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Painted Lady - Photograph by Jim AsherNBN Map - Painted LadyMap courtesy of National Biodiversity Network (NBN)View full NBN Gateway profile

Painted Lady

Common and widespread migrant found throughout Britain and Ireland in most years. Orange-brown wings with black and white spots on forewing. Undersides mottled brown with spots.

Regular migrantPainted Lady - Photograph by Jim Asher

The Painted Lady is a long-distance migrant, which causes the most spectacular butterfly migrations observed in Britain and Ireland.

Each year, it spreads northwards from the desert fringes of North Africa, the Middle East, and central Asia, recolonizing mainland Europe and reaching Britain and Ireland. In some years it is an abundant butterfly, frequenting gardens and other flowery places in late summer.

Conservation status

  • UK BAP status: not assessed
  • Butterfly Conservation priority: low
  • European threat status: not assessed

European/world range

Worldwide, with the exception of South America. The Australian form has been classified as a separate species by some authors. Occurs in most of Europe only as a migrant and summer breeding species.

Foodplants

A wide range of foodplants may be used, with thistles (Cirsium spp. and Carduus spp.) being preferred in Britain and Ireland. Mallows (Malva spp.), Common Nettle (Urtica dioica), Viper's-bugloss (Echium vulgare), and various cultivated plants also have been recorded as larval foodplants here.

Habitat

Because it is a wide-ranging migrant, the Painted Lady may be seen in any habitat. Adults tend to congregate in open areas with plenty of thistles, which serve both as larval foodplants and nectar sources for adults.