Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui)

Occurrence in NC varies dramatically from year to year. Some years they may be virtually absent, while in other years they can be almost common. Their originate each year as immigrants from the southwest and have been seen as early as March and as late as December.

Note that on the top surface of the forewing, Painted Ladies lack a white spot in the outer orange area and note the pattern of the basal black spots. On the underside of the hindwing, note 4-5 small eyespots. (American Ladies have 2 large eyespots below, and their dorsal surfaces usually have a white spot and a different black spot pattern.)

Durham Co, NC 17 July 04	same individual

Portsmouth Island, Carteret Co., NC 10 Apr 2005	same individual

Duke Gardens, Durham Co., NC 9 Oct 2004	Duke Gardens, Durham Co., NC 20 Aug 2005

Lambs Canyon, Salt Lake Co., UT 16 June 2005	Lambs Canyon, Salt Lake Co., UT 16 June 2005

North Carolina Butterflies | North American Butterflies | Jeff's Nature Page

Created on ... July 24, 2004 | updated ... September 4, 2005 | jspippen@duke.edu