The Marvelous American Lady Butterfly: A Quick Guide

The American Lady Butterfly (Vanessa virginiensis) is an enchanting creature found across North America. Famous for its vibrant colors and patterns, this butterfly has captured the hearts of nature enthusiasts everywhere.

American Lady Butterflies can be easily distinguished from their close relative, the Painted Lady Butterfly, by the two large eyespots on their hindwings, as opposed to the four smaller eyespots found on Painted Ladies.

Additionally, American Ladies have a unique pattern on their forewings.

 

 

Some fascinating features of the American Lady Butterfly include:

• Migratory behavior, with large populations traveling south for the winter
• Diverse diet as caterpillars, feeding on various plants such as pussytoes, everlasting, and pearly everlasting
• Adult butterflies with a preference for nectar from flowers like dogbane, common milkweed, and asters

When it comes to appreciating these captivating creatures, it’s important to remember that their existence relies on the conservation of habitats and the plants they feed on.

By planting native flowers and practicing eco-friendly gardening, individuals can contribute to the survival and thriving of the American Lady Butterfly.

 

 

American Lady Butterfly Identification

Physical Features and Colors

The American Lady butterfly (Vanessa virginiensis) is known for its distinctive appearance. Some key features include:

• Orange and black colors on its wings
• White spots on the dark forewing tips
• White cob webbing on the brown underside of the hindwing

These colors and patterns make the American Lady easy to recognize in its natural habitat.

Wingspan and Size

The size of the American Lady butterfly is another important aspect to consider when identifying this species. A brief summary of its dimensions includes:

• Wingspan: ranges from 1 3/4 to 3 inches (4.5 to 7.6 cm)

The American Lady’s size and unique physical features make it stand out among other butterfly species. In comparison to another popular butterfly, the Painted Lady butterfly, the American Lady is distinguished by its:

• Concave or “notched” outer edge of the forewing
• Two large eyespots on the underside of the hindwing, as opposed to the Painted Lady’s four small eyespots

 

 

Here’s a comparison table of the two species:

Feature	American Lady	Painted Lady
Forewing outer edge shape	Concave or “notched”	Straight or slightly concave
Eyespots on hindwing	Two large eyespots	Four small eyespots
Overall size	Wingspan of 1 3/4 to 3 inches	Wingspan of around 2 to 3 inches

By observing these identifying characteristics, anyone can appreciate the beauty and distinct features of the American Lady butterfly.

Lifecycle of the American Lady Butterfly

Eggs

The American lady butterfly begins its life as a yellow-green egg. The female butterfly typically lays her eggs on the underside of the host plants’ leaves, providing a safe environment for the developing larvae.

Caterpillars

Once the eggs hatch, the tiny American lady caterpillars emerge. They are known for their distinct appearance:

• Variable body colors
• Black spines
• Length of approximately 1.4 inches when fully grown

These caterpillars spend most of their time eating the host plant leaves, growing and molting through several stages called instars.

 

 

 

Pupa

When the caterpillar is ready to transform into an adult butterfly, it forms a chrysalis or pupa. This stage is marked by the following characteristics:

• Small, green, and well-camouflaged
• Forms on the host plant or nearby structures
• Can last a few weeks

Inside the chrysalis, the caterpillar undergoes a process called metamorphosis, transforming its body structure into that of a mature butterfly.

Adult Butterfly

Finally, the newly transformed American lady butterfly emerges from the chrysalis. Adult butterflies mainly focus on reproduction and feeding on nectar from flowers. Their lifespan is relatively short, typically only lasting several weeks.

Feeding and Habitat

Habitat Preferences

The American lady butterfly (Vanessa virginiensis) thrives in a variety of habitats, such as:

• Open areas
• Gardens
• Fields

These butterflies prefer regions with lots of sun exposure and sheltered spaces for basking in the sun¹.

Host Plants and Flowers

American lady butterflies are drawn to specific host plants:

• Cudweed (Gnaphalium)
• Antennaria (Everlastings)
• Pearly everlasting (Anaphalis margaritacea)
• Sweet everlasting (Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium)
• Asters (Symphyotrichum)

Some nectar-rich flowers they feed on include:

• Ironweed (Vernonia)
• Asters (Symphyotrichum)

 

 

Feeding Habits

Adult American lady butterflies feed on various substances, such as:

• Nectar from flowers²
• Tree sap
• Decaying fruit

The larvae feed primarily on the foliage of their host plants to support their growth and development.

Distribution and Range

North America

The American lady butterfly is part of the brush-footed butterfly family and has a wide range throughout North America, from Canada to the United States and Mexico. They are commonly found in meadows and open fields.

The red admiral (Vanessa atalanta), which belongs to the same genus, can also be found in North America but differs in appearance, with striking orange to red colored stripes on the fore and hind wings¹.

