Australian Painted Lady
Common NameAustralian Painted Lady
Scientific NameVanessa kershawi
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)45
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsorange, black, white
HabitatOpen country, grasslands, woodlands, gardens, agricultural areas
Geographic RangeAustralia (widespread, including Tasmania), occasionally New Zealand
Host Plantseverlastings, thistles, daisies, various Asteraceae
Flight PeriodAll year in warmer regions, peak in spring and autumn
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis; eggs are laid singly on host plants, larvae are spiny and feed on leaves, pupating into a chrysalis before emerging as an adult. Known for significant migratory flights.
Identification TipsDistinguished from the common Painted Lady (*Vanessa cardui*) by the presence of four prominent blue-centered black eyespots on the hindwing, whereas *V. cardui* typically has two to three less distinct eyespots.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with orange-brown wings featuring black patches and white spots on the forewing tips, and a distinctive row of four blue-centered black eyespots on the hindwings.
