Painted lady butterfly

Open, sunny habitats worldwide, including meadows, roadsides, gardens, and disturbed ground.

Caterpillars feed on thistles and other host plants; adults drink nectar and may sip minerals from damp soil.

A strong migrant that can travel long distances; females lay eggs singly on host plants, and caterpillars make protective leaf shelters.

Harmless to people and a pollinator as an adult; caterpillars may nibble garden plants but rarely cause significant damage.