Painted Lady Butterfly
Vanessa cardui
Painted Ladies are very adaptable and can be found throughout the continental United States, as well as every continent except Antartica.
Butterfly Size: 2 – 2 7/8 inches
Habitats: Almost everywhere, especially in open or disturbed areas including gardens, old fields, dunes
Plants for the Painted Lady Butterfly
HOST PLANTS
- thistles (Asteraceae)
- hollyhock
- mallow (Malvaceae)
- various legumes (Fabaceae).
FOOD PLANTS
The Painted Lady prefers nectar from composites 3-6 feet high
- thistles
- aster
- cosmos
- blazing star
- ironweed
- joe-pye weed
Flowers from other families that are visited include red clover, buttonbush, privet, and milkweeds.
Additional Painted Lady Photos
We Need Your Support
We need your help to continue to protect, promote, and celebrate the resources, people, and culture of the Lower Delta.
WHAT WE DO
Mississippi’s Lower Delta Partnership promotes and enhances the economic and environmental health of Mississippi’s Lower Delta.
We provide educational workshops and cultural programs; community and youth activities; encourage heritage, cultural, and nature tourism in our region; and act as an advocate for the South Delta.
