La Gomera, Spain, August 2021
El Hierro, Spain, August 2021
Field notes and information
An endemic to the Macronesian islands host to laurisilva forests. It has been raised to specific rank, separating it from the Indian red admiral V. indica. There are no known populations of either species between India and the Canary Islands.
Identification & Similar species: Similar to the red admiral V. atalanta with which it can fly. Separation is easy as the red band on the forewing is broader and clearly notched in the current species.
Distribution & Flight: Gran Canaria, Tenerife, La Palma, Hierro, Gomera and Madeira. Flies throughout the year when warm enough.
Habitat & Behaviour: The primary habitat is forest at higher levels. It can be found in urban areas at low levels too. A frequent visitor to flowers. Larvae feed on the nettle Urtica morifolia.
Gran Canaria, Spain, April 2011
El Hierro, Spain, August 2021
Flying in the vineyards, habitat shared with the El Hierro Grayling H. bacchus.
Tenerife, Spain, April 2012
Gran Canaria, Spain, April 2011
Gran Canaria, Spain, April 2011
The red admiral V. atalanta (top) being chased by the Canary red admiral, V. vulcania.
La Gomera, Spain, August 2021
El Hierro, Spain, August 2021
La Gomera, Spain, August 2021
La Palma, Spain, August 2021
The butterfly escaped the spider after a long and highly energetic battle.
Gran Canaria, Spain, April 2011
Tenerife, Spain, April 2012
Tenerife, Spain, April 2012
Three Canarian endemics - G. cleobule, V. vulcania, C. webbianus.