American Painted Lady
(Vanessa virginiensis)

This species is found primarily in open areas from early spring through fall. Rarely seen in large numbers, they wander into the butterfly garden where they have been seen feeding on purple coneflower. They visit a variety plants common in weedy areas, and are attracted to fermenting fruit and damp soil. They tend to bask with the wings spread and feed with the wings partially folded. The American Painted Lady is distinguished from the Painted Lady by the two large eyespots visible on the ventral surface of the hindwing. The Painted Lady has four to five eyespots. From the dorsal view there is a white spot in the orange ground of the forewing and the black marks on the inner surface do not connect to form a ring.