Central and South America

The American lady butterfly extends its range into Central and South America but has a lesser presence in these areas compared to North America. Their distribution covers a variety of habitats, including meadows and open spaces².

 

Table 1. Comparing American Lady and Painted Lady Butterflies

Feature	American Lady	Painted Lady
Genus	Vanessa	Vanessa
Geographic Range	North, Central, and South America	North, Central, and South America
Preferred Habitat	Meadows, open fields	Fields, gardens
Major Wing Coloration	Orange and black	Orange and black
Forewing Tip Markings	White spots	White spots
Hindwing Underside	Two large eyespots	Four small eyespots

Behavior and Natural Predators

Flight Patterns and Pollination

American lady butterflies have distinct flight patterns, characterized by:

• Quick, darting movements
• Long glides with wings outstretched

They play a vital role in pollination, visiting a variety of flowers.

Predator Defense Mechanisms

American lady butterflies have developed several defense mechanisms to deter predation:

• Camouflage: Their brownish-gray underside mimics dead leaves when wings are closed.
• Distastefulness: They acquire toxic alkaloids from host plants, making them unpalatable to predators.

Common Predators

Common predators of the American lady butterfly include:

• Birds
• Spiders
• Praying mantises
• Lady beetles

For example, they can fall prey to lady beetles, which are known to consume up to 5,000 aphids during their lifespan.

 

Comparing American Lady Butterfly and Red Admiral Butterfly

Feature	American Lady Butterfly	Red Admiral Butterfly
Flight Pattern	Quick, darting	More steady
Habitat	Gardens, meadows	Wetlands in forest ecosystems
Wingspan Size (inches)	1.75 – 3	1.75 – 3
Defense Mechanisms	Camouflage, distastefulness	Mimicry, distastefulness

Conclusion

In conclusion, the American Lady Butterfly is a beautiful species that is known for its distinctive colors and patterns.

With its migratory behavior, diverse diet, and essential role in pollination, the American Lady remains a cherished creature among nature enthusiasts.

Therefore, we must conserve its habitats and native plants to contribute to their thriving existence.

Footnotes

1. Landscaping to Attract Butterflies and Moths ↩ ↩²

2. American lady – Vanessa virginiensis (Drury) ↩ ↩²

Readers’ Mail

Over the years, whatsthatbug.com has received hundreds of letters and some interesting images asking us about these beautiful insects (both larva and adult). Scroll down to have a look at some of them.

Letter 1 – American Lady

Subject: Butterfly at the Beach
Location: Aransas Pass, Texas
May 3, 2015, 9:32 pm
Hello, we’re seeing a tremendous number of butterflies this spring. This one was enjoying the lantana at The University of Texas Marine Science Institute on April 28th, just yards from the Gulf of Mexico.

I think it’s an Emperor, but still find them confusing despite your help identifying them in the fall of 2013.
Thank you and best wishes!
Signature: Ellen

May 3, 2015, 10:09 pm
Hello again,
Could the butterfly be one of the Ladies, perhaps an American Lady? I didn’t see the lovely rose color under the wing, though, and the eye spots are confusing me. Thank you!
Signature: Ellen

Dear Ellen,
You are correct that this is an American Lady, Vanessa virginiensis, and this composite image on BugGuide explains the differences between the American Lady and the Painted Lady. 

Though your garden photos of butterflies like this Red Admiral are lovely, it is refreshing to know you also take images of butterflies in your travels.

Letter 2 – American Lady

Subject: Butterfly ID
Location: Pacific Grove, CA
September 23, 2016 11:48 pm
Hi, This butterfly appeared on our back deck and stayed on the flower for quite a while. We think it’s a kind of American Lady. We were curious whether it is color or markings that distinguish among sub-families.

It was in Pacific Grove, California, morning, and spent a lot of time on the flower. Note that because of squirrels we’ve converted from fruit trees to pollinators and installed a very successful beehive. Thanks for taking a look at this. Good luck!

Signature: David

Dear David,
We agree that this is an American Lady, Vanessa virginiensis, and according to BugGuide:  “If present (it isn’t always–see below), a white dot in the orange of the forewing distinguishes American Lady from the Painted Lady.” 

This BugGuide illustration nicely explains how to distinguish various species.  Though its wings are faded, your individual still shows the telltale white spot.

Letter 3 – American Lady Butterfly

Subject:  Common Buckeye?
Geographic location of the bug:  Central Florida
Date: 08/26/2019
Time: 07:30 PM EDT
Your letter to the bugman: 

Hi!

I was stalking butterflies around my sister’s garden with my camera when visiting her recently in Florida…I snapped a photo of this pretty lady/fellow but discovered I missed getting it with wings open.  Is this a common buckeye? 

