This marker on the Cambridge Butterfly Trail is at Christ’s Pieces – see the map above.

The Red admiral is a large, striking butterfly with velvety-black wings, vivid red bands and bold white spots, commonly seen in gardens and woodlands across Britain.

It is a powerful migrant, arriving from North Africa and Europe in spring, laying eggs on nettles, and often returning in autumn after breeding locally. The caterpillars feed on common nettles, constructing protective silk tents as they grow before pupating.

In recent years, milder UK winters have allowed some adults to overwinter, meaning they may be seen year-round.

Notably, the Red Admiral was the most-recorded species in the 2023 Big Butterfly Count, with populations booming in part thanks to gardening efforts.

For more information, please visit Butterfly Conservation’s page on this species – Red admiral.