Canary Red Admiral
ExploreInsects
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.
Habitat: Typically found in the subtropical laurel forests, wooded ravines, agricultural margins, and lush botanical gardens of the Canary Islands and Madeira.
Appearance
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.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyNymphalidaeGenusVanessa
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
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.
Special abilities
Ability
Cryptic Camouflage
When resting with its wings closed, the intricately mottled underside perfectly mimics dry leaves or tree bark, hiding it from predators.
Ability
Agile Evasion
Possesses a very fast, erratic flight pattern that makes it exceptionally difficult for avian predators to catch mid-air.
Ability
Thermoregulation
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.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 2-3 cm
- Wingspan
- 5-7 cm
- Weight
- 0.0001-0.0003 kg
- Lifespan
- 0 years
- Top Speed
- 20 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 50-200
- Incubation
- 5-10 days
- Migration Distance
- 50 km
Diet & Feeding
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.
Age differences: Larvae (caterpillars) are folivores that chew the leaves of nettles, whereas adults are nectarivores equipped with a proboscis for drinking liquids.
Primary Foods
- Flower nectar
- Rotting fruit
- Tree sap
- Stinging nettles (larval stage)
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
host plant
Canary Nettle
Urtica morifolia
Caterpillars feed exclusively on the leaves of regional nettle species.
mutualism
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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.
Traits
No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
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Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Canary Red Admiral?
The easiest way to identify Canary Red Admiral is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is Canary Red Admiral?
2-3 cm
What is Canary Red Admiral's wingspan?
5-7 cm
How much does Canary Red Admiral weigh?
0.0001-0.0003 kg
How long does Canary Red Admiral live?
0 years
How fast can Canary Red Admiral move?
20 km/h
What does Canary Red Admiral eat?
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.
Where is Canary Red Admiral usually found?
Typically found in the subtropical laurel forests, wooded ravines, agricultural margins, and lush botanical gardens of the Canary Islands and Madeira.
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