Thanks!
How you want your letter signed:  Leslie F.

Hi Leslie,
This is not a Buckeye.  The two spots on the hind wings are distinguishing features of the American Lady.  Here is a BugGuide image for comparison.

Letter 4 – American Lady Caterpillar

Caterpillar
Hello,
I found this caterpillar in my yard (Pensacola, Florida) and I wanted to see if you could help me identify it. It is not very big, I would say about 1 and a half inches long. Thanks
Noel

Hi Noel,
Your caterpillar is an American Lady, Vanessa virginiensis. You can read more about it on BugGuide.

Letter 5 – American Lady Caterpillar

South Texas Caterpillars
Hi! Since you were so helpful the last time i found a great bug, here’s another for you: I found two of these little guys in my backyard under an oak tree. They were on plants close to the ground in close proximity to each other.

I put them in a “tank” i had for a betta fish with the plants they were on plus a few more to chow on. The plants were kept alive by pulling up the roots (easy to do in sandy soil) and placing them into a bulb vase with water.

A wire/mesh screen was taped to the top of the “tank” to prevent escape. I found them on Wednesday and by Friday afternoon they were already starting to pupate. I am really excited to see what they turn into.

I am in Magnolia, Texas (a bit north of Houston). Any chance you can tell me what kind of butterfly/moth to expect? Thanks!

Mary

Hi there Mary,
This is an American Lady Butterfly Caterpillar, Vanessa virginiensis, which we located on BugGuide. The Lady Butterflies, including the Painted Lady, are Brush-Footed Butterflies. The caterpillar feeds on Cudweeds and Everlastings.

Letter 6 – American Lady Caterpillar

American Lady Caterpillar?
Hi,

I think I’ve identified this caterpillar from your site as an American Lady (post from S. Texas, May 2007). The description in Peterson’s Eastern Butterflies seems to confirm it.

They are feeding on a licorice plant (Helichrysum petiolare) in a window box outside our living room window in Kansas City. We’ve planted Helichrysum many times, but the first time we’ve seen these caterpillars on them.

Can you confirm the ID as an American Lady for me? Great site! Keep up the good work.
Brett

Hi Brett,
We concur that this is an American Lady Caterpillar, Vanessa virginiensis, and it exactly matches an image on BugGuide. Your high-resolution, excellent-quality photograph is a welcome addition to our site.

Letter 7 – American Lady Caterpillar

Subject: Caterpillar
Location: Davidson County, NC
May 25, 2016, 6:58 am
Hi, bugman! Can you help ID this caterpillar? I’ve looked at many pictures today and can’t find them. Thank you!
Signature: Donna

Dear Donna,
We had to scroll through quite a few Brush Footed Butterfly Caterpillars before we identified your American Lady Caterpillar, Vanessa virginiensis, thanks to images posted to BugGuide.  According to BugGuide:  “Larvae feed on Cudweeds, Everlastings and Pussytoes – Gnaphalium, Anaphalis, Antennaria.”

Letter 8 – American Lady Caterpillar

Subject: caterpillar on lamb’s ears
Location: San Diego, CA
June 24, 2017, 6:49 pm
Hello,
I have a plant that just popped up in my garden and think it’s a lamb’s ears. Each tip of the tallest 5-7 branches has been folded up into caterpillar homes. See picture… Do you have any idea what they might be?
Thank you!
Signature: Judy Sharp

Dear Judy,
This distinctive caterpillar is an American Lady Caterpillar, Vanessa virginiensis.  According to BugGuide:  “Larvae feed on Cudweeds, Everlastings and Pussytoes – Gnaphalium, Anaphalis, Antennaria.” 

BugGuide also makes reference to the caterpillars making “leaf shelters” and there is a nice image on BugGuide with the caption “The larva weaves the leaves together and feeds inside the shelter.”

Thank you, Daniel,
That’s exactly what they are doing – “weaving” for shelter. I see no signs of them feeding on any leaves. I hope they survive. I look forward to seeing them as butterflies. 🙂
Judy

Dear Judy,
We would love any images you can send of chrysalids or adults once they emerge.

Letter 9 – American Lady Caterpillar on Plantain-Leaved Pussytoes

Da bug
I am a ranger at Okefenokee NWR, where we have many species of butterflies. I found this caterpillar on March 28, 2008, on what may be its host plant. Can you identify the caterpillar, and, ideally, the plant? Thanks for a great website!

Sallie Gentry
Refuge Ranger
Okefenokee NWR
Folkston, GA

Da bug
Sallie,
Here’s your caterpillar. Have you figured out the plant yet? See you Monday.
JR

Hi Sally,
It looks like JR gave you a task for the weekend. The caterpillar is an American Lady Caterpillar, Vanessa virginiensis. We found a website that states: “The larvae, unlike those of the Painted Lady, feed on a comparatively limited range of foodplants.

