Painted Lady

Vanessa cardui

Common
Painted Lady — photo 1 Painted Lady — photo 2 Painted Lady — photo 3

Description

Brown-black to greyish caterpillar with pale lateral lines and branched yellow or black scoli. Lives alone in a rolled leaf.

Information

FamilyNymphalidae
Size3–4 cm
Hairinessscoli
Observation periodMay to October
DistributionThroughout Europe. Very mobile migratory species.
ToxicityNo
RarityCommon

Host plants

  • Thistle
  • Nettle
  • Mallow
  • Burdock
  • Mugwort

Notes

Migratory species, one of the most widespread in the world. Lives alone in a rolled leaf.

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