| Painted Lady | ||||||||||||||||
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It is one of the most widespread of all butterflies, found on every continent except Australia which has a close relative, the Australian Painted Lady, Vanessa kershawi, sometimes considered a subspecies.
The Painted Lady occurs in any temperate zone, including mountains in the tropics. The species is resident only in warmer areas, but migrates in spring, and sometimes again in autumn.
This large butterfly is identified by the black and white corners of its mainly orange wings. The caterpillars feed on thistles, the adults on thistles and plants like the Buddleia.
A painted lady was also a euphemism for a prostitute.