Painted Lady (LEP146) Cynthia cardui

The larval host plant is thistle, where adults frequently are found. Painted Ladies cannot withstand northern winters, but will fly north every year from milder climates to the south. Because it can be found all over the world, the Painted Lady=s other name is Cosmopolitan Butterfly. The main color is salmon orange, more pink on the underside of the basal forewing. White spots stand out on the black tips, and blue spots run around the hindwing. The underside is mottled brown and white.