The Painted Lady

Vanessa cardui or The Painted Lady is a well-known colourful butterfly, It is one of the most widespread of all butterflies, found on every continent except Antarctica and South America. The species is resident only in warmer areas, but migrates in spring, and sometimes again in autumn. The Painted Lady is found almost anywhere, but they tend to inhabit brightly lighted and open environments. They prefer clover fields, flowery meadows and hilly country. Marshes, dunes, and thorn scrubs also attract the Painted Lady.

The Painted Lady has a pointed forewing which bears a distinct white bar. The hindwing has a submarginal row of 5 tiny black dots. The upper side of the freshly emerged butterfly is orange with rose-like overtones. The underside is a mottled gray, brown, and black.