Painted Lady, Vanessa cardui Family: Nymphalidae

1591     *     Vanessa cardui     *     Painted Lady


Migrant. Breeds in Britain but cannot over-winter

Wingspan: 58-75mm
Flight time: Recorded all months, most frequent mid to late summer
Habitat: Prefers warm open areas and nectar-rich grassland

Larval foodplants: Thistles (Cirsium and Carduus spp.). Occasional on Mallows (Malva), Nettle (Urtica) and other herbaceous plants


Painted Lady, Vanessa cardui

Painted Lady, Vanessa cardui

Painted Lady, Vanessa cardui

Painted Lady, Vanessa cardui
Painted Lady, Vanessa cardui
Dorset. June 2015. Larvae on Spear Thistle, Cirsium vulgare July 2016, on Comfrey July 2019

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