|
Disclaimer: This material is being kept online for historical purposes. Content is no longer being updated and may contain broken links. |
|
Disclaimer: This material is being kept online for historical purposes. Content is no longer being updated and may contain broken links. |
|
Santa Barbara Field Guides - Butterflies Lepidoptera Nymphalidae Vanessa cardui Painted Lady |
 |
 |
|
Size:
wingspread 1.8-2.5 in. Recognition: Black and orange with red spot in mid-leading edge of FW, also has more extensive black coloring near body than other ladies; HW has black spot row along bottom edge; eyespots of underside of HW small. Flight period: Flies on the deserts all year, and from spring until fall in coastal and mountain areas. Hostplants: Larvae may feed on an unusual variety of plants, from several families, including mallows (Malva), lupines (Lupinus), thistles (Cirsium), and nettles (Urtica). Habitat: Many and most habitats, from urban parks, lots, fields and grassland, into montane and desert habitats. Distribution: Throughout North America (excluding extreme northern areas) and into Central America. There is an active population on Santa Cruz Island. Other: Following years with good winter rains in the deserts, they will sometimes migrate north by the millions in the spring. 
previous species
Family list
Nymphalidae
next species
 |