Vanessa abyssinica, the Abyssinian admiral, is a butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. It is found in Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The habitat consists of montane forests.
The larvae feed on Urtica massaica and Obetia pinnatifida.
This species was traditionally considered to be a member of the genus Antanartia but was recently found to be a member of the V. atalanta species group.
Subspecies Vanessa abyssinica abyssinica — Ethiopia Vanessa abyssinica jacksoni Howarth, 1966 — highlands of Kenya, northern Tanzania Vanessa abyssinica vansomereni Howarth, 1966 — western Uganda, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of the Congo: east to Kivu and Ituri
References
Seitz, A. Die Gross-Schmetterlinge der Erde 13: Die Afrikanischen Tagfalter. Plate XIII 52