Vanessa cardui

Painted Lady

This widespread species occurs over most of North America, Europe, Africa and Asia. It is highly migratory and its occurrence here is quite irregular. In most years a few can be found, though it is absent occasionally, and in some years it occurs in great abundance. I recall 1974 and 1992 as being years when it was particularly abundant. The usual foodplants are various species of thistle, but I have also found caterpillars feeding on Anaphalis margaritacea, Arctium, Helianthus, Borago officinalis, Symphytum officinale, Lupinus sericeus, Lupinus arboreas and Urtica dioica.