admiral butterfly

Any of several species of butterflies (family Nymphalidae) that are colourful, fast-flying, and much prized by collectors. The migratory red admiral (Vanessa atalanta), widespread in Europe, Scandinavia, North America, and North Africa, feeds on stinging nettles. The Indian red admiral (V. indica) is found in the Canary Islands and India. The white admiral (Limenitis camilla, or Basilarchia arthemis), a Eurasian and North American species, feeds on honeysuckle.