Vanessa vulcania(Canary Island Red Admiral)

[daveuk]

I reared this species on Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) last summer.

[Yorky]

I remember about 20 years ago getting 15 V gonerilla pupae for a quid each, amazingly they all hatched.

[daveuk]

Like all Vanessa they are sadly prone to fading. Compare an ex pupae one of mine from 20 years ago with one of last years.

[Trehopr1]

That certainly is a strange phenomena to have happen despite being properly stored out of light.

I have though also heard reports of other (certain) species colors changing as well....

[daveuk]

Vanessa are very prone to it. As are Heliconids. Particularly the red species. I have no idea why it should be.

[Yorky]

One of the reasons I like to "renew " my Vanessa atalanta every few years due to fading. Luckily I have several buddleia bushes in my garden so I don't have to go far.