American Lady Butterfly Images

American Lady Butterfly Images, Facts and Information:

Vanessa virginiensis

• American Lady Butterflies are medium-sized brush-footed butterflies with orange-brown wings marked by black and white spots and intricate patterns. The underside of the hindwings shows two large eyespots, distinguishing them from the similar Painted Lady. Females and males are alike in appearance.
• American Lady Butterflies are found throughout North America, from southern Canada through most of the United States and into Central America. They inhabit open areas including meadows, fields, gardens, and roadsides. Adults are often seen visiting flowers for nectar.
• Caterpillars of the American Lady feed on host plants in the aster family, including pussytoes, pearly everlasting, and various everlastings. They construct small silk nests by folding leaves together for protection while feeding.
• Adult American Lady Butterflies feed on nectar from flowers such as asters, marigolds, and goldenrods, and occasionally sip from tree sap or mud for minerals.
• American Lady Butterflies produce several broods per year in warmer regions. Adults overwinter in the southern United States and recolonize northern areas each spring.
• A group of butterflies can be called a “kaleidoscope” of butterflies.

I  hope you enjoy viewing my American Lady butterfly photos.