A Beautiful Red Admiral Butterfly

 The Red Admiral is a common sight in the woods of Newfoundland. They are often seen on trails or rural roadways.

 I never really thought of butterflies as aggressive, but this one is so described. It is a territorial butterfly and will defend its zone with vigor.

 This species migrates in May, and it is also likely we may see some fresh migrants in October.

 It is thought this species has at least two, possibly three, broods a year. They will lay their eggs on the underside of stinging nettles. That is certainly a deterrent for predators.

 The Red Admiral has a particular affinity for flowers, as well as being drawn to fruit. One way to attract them into the yard is to put fruit in a suet feeder.

 In 2012 there was an irruption of Red Admirals in Ontario.

 The best time to see these butterflies and most other species is on a sunny day where there are a lot of flowers. Dragonflies tend to appear even on the grayest day, but not butterflies.

Because I am not quick in identifying most of the butterfly species, I always take the time to stop and look each one over. The most abundant butterflies of the last week have been extremely fresh-looking Mourning Cloaks.