American Painted Lady
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| Vanessa virginiensis (Linnaeus, 1758) |
The American Painted Lady (Vanessa virginiensis) is a butterfly that is found throughout North America.
The forewings grow up to between 20 and 25 mm. The upperside of the wings resemble those of similar species V. cardui (Painted Lady). V. virginiensis is most easily distinguishable by its two large eyespots on the ventral side, whereas V. cardui has four small eyespots. V. virginiensis also features a small white dot within the orange subapical field. which shows on both the dorsal and ventral sides. A less reliable indicator is the row of spots on the submarginal hindwing; while V. cardui typically has a row of small black spots, V. virginiensis often has two larger outer spots with blue pupils. In its summer form, however, V. cardui also sometimes has small blue pupils, so it is the two larger spots which best distinguish V. virginiensis.
V. virginiensis lives in flowery habitats, usually in mountains. The larva feed on various Asteraceae species, especially species from the genus Gnaphalium. All stages of the life cycle can be found throughout temperate North America as well as Madeira and the Canary Islands. Occasionally individuals can be found as far as south-west Europe.
[edit] References
- Riley, N.D. and Higgens, L.G. 1970. A Field Guide to the Butterflies of Britain and Europe. Collins, Great Britain. [ISBN 0-00-212028-3]