The preferred food sources are plants of the everlasting tribe of the Compositae, such as sweet everlasting ( Graphalium obtusifolium ), pearly everlasting ( Anaphalis margaritacea ), and plantain-leaved pussytoes ( Antennaria plantaginifolia ).

They also feed occasionally on burdock ( Arctium ), wormwood ( Artemisia ), and ironweed ( Vernonia ) (Opler and Krizek 1984; Scott 1986).” Additional web searching led us to the Connecticut Botanical Society website.

We believe your plant is the Plantain-Leaved Pussytoes, Antennaria plantaginifolia, also known as Woman’s Tobacco.

Letter 10 – American Lady Caterpillars

Subject: Caterpillar
Location: Somerville, Ma
July 4, 2017, 12:46 pm
We are interested in Finding out what kind of caterpillar this is.
Signature: Amy

Dear Amy,
These American Lady Caterpillars, Vanessa virginiensis, will eventually transform into a lovely orange American Lady butterfly.  According to BugGuide:  “Larvae feed on Cudweeds, Everlastings and Pussytoes.”

Hello,
I so wish I could send you something cool, but all the tents have been invaded and they are all gone. I think the Mockingbirds got to them. We had a nest of them in our climbing rose with 3 fledglings all about.

Maybe we’ll get them again sometime!

Sadly,
Judy

Letter 11 – American Lady Caterpillars

Subject:  Painted Lady Caterpillars?
The geographic location of the bug:  Lake County Illinois
Date: 07/24/2019
Time: 07:11 PM EDT
Your letter to the bugman:  I work in a landscape yard so naturally I see a lot of critters. This one was new for me.

We have a plant called helichrysum icicles that were covered in little busted open, poop-filled, fuzzy tents and these caterpillars wander aimlessly on the plants. Best I can tell, they are Painted Lady, but I am uncertain.

How do you want your letter signed:  Karin

Dear Karin,
In our opinion, you have the correct genus but not the correct species.  We believe this is an American Lady Caterpillar, Vanessa virginiensis, based on this BugGuide image, and not a Painted Lady Caterpillar, Vanessa cardui, which is also pictured on BugGuide.

Thank you so much! They didn’t seem to be doing anything destructive, thankfully.

Letter 12 – American Lady Caterpillars and Chrysalis

Dear Bugman,
I’ve enclosed 2 photos of caterpillars. Are they the same or different? They were both on my licorice plant in my window boxes on my back deck this summer.

Voracious eaters! (I had several) They have black ‘droppings’, and they spin a small web-like area in the leaves to hide out in. They munched down big time, then after a few days, there were cocoons nearly the color of the leaves.

I’ve enclosed a picture of one. I think they are American Painted Ladies, but not sure. Can you help? Thanks! I am in Northcentral CT, btw.

Susan

Hi Susan,
You are correct. These are American Lady Caterpillars, Vanessa virginiensis. They are highly variable caterpillars, but the two white spots per segment are a distinctive marking. By the way, we are unsure of the exact species of the moth in your other email.

Letter 13 – American Lady rescued from light!!!

American Lady butterfly?
Location: Barnegat, NJ
May 9, 2012 8:20 pm
Hey guys!
I ”saved” this butterfly from our kitchen light on 5/7/12, and think it’s an ”American Lady” butterfly. I’m attaching 2 quick photos I took of it before it flew away. Am I correct?
Signature: Thy Cavagnaro

Dear Thy,
We just love tagging postings with Bug Humanitarian Award, which you deserve for rescuing what is most assuredly an American Lady. 

You can distinguish the American Lady, Vanessa virginiensis,  from the other members of the genus by, according to BugGuide: 

“Below (ventral surface of wings): two large eyespots” and “Dorsal wing surfaces: If present (it isn’t always–see below), a white dot in the orange of the forewing distinguishes American Lady from the Painted Lady.

Another easy-to-see character is the falcate (notched) wing-tip of the American Lady. In the Painted Lady the wing-tip is rounded.”

Hi Daniel,
Cool, and thanks! 🙂 I posted it on your FB page, too, and had called it the American Lady on there, so glad I was correct.
LOOOOVE your sites! 🙂
Thy

That is so cool Thy.  Please don’t think less of us if we admit we do not visit the Facebook page.  We are happy you sent the photos to our ten-year-old website.

Letter 14 – American Painted Lady

PAINTED LADY IN CONNECTICUT (MAYBE) (10-21-07)
Hello, Daniel!
Well, I was thrilled to think I photographed my first-ever painted lady. I’m puzzled, however, because this pretty butterfly, found yesterday, in a Connecticut garden, does not quite match the painted lady pictures shown on your site.

A variation, perhaps? Many thanks!
Susan B. Naumann