Butterflies are a common sight on my outdoor walks lately. On a recent visit to Falmouth’s Crane Wildlife Management Area I saw numerous species, including Monarchs, Common Buckeyes, Common Ringlets, American Ladies and Painted Ladies. Although most of them did not rest long enough for me to capture a photo, I was able to get a few shots of this Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui). 

Painted Ladies are colorful, medium-sized butterflies, stretching approximately 2.5 inches from one wing tip to the other. They belong to a subfamily of butterflies called Nymphalinae, the “brushfoots,” along with Baltimore Checkerspots. The brushfoot name refers to the brush-like set of hairs often found on their smaller front pair of legs; with their front legs significantly reduced in size and often curled up or tucked against their body, these butterflies often have the appearance of standing on only four legs. 

The Painted Lady is one of the most widespread butterflies in the world, and can be found on all continents except Australia and Antarctica. Adult Painted Ladies regularly engage in dramatic and expansive migratory movements. In North America, most Painted Ladies originate from northern Mexico and then radiate throughout the United States and Canada. The fact that Painted Ladies have one of the widest host palettes of the brushfoot family, utilizing more than 100 plant species, likely contributes to their ability to inhabitant a wide variety of locations and habitats. Unlike many butterflies, Painted Ladies do not have a dormant stage during the winter and cannot survive colder conditions, requiring them to migrate back to warmer climates in winter.