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Life Stages Diagram
The bars in this diagram show approximate times of the year when the butterfly will be present, in Nova Scotia, in its various life stages.

The dates shown for the adult stage are based on actual reports for Nova Scotia. The majority of reports will be within the period shown, but small numbers of adults will be earlier or later.

Dates for egg, larva and pupa are based on what information was available regarding time periods for eggs to develop, and typical time required for pupation. Like the adults, some records can be expected outside the date ranges we have shown. We caution that dates for these immature stages are mostly conjectural.

American Lady - Vanessa virginiensis
[American Lady image]
American Lady - Roaches Pond Park, NS - 2012-08-15
Photo © Phil Schappert
What's this?
Status in Nova Scotia
Varies: absent some years, abundant other years.

Flight Period
Migrants first arrive in late April. Flies until late October.

Habitat
Gardens, roadsides, clearings, fields.

Larval Foodplants
Asters, knapweed, thistles and other members of the aster family.

Similar Species in Nova Scotia
Similar to Painted Lady.

Notes
Earlier names for this species were "American Painted Lady" and "Hunter's Butterfly". It may overwinter in some parts of Canada but is not thought to do so here.

Further Reading


American Lady - MacIntosh Run, 2012-07-15
American Lady - MacIntosh Run - 2012-07-15
2012-07-15
Photo © Peter Payzant
American Lady - Apple River, NS, 2012-04-18
American Lady - Apple River, NS - 2012-04-18
2012-04-18
Photo © Kathleen F. Spicer
American Lady - Butler Rd. Kings County, 2012-08-05
American Lady - Butler Rd. Kings County - 2012-08-05
2012-08-05
Photo © Angus MacLean
American Lady - Hammonds Plains, NS, 2010-10-04
American Lady - Hammonds Plains, NS - 2010-10-04
2010-10-04
Photo © Donna Evers
American Lady - Hammonds Plains, NS, 2010-10-05
American Lady - Hammonds Plains, NS - 2010-10-05
2010-10-05
Photo © Donna Evers
American Lady - Hammonds Plains, NS, 2010-10-05
American Lady - Hammonds Plains, NS - 2010-10-05
2010-10-05
Photo © Donna Evers