 | American Painted Lady (Vanessa virginiensis)Note the lone white spot in the orange portion of forewing just below the black tip of the wing. This feature as well as the the two larger eyespots in the marginal band of the underside hindwing help identify this butterfly. American Painted Lady is a reliable migrant into southeast Michigan starting in mid-April. Most common in Spring and early Summer. |
Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta) |  |
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Migrations of Painted Ladies into our area are quite variable from year to year. In 2001 we had a major invasion year when they seemed to be everywhere and the survey counted over 1300 for the season. Some other years the species was extremely scarce and only 2 to 15 individuals were seen for the year.
Painted Lady is generally a noticeable larger butterfly than American Painted Lady. Key features to look for are the even-sized spots in the marginal row band on the underside hindwing. Also Painted Lady lacks the lone white spot on the upper forewing of the American Painted Lady.
Monarch (Danaus plexippus) |  Monarch larva on Butterflyweed |