| ADULT |
Wingspan - 64 - 72mm (male); 70 - 78mm (female). A
easy butterfly to ID with its recognisable black upperwing surface and
red central band. The hindwing also has a distinct red
margin. There are several white spots towards the forewings tip
and all wing edges are marked in a black and white pattern. The
hindwing undersides are a mottled montage of black and grey and the
forewing undersides are as above with a distinct blue patch. |
| CHRYSALIS |
22 - 24mm. Light grey with gold markings. Found on
nettles within feeding shelter. |
| LARVA |
35mm. Variable from black and yellow to grey and
yellow, with spines. As above located in feeding tent. |
| EGG |
Pale green turning black, oblong and located on stinging
nettle leaves. Hatching time within 7 days. |
| BEHAVIOUR |
A powerful flyer with a combination of wing beats and
glides. Likes to feed on rotten fruit and buddleia. |
| HABITAT |
Gardens, parkland, open woodland, meadows, hedgerows and
orchards. |
| FLIGHT PERIOD |
May - October in two broods. |
