Painted Lady

Special features: The painted lady is a summer visitor to Britain. It travels several hundred miles to get here from the north coast of Africa and the south coast of France. They come here for the plentiful supplies of fresh nectar, and also to breed.

The caterpillars feed on nettles, thistle and viper's bugloss. They emerge as butterflies between September and October, and although many die with the onset of cold weather, it is believed that some make the return migration to North Africa in place of their parents.

Latin name: Cynthia cardui

Size: Wingspan approximately 55mm.

Distribution: Found throughout the UK.

Months seen: May to October.

Habitat: Meadows, hedgerows and gardens.

Food: Nectar.