General Description

Above: forewing black with an orange-brown base and a wide central cream patch. Hindwing black with a large red central patch. Below: similar to above, but with grey and brown patterns. No tails on the wings. Antennae clubbed. Wingspan up to 6 cm.

Biology

Yellow Admiral butterflies begin flying in early spring and produce several generations of young during the warmer months. Their caterpillars are covered in rows of short spines and rest in curled-up nettle leaves during the day. They are most common in south-eastern mainland Australia with scattered populations through the rest of the country.

Distribution

South western and eastern mainland Australia and Tasmania.

Habitat

Most habitats from sea level to mountain tops, including urban backyards and wastelands.

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