Other Common Names
Cosmopolitan, Thistle Butterfly
Explanation of Names
cardui = latin for "of thistle" referring to the caterpillar's food plant.
Identification
Similar to the (usually) more common American Lady. Eyespots on hindwing less prominent, easy to see when wings are folded. "Flash" color on hindwing more orange--hot pink in American Lady. Compare, on the left, American Painted Lady, Vanessa virginensis, and on the right, Painted Lady (Cosmopolitan), Vanessa cardui:
See this photo for a detailed comparison of the upperwing surfaces:
Range
Worldwide, except Australia, Antarctica, irruptive--sometimes not present in a given locality for several years then abundant for one year.
Season
April-October in eastern US
Food
Adults take nectar from a variety of flowers, especially Asteraceae.
Life Cycle
Caterpillars feed on Asteraceae, esp. thistles. An irruptive migrant.
Remarks
Irregular in Piedmont North Carolina. Invasions seem to occur at long intervals of several years.
Internet References
The Vanessa Migration Project. Help contribute to scientific knowledge about these butterflies.
