Painted Lady
Vanessa cardui
A widespread migratory butterfly found in open habitats such as meadows, gardens, fields, roadsides, and dry scrub. Adults sip nectar from many flowers and fly with quick, irregular wingbeats that help them avoid predators. The mottled underside of the wings provides camouflage when resting with wings closed. This species is famous for long-distance migrations, including multi-generation journeys across continents.
- Type
- Wing
- Conservation status
- LC
Growth chain
- Painted Lady Caterpillar
- ?
- Painted Lady