Regional Species


Painted Lady
Vanessa cardui

Photograph by Janet Graham

Regional Species

The Painted Lady is a cosmopolitan species which arrives in North Wales each year, in varying numbers, but seldom survives the winter. A few sightings very early in the year suggests that, just occasionally, the butterflies may overwinter here but for the vast majority of individuals this seems to be a pointless one-way journey, which is rather hard to explain in evolutionary terms. There appears to be little evidence for a reverse migration. Some years see a much larger influx than normal; 1996 was exceptionally good and 2003 has probably been the best year since then. The butterflies can be found in any habitat and are often seen ‘summit hopping’ on the tops of the highest mountains.

Butterflies arriving early in the year may breed and give rise to a further generation. Thistles are the preferred foodplant.

A distinctive butterfly which must be familiar to almost everyone.