Canary Red Admiral

vanessa vulcania

The Canary Red Admiral (Vanessa vulcania) is a striking and vibrant butterfly endemic to the lush Macaronesian archipelagos, specifically the Canary Islands and Madeira. Once considered a mere subspecies of the widespread Red Admiral, it has since been recognized as a distinct species, celebrated for its deeper, more continuous red wing bands. This butterfly is a flagship insect for the unique biodiversity of the region, often seen fluttering rapidly through the dappled sunlight of subtropical laurel forests. Beyond its beauty, the Canary Red Admiral is an active, territorial species that frequently patrols sunny glades and garden paths. It is known for its bold nature, often landing close to human observers. The stark contrast between its fiery red-orange markings and its dark velvety wings makes it an instant favorite among nature enthusiasts exploring the volcanic islands it calls home.

Lebensraum: Typically found in the subtropical laurel forests, wooded ravines, agricultural margins, and lush botanical gardens of the Canary Islands and Madeira.

Aussehen

The Canary Red Admiral is a medium-sized butterfly with a wingspan of roughly 5.5 to 6.5 cm. Its upper wings are predominantly black or very dark brown, boldly marked with a broad, almost continuous bright red or fiery orange band that arcs across the forewings and borders the hindwings. The forewing tips are adorned with distinct white spots. The underside of the wings presents a stark contrast, featuring a highly complex, mottled pattern of grays, browns, and subtle blues that expertly mimics the appearance of tree bark or dead leaves.

ReichAnimaliaStammArthropodaKlasseInsectaOrdnungLepidopteraFamilieNymphalidaeGattungVanessa

Canary Red Admiral

Kategorie

Insekten

Seltenheit

Common

Gefahr

1/5 · Sehr gering

Snaps

Mach den ersten Snap!

Interessante Fakten

It was once considered a mere subspecies of the widespread Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta) but was elevated to full species status due to distinct genetic and morphological differences.

Male Canary Red Admirals are highly territorial and will chase away much larger butterflies and even birds that enter their sunlit patches of forest.

Unlike its widespread cousin the Red Admiral, the Canary Red Admiral is exclusively endemic to the Macaronesian archipelagos.

Besondere Fähigkeiten

When resting with its wings closed, the intricately mottled underside perfectly mimics dry leaves or tree bark, hiding it from predators.

Possesses a very fast, erratic flight pattern that makes it exceptionally difficult for avian predators to catch mid-air.

Often basks with its wings wide open on sunlit stones or leaves to absorb solar radiation, allowing it to remain active in cooler mountain elevations.

Maße und Details

Länge: 2-3 cm
Flügelspannweite: 5-7 cm
Gewicht: 0.0001-0.0003 kg
Lebenserwartung: 0 Jahre
Top Speed: 20 km/h
Gelegegröße: 50-200
Brutzeit: 5-10 Tage
Zugstrecke: 50 km

Ernährung und Fütterung

Adults primarily feed on the nectar of flowering plants and the juices of fermenting fallen fruit, while the caterpillars exclusively consume the leaves of host plants.

Altersunterschiede: Larvae (caterpillars) are folivores that chew the leaves of nettles, whereas adults are nectarivores equipped with a proboscis for drinking liquids.

Hauptnahrung

Flower nectar
Rotting fruit
Tree sap
Stinging nettles (larval stage)

Nahrungssuche

Foraging

Ökologische Zusammenhänge

host plant

Canary Nettle

Urtica morifolia

Caterpillars feed exclusively on the leaves of regional nettle species.

mutualism

Lantana

Lantana camara

Adult butterflies frequently visit these invasive but nectar-rich flowers, acting as minor pollinators.

eaten by

Tenerife Lizard

Gallotia galloti

Endemic island lizards occasionally prey on resting or low-flying adult butterflies.

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Sicherheit

Gefahr

1/5 · Sehr gering

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Häufig gestellte Fragen

Wie identifiziert man Canary Red Admiral?

Der einfachste Weg, Canary Red Admiral zu bestimmen, ist die Verwendung der Naturführer-App Snappit.

Was ist der/die/das länge von Canary Red Admiral?

2-3 cm

Was ist der/die/das flügelspannweite von Canary Red Admiral?

5-7 cm

Was ist der/die/das gewicht von Canary Red Admiral?

0.0001-0.0003 kg

Was ist der/die/das lebenserwartung von Canary Red Admiral?

0 Jahre

Was ist der/die/das top Speed von Canary Red Admiral?

20 km/h

Was frisst Canary Red Admiral?

Adults primarily feed on the nectar of flowering plants and the juices of fermenting fallen fruit, while the caterpillars exclusively consume the leaves of host plants.

Wo findet man Canary Red Admiral normalerweise?

Typically found in the subtropical laurel forests, wooded ravines, agricultural margins, and lush botanical gardens of the Canary Islands and Madeira.