JUNE: Invertebrate of the Month

June – Painted Lady Butterfly

Scientific name: Vanessa cardui 

Common name: Painted Lady

Family: Nymphalidae

 

The Painted Lady Butterfly: A Springtime Visitor

In early spring, one of the first butterflies we often spot fluttering through our area is the charming Painted Lady. Starting in April and continuing through May, these butterflies migrate northward, reaching as far as Canada. Known for their extensive range, Painted Ladies can be found on every continent except Australia and Antarctica, making them one of the most widespread butterfly species in the world.

 

 

 

Brushfooted Beauty

Painted Ladies belong to a fascinating group called brushfooted butterflies. This name comes from their unique physical trait of having shorter front legs, which gives the illusion that these butterflies only have four legs instead of six. Take a closer look at their wings, and you’ll notice another distinctive feature: the underside of their wing’s reveal five striking spots in blue and black.

 

A Brief but Busy Life Cycle

The lifecycle of a Painted Lady butterfly is a whirlwind of activity compressed into a short span. Within a month of the adults’ appearance, their eggs hatch into larvae, or caterpillars. The adult butterflies themselves have a fleeting existence, living only 14 to 28 days—just long enough to mate and lay eggs for the next generation.

 

 

 

 

 

Adaptable and Adventurous

One of the reasons Painted Ladies are so widespread is their adaptability. These butterflies aren’t fussy about their habitats; they thrive in a variety of environments as long as they have access to food. In our region, you’ll find them drawn to plants such as hollyhock and other mallows (Malvaceae), lupine and other legumes (Fabaceae), and thistles (Asteraceae). These plants, many of which bloom in April and May, provide the nourishment these butterflies need to survive and flourish.

As you explore fields, roadsides, and other areas during spring, keep an eye out for the colorful wildflowers that attract Painted Ladies. These resilient butterflies, with their remarkable journey and adaptability, are a delightful reminder of the wonders of nature we can witness right in our own backyards.

 

Article by Christie Collins