The Painted Lady butterfly, scientifically known as Vanessa cardui, is one of the most widely distributed butterflies in the world. It is found on every continent except Antarctica and Australia, demonstrating its adaptability to diverse climates. This species is famous for its impressive migratory habits, undertaking some of the longest insect migrations known, sometimes covering thousands of miles in a single generation.
Appearance of the Adult Butterfly
The adult Painted Lady is a medium-sized butterfly, typically exhibiting a wingspan that ranges between two and two and a half inches. The base color of its wings is a striking, rusty or tawny orange hue, which provides the species with its common name. This warm color is broken up by various black and white markings.
The forewings feature distinct black tips, decorated with four small, white spots positioned close to the wing apex. A fifth, slightly larger white spot is often present farther back, closer to the central wing cell. These contrasting black and white marks are the most immediate visual identifier when the wings are fully open.
The upper surface of the hindwings is predominantly orange, lacking the dense black markings found near the forewing tips. Near the outer margin, a submarginal band of five small, dark black spots runs parallel to the wing’s edge.
The underside of the wings presents a stark contrast to the bright upper surface, serving as effective camouflage when the butterfly is at rest. This side is a complex mosaic of mottled gray, brown, and off-white patterns, making the insect difficult to spot against bark or dry foliage.
A defining feature of the underside is the presence of four small, dark eyespots located near the margin of the hindwing. These spots are arranged in a slightly curved line and are uniform in size, serving as important markers for identification.
Appearance Across the Life Cycle
The life cycle begins with a tiny egg, which is a pale green or bluish color when freshly laid. These eggs possess a distinctive barrel shape and are covered in numerous vertical ribs, giving them a finely textured appearance. They are usually laid singly on the host plant, secured to the upper surface of a leaf.
Upon hatching, the larva, or caterpillar, undergoes several molts. The mature caterpillar is usually black or dark brown, though some variations can appear lighter depending on the host plant consumed. A noticeable yellow stripe runs longitudinally down each side of the body.
The most characteristic feature of the caterpillar is the dense covering of branching, black spines (setae). These spines project outward, giving the larva a spiky look that acts as a physical deterrent to potential predators.
The chrysalis, or pupa, marks the transition stage and hangs suspended from a silk pad, often fastened to a stem or leaf. It is angular in shape, reflecting the developing adult structures inside and is typically a dull brown or gray color. The pupa is often adorned with shiny, metallic gold or bronze spots, adding luster to its camouflage.
Identifying the Painted Lady
Because several closely related butterfly species share similar orange and black color schemes, accurate identification relies on specific details. The species is most commonly confused with the American Lady (Vanessa virginiensis), which occupies similar habitats and displays comparable upper wing patterns.
The clearest way to distinguish the Painted Lady involves examining the underside of the hindwing when the butterfly is at rest. The Painted Lady exhibits four small, dark eyespots along the hindwing margin. In contrast, the American Lady displays only two very large, prominent eyespots in the same location.
Another differentiating marker is found in the forewing pattern. The American Lady possesses a single, large, distinct white spot within the black tip area. This prominent white spot is either absent or significantly smaller in the Painted Lady.