Painted Lady Vanessa cardui

Identification
This butterfly has orange and brown wings with eye spots on the underside.

Location
Common statewide

Size
2 to 3 inch wingspan

Diet
It feeds on nectar from many flowers.

Habitat
It occurs in open fields and gardens.

Activity Period
April to October

Behavior
It is migratory and appears in varying numbers each year. It is active in warm months.

Lifecycle
Breeding occurs in summer.

Population
The population varies with migration.

History
It has long been widespread in Ohio.

Human Interactions
It often visits backyard flowers.

Facts
It is one of the most widespread butterflies in the world.

Sources
ODNR academic sources

Nectar thistle plants | Fields meadows gardens | Statewide