For the identification of insects and other fauna and flora of South Africa.

Saturday, January 7, 2012

Painted Lady Butterfly (Vanessa cardui)

The Painted Lady Butterfly (Vanessa cardui) is cosmopolitan and found on every continent where they migrate vast distances.

In South Africa, they are found throughout the year and in all regions except the desert.
 They are rapid fliers and defend their areas.

 The females are not as colourful as they males.

It is a medium sized butterfly and its life cycle is about 3 weeks in length.

It lays a bright green oval egg and the caterpillar feed on a wide variety of vegetation including thistles, malva, nettles and sunflowers.