Indian red admiral

bright orange Nymphalidae

Scientific name	Vanessa indica
English name	Indian red admiral
Japanese name	Akatateha
Classification	Insecta
Classification details	Lepidoptera Nymphalidae
Full length	35mm
Distribution	Widely distributed from India to Australia

Characteristics

Nymphalidae with a bright orange band on a brown background. The tip of the forewing is dark brown with white spots.

There is also an orange patch on the margin of the hindwing. The underside of the wings has a plain pattern that resembles a dead leaf, but the orange color of the forewings is transparent.

The larvae are blackish and have projections all over their bodies, giving them a caterpillar-like appearance. It flies quickly and irregularly.

Ecology

It occurs several times from spring to autumn, and is often seen in autumn in Japan. Some individuals overwinter. Collected in nectar and sap of flowers. The larvae feed on the leaves of plants of the Urticaceae family. It has the modifier to create a nest made of stitched edible leaves.

Habitat

I photographed an adult insect perched on a flower near the coast. It flew so fast that I had a hard time getting close to it so it wouldn't take off. It was impressive that the underside of the closed wings also had a relatively flashy color.