RED ADMIRAL BUTTERFLY : Vanessa atalanta
Also see BUTTERFLIES & MOTHS
The red admiral is easy to recognise with a striking black, orange and white wing pattern. The underside is partly variegated with blue; the forewing is similar in markings to the upper side, while the hind wing is brightly variegated and clouded. ...
The red admiral is a largely migratory butterfly to the British Isles, though some adults may hibernate in warmer southern parts. The red admiral regularly migrates north to all parts of Scotland and has even been found on St Kilda and Fair Isle. The first wave of immigrants arrive in late March, (from North Africa), followed by another wave (from Spain/Portugal) reaching our shores in May/June. Any later arrivals probably originate from further north within Western Europe.
Typically found in moist woodlands, the red admiral caterpillar’s primary host plant is the stinging nettle. The adult butterfly drinks from flowering plants like buddleia and overripe fruit and is a common visitor to our gardens. [Scottish Wildlife Trust].
This one was seen in August. After alighting on several different plants, it fluttered off and then took a rest on the stone wall alongside the upper Leven towpath.
SCOTTISH WILDLIFE TRUST : https://scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/species/red-admiral/
