General: Painted Lady Butterflies (Vanessa cardui) are recognized by their orange-brown pattern. Forewing with black apex patch and white line on leading edge. Underside has mottled dark patterns with 4 small eye-spots.

The similarly marked West Coast Lady has an orange line on the leading edge of the forewing.

Taxonomy: Family: Brush-footed Butterflies (Nymphalidae); Subfamily: True Brushfoots (Nymphalinae).

Comments: Occurs throughout North America.