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Glite Dictionary
Vanessa atalanta

Vanessa atalanta

8.7
A butterfly with black wings and red and white bands called the red admiral
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : Vanessa atalanta
  • The Vanessa atalanta is easily recognized by the bold red bands on its wings.

Examples

  • I spotted a beautiful Vanessa atalanta in my garden.

  • The migration of Vanessa atalanta is closely studied by entomologists.

  • Many gardeners enjoy seeing the Vanessa atalanta fluttering among the summer flowers.

  • Look! A Vanessa atalanta!

  • Many gardeners enjoy seeing the Vanessa atalanta fluttering among the summer flowers.

  • The Vanessa atalanta is easily recognized by the bold red bands on its wings.

  • I spotted a beautiful Vanessa atalanta in my garden.

Synonyms

red admiral
vsVanessa atalanta
  • UK
7.9

A butterfly with black wings and red and white marks

is the formal Latin scientific name used in taxonomy

Surface Forms

Vanessa atalanta singular
Vanessa atalantas plural

Morphology

Vanessa + atalanta

Because 'Vanessa' is a genus of butterflies, a learner who knows that can infer that 'Vanessa atalanta' names a particular butterfly species (i.e., a kind of Vanessa). However, the specific epithet 'atalanta' is non‑transparent and does not convey the common name or distinguishing features, and taxonomic binomial conventions may not be fully familiar to B1 learners, so the meaning is only partially predictable.

Etymology

Vanessa atalanta may come from the lady's name Vanessa and the Greek huntress Atalanta, who was famous for being very fast. That's why the name fits the 'red admiral' butterfly: it flies quickly and shows bold red bands on its wings.