Acquire the knowledge necessary to recognize an American lady butterfly and its caterpillar. In addition, observe the disparity in appearance between it and a painted lady butterfly.
What Does an American Lady Butterfly Look Like?
The American lady butterfly has wings that display a mixed pattern of predominantly orange from above, with a small white spot inside the orange. This pattern is seen throughout the wings. In addition, the forewings have a black patch and a white bar at the outside margin of the wing.
In contrast to the painted lady, this species is distinguished by the presence of two big, dark eyespots on the underside of its hindwings. It is estimated that the butterfly’s wingspan is between 1 3/4 and 2 5/8 inches.
As I was just beginning to learn how to use my camera, I was able to photograph this stunning American lady butterfly (shown above) on a white coneflower that was growing in my yard. Deborah Billings, a reader of Birds & Blooms, says that photography is a wonderful hobby that allows her to get a better look at the magnificent beauty of butterfly wings, which she would not be able to see otherwise.
Also see :- 7 Pictures of Tulips to Make You Dream of Spring
Habitat, Caterpillar & Host Plants
Habitat: Open areas, including fields and gardens
Caterpillar: Coloring on the American lady caterpillar varies, but it is typically yellow or black with bands wrapping around. Look for white spots on abdominal segments and large spines accented by reddish bases.
Eggs: Pale green
Host Plants: Plants from the Asteraceae family, including sweet everlasting, ironweed and pussytoes
Range: Most of the U.S. and southern Canada
American Lady vs Painted Lady
The American lady butterfly and the painted lady butterfly appear to be very similar at first glance. Nevertheless, there are a few key distinctions that differentiate them from one another and serve to keep them apart. In order to identify the American lady, look for two huge eyespots that are prominently displayed on the underside of each hindwing.
In the event when there are more markings on the hindwing, it is most probable that you have observed a painted lady instead. Instead of having two spots, the hindwings of the painted lady butterfly have four spots. It is also important to keep an eye out for a little white spot that is located within the orange patch. The painted lady does not possess this essential field mark, which is possessed by the American lady.
Butterfly photography is one of my favorite things to do since I get to watch and shoot them. According to a reader of Birds & Blooms named Jason Baden, “Getting a picture of this American lady (above) in my current home of North Carolina brings back childhood memories of my family farm in upstate New York.”