American Painted Lady
Description
Wingspan 1 3/4-2". Almost identical to the Painted Lady. Fore wings above orange with rosy tinge, numerous black markings and white spots near tips. Fore wings below grayish, marbled with white and black in front 1/3, pink at base. Hind wings above orange, below with 2 large eyespots. Caterpillar is velvety black with black spines, narrow yellow-green crossbands, and white spots on sides.
Habitat
Meadows and open areas.
Range
Throughout southern Canada and the United States.
Food
Caterpillar feeds on foliage of composite flowers, especially everlastings and forget-me-nots.
Flight
Spring-Fall.
Other
 This species, like its close relatives, fluctuates greatly in abundance from year to year--occasionally it is scarce. Its caterpillars fashion compact, silken nests around leaves and blossoms, and often pupate inside. Formerly assigned to genus Vanessa.
Picture
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