Any of several species of butterflies (family Nymphalidae) that are colourful, fast-flying, and much prized by collectors.
The migratory red admiral ( Vanessa atalanta ), widespread in Europe, Scandinavia, North America, and North Africa, feeds on stinging nettles. The Indian red admiral ( V. indica ) is found in the Canary Islands and India. The white admiral ( Limenitis camilla , or Basilarchia arthemis ), a Eurasian and North American species, feeds on honeysuckle.