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, recolonising mainland Europe and reaching Britain and Ireland. In some years it is an abundant butterfly, frequenting gardens and other flowery places in late summer.
Size and Family
- Family: Nymphalids
- Size: Medium
- Wing Span Range (male to female): 50-56mm
Conservation Status
- GB Red List (2022): Least Concern
- Butterfly Conservation priority: Low
- European status: Not assessed
Caterpillar 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.
Lifecycle
Habitat
This common and widespread migrant likes dry open areas but can be seen anywhere in a good year.
Distribution
- Countries: England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales
- Recorded throughout Britain and Ireland, but numbers vary greatly from year to year
- Abundance trend: 141% (1976-2019)
- Distribution trend: 18% (1975-2019)
How you can support the Painted Lady butterfly
Become a member of Butterfly Conservation
Painted Lady - Iain H Leach
Painted Lady (upperwing)
Painted Lady - Iain H Leach
Painted Lady (upperwing) - Iain Leach
Painted Lady (upperwing)
Iain Leach
Painted Lady (upperwing) - Iain Leach
Painted Lady (upperwing)
Iain Leach
Painted Lady (upperwing) - Peter Eeles
Painted Lady (upperwing)
Peter Eeles
Painted Lady (underwing) - Iain Leach
Painted Lady (underwing)
Iain Leach
Painted Lady (underwing) - Iain Leach
Painted Lady (underwing)
Iain Leach
Painted Lady (underwing) - Andrew Cooper
Painted Lady (underwing)
Andrew Cooper
Painted Lady (underwing)
Painted Lady (group)
Painted Lady (egg)
Painted Lady (caterpillar) - Peter Eeles
Painted Lady (caterpillar)
Peter Eeles
Painted Lady (pupa) - Dean Morley
Painted Lady (pupa)
Dean Morley