PAINTED LADY

any of certain butterflies of the genus Vanessa (family Nymphalidae, order Lepidoptera), specifically V. virginiensis in North and Central America and V. cardui in Africa and Europe. The adults have broad wings (span about 4 to 5 cm [1.5 to 2 inches]), with beautifully elaborate patterns of reddish orange, brown, white, and blue scales. Vast numbers travel northward in spring across the Mediterranean from Africa to Europe, migrating thousands of kilometres. A few of the next generation travel southward during late summer, but most perish in the northern winter. Painted lady larvae in the Americas feed on plants that are members of the family Compositae, while larvae in Africa and Europe eat thistles and stinging nettles.