West Coast Lady
Common NameWest Coast Lady
Scientific NameVanessa annabella
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)55
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsorange, black, white
HabitatOpen fields, gardens, chaparral, foothills, urban areas
Geographic RangeWestern North America, from British Columbia south to Baja California and east to the Rocky Mountains
Host PlantsMalva, Sidalcea, Alcea, Lavatera
Flight PeriodMarch to October (year-round in warmer regions)
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Caterpillars are spiny, variable in color (often black with yellow markings), and feed on various mallow species. Pupae are typically brown or green and camouflaged.
Identification TipsLook for the prominent orange and black pattern with white spots on the forewing tips. It can be distinguished from the similar Painted Lady by its more extensive black markings and typically a row of four blue eyespots on the hindwing (though not clearly visible dorsally in this image).
Description
This butterfly features vibrant orange wings heavily marked with irregular black patches and spots, especially on the forewings which also display distinct white spots near the apex. The hindwings are predominantly orange with a row of black spots along the margin.
