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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.

Painted Lady - Vanessa cardui
[Painted Lady image]
Painted Lady - Dartmouth, NS - 2012-08-27
Photo © Jim Edsall
What's this?
Status in Nova Scotia
Varies: absent some years, abundant other years.

Flight Period
Migrants first arrive in late April. Two or three broods; flies until early November.

Habitat
Gardens, roadsides, clearings, fields.

Larval Foodplants
Asters, knapweed, thistles and other members of the aster family. Has been observed feeding on Burdock (Arctium sp.) in Nova Scotia.

Similar Species in Nova Scotia
Similar to American Lady.

Notes
This is one of the most widespread of butterflies, occurring on all continents except Australia and Antarctica. It is called "The Cosmopolitan" in some areas.

Further Reading


Painted Lady - Salt Marsh Trail, Bissett Rd. NS, 2012-07-03
Painted Lady - Salt Marsh Trail, Bissett Rd. NS - 2012-07-03
2012-07-03
Photo © Jim Edsall
Painted Lady - Apple River, NS, 2012-08-19
Painted Lady - Apple River, NS - 2012-08-19
2012-08-19
Photo © Kathleen F. Spicer
Painted Lady - Apple River, NS, 2012-08-14
Painted Lady - Reared from caterpillar. - Apple River, NS - 2012-08-14
2012-08-14
Photo © Kathleen F. Spicer
Painted Lady - Granite Woods Rd, Kings Co., 2012-08-13
Painted Lady - Granite Woods Rd, Kings Co. - 2012-08-13
2012-08-13
Photo © Angus MacLean
Painted Lady - Wolfville, NS, 2017-09-20
Painted Lady - Wolfville, NS - 2017-09-20
2017-09-20
Photo © Cecil Pulsifer
Painted Lady - Wolfville, NS, 2017-09-20
Painted Lady - Wolfville, NS - 2017-09-20
2017-09-20
Photo © Cecil Pulsifer