Description
The American Lady (Vanessa virginiensis) is a medium-sized butterfly with orange wings, black markings, and distinctive white spots on the forewings, as well as two large eyespots on the underside of the hindwings, commonly found in gardens, fields, and open areas across North and Central America.
Range
Statewide.
Similar Species
Painted Lady is similar. Above, Painted lacks a white spot in the forewing near the tip. Below, American has two large eyespots, and Painted has more than 3.
Host Plants
Pussytoes (Antennaria spp.), Everlasting (Gnaphalium spp.)
Flight
April through frost