Painted lady
Image: chris whitehouse (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Common NamePainted lady
Scientific NameVanessa cardui
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)60
Primary Colorsorange, black, white, brown
HabitatHighly adaptable; found in open habitats including meadows, grasslands, deserts, mountains, and gardens.
Geographic RangeCosmopolitan, found on all continents except Antarctica and Australia. Migrates extensively from Central Asia, Middle East, and North Africa to Europe and the UK.
Host Plantsthistles, mallow, nettles
Flight PeriodYear-round in warmer regions; migrates to temperate regions in spring and summer, flying from June to October in areas like the UK.
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesA migratory species, often unable to overwinter in colder climates. Larvae feed on host plants, pupate, and emerge as adults, with multiple broods in warmer regions.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its orange-brown wings with black and white spots on the forewing tips, and its characteristic strong, migratory flight.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with orange-brown wings marked with black and white spots, known for its extensive annual migrations.
