Brazilian Lady
Common NameBrazilian Lady
Scientific NameVanessa braziliensis
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)55
Primary Colorsorange, black, white, pink
HabitatOpen areas, grasslands, disturbed habitats, gardens, fields
Geographic RangeSouth America (Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela)
Host PlantsGamochaeta, Gnaphalium, Carduus, Sida, Heliotropium
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions, multiple broods
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae are spiny and typically feed on leaves, sometimes creating silk shelters. Pupae are chrysalides, often camouflaged to resemble dead leaves or twigs.
Identification TipsDistinguished by the specific arrangement of pinkish-red patches on the forewings and the pattern of black spots on the hindwings, which differentiate it from other 'Painted Lady' species. The underside is typically mottled brown and grey for camouflage.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with a dorsal pattern of orange, black, and white, featuring distinctive pinkish-red patches on the forewings and a series of black spots on the hindwings.
