It is a medium-sized butterfly The upperside of the forewings are dark brown to black toward the outer edges, with three small white patches and a wide, bright yellow bar, and dull red nearer the body. The rear wings are dull red with a black border, and a row of black circles with light blue centres near the edge.
The underwings are very different - the rear wing is various shades of brown with cryptic, irregular markings; the underside of the forewing has a blue eyespot on a black background that is highlighted by a yellow area above and below.
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What habitats does Vanessa itea live in?
They prefer open country, wastelands and gardens where the stinging nettles, Urtica incisa and Urtica urens are present. It is found at up to 1000 m above sea level.
What is the distribution of Vanessa itea?
Australia, New Zealand, Lord Howe Island, and Norfolk Islands
How big does Vanessa itea grow?
Variable wingspan of 48 to 50 mm in Tasmania
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