Banded Lady
Common NameBanded Lady
Scientific NameVanessa annabella
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Primary Colorsorange, black, white
HabitatOpen areas, fields, gardens, chaparral, deserts, urban areas
Geographic RangeWestern North America, from British Columbia south through California and into Mexico
Host PlantsMalva spp. (mallow), Urtica spp. (nettle), Cirsium spp. (thistle)
Flight PeriodYear-round in warmer regions, typically spring to fall elsewhere
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae are spiny and typically dark with yellow markings. Pupae are chrysalides, often brown or green, with metallic spots. Multiple generations occur annually.
Identification TipsDistinguished from the Painted Lady (*Vanessa cardui*) by the prominent orange band across the forewing and the row of small blue spots on the hindwing. The underside of the hindwing is also less mottled.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with striking orange and black wings. The forewings feature a prominent orange band and white spots on a black apex, while the hindwings are mostly orange with black markings and a row of small blue spots.
