The red admiral (Vanessa atalanta) is a famous migratory butterfly. Traditionally, most of these butterflies migrate to Southern Europe in the autumn. However, in recent years, an increasing number of red admirals have been successfully overwintering as adults in Switzerland, hidden in sheltered locations such as woodpiles or under tree stumps. The caterpillars that hatch in Switzerland during the summer feed on stinging nettles. Overwintering as an adult butterfly is a fascinating example of adaptation to milder winters.
[Photo: JM Moreno-Benítez]
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