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BugGuide Gathering
Smoky Mountains
University of Tennessee Biological Field Station
August 8-10, 2008
Details...
 
Photos from the last gathering (Minnesota 2007)

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Species Vanessa virginiensis - American Lady

American Lady - Vanessa virginiensis American Lady--startle pattern hidden - Vanessa virginiensis Vanessa virginiensis - female American Lady - Vanessa virginiensis American Lady - Vanessa virginiensis American Painted Lady - Vanessa virginiensis - female American Lady - Vanessa virginiensis Vanessa virginiensis - American Lady chrysalis - Vanessa virginiensis
Show images of: caterpillars · adults · both
Classification
Kingdom Animalia (Animals)
Phylum Arthropoda (Arthropods)
Class Insecta (Insects)
Order Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
Superfamily Papilionoidea (Butterflies)
Family Nymphalidae (Brushfooted Butterflies)
Subfamily Nymphalinae (Crescents, Checkerspots, Anglewings, etc.)
Genus Vanessa
Species virginiensis (American Lady)
Other Common Names
American Painted Lady
Identification
Below: two large eyespots, considerably larger than those of Painted Lady. Compare, on the left, American Lady, Vanessa virginensis, and on the right, Painted Lady (Cosmopolitan), Vanessa cardui:


Above: If present (it isn't always), a white dot in the orange of the forewing distinguishes this from Painted Lady. See this photo for a detailed comparison of the upperwing surfaces:


Larvae are variable: greenish yellow with black bands to black with cream bands, numerous red-based branches spines; two prominient white spots on each segment. (1)
Food
Larvae feed on Cudweeds and Everlastings.
Internet References
The Vanessa Migration Project. Help contribute to scientific knowledge about these butterflies.