reply

        Actually, not sure. My butterfly knowledge is minimal. So is my poetry background. But I really like this one.

  4. Yanti
    | Reply

    “The third one threw himself into the heart of the flame and was consumed.”
    and the butterfly in the third photo has its wings so tattered it’s so fitting! (will it be okay, I wonder? Of is it just a shape variety?)
    Lovely poem and photos, Egidio! 🙂

    • Egídio Leitão
      | Reply

      Much gratitude for your comment, Yanti. Thank you.

  5. Tra Italia e Finlandia
    | Reply

    La conosco bene perché vive sia in Finlandia che in Italia. Grazie delle suggestive citazioni.
    Buon weekend!

  6. Tranature - quiet moments in nature
    | Reply

    Beautiful photographs of the butterflies Egidio, we’re looking forward to seeing the first ones of the year appear here too 🦋

    • Egídio Leitão
      | Reply

      Spring is not too far away, Xenia. Thanks for the comments.

  7. Amy
    | Reply

    Beautiful images of red admiral! Love the close-up captures.

  8. restlessjo
    | Reply

    Beautiful! We were walking in the hills this morning and the most lovely yellow and green butterflies were flitting around. I can never capture a shot but the image is in my head.

    • Egídio Leitão
      | Reply

      That sounds like a beautiful butterfly. Thanks for your feedback.

    • Egídio Leitão
      | Reply

      Jo, I cannot do night photography well. I am stubborn and continue to try. Thank you for the kind words.

      • restlessjo
        | Reply

        I’m impressed, hon 🤗💙

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