Painted Lady
Image: Dineshanisha (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Common NamePainted Lady
Scientific NameVanessa cardui
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)60
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsorange, black, white, brown
HabitatMeadows, grasslands, deserts, open fields, gardens, forest edges
Geographic RangeCosmopolitan (North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, South America), excluding Australia and Antarctica
Host Plantsthistles, mallow, legumes, borage
Flight PeriodYear-round in warm climates; spring to fall in temperate regions (migratory)
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae are spiny and feed on leaves, forming a chrysalis for pupation. Multiple generations occur annually, especially in warmer regions.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its orange, black, and white pattern, particularly the black forewing apex with white spots and the four small eyespots on the hindwing underside. Often confused with the American Lady, but lacks the two large eyespots on the hindwing underside characteristic of the American Lady.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with mottled orange, black, and white wings. The forewings feature a black apex with white spots, while the hindwings display a row of black eyespots.
