Meet the Lovely American Lady Butterfly
Updated: Oct. 03, 2022
Learn how to identify an American lady butterfly and caterpillar. Plus, see how it looks different from a painted lady butterfly.
What Does an American Lady Butterfly Look Like?
The American lady butterfly has wings that show a mixed pattern of mostly orange from above, including a small white spot within the orange. Forewings also feature a black patch and a white bar at the wing’s edge. The underside of its hindwings has two large, dark eyespots, which sets it apart from the painted lady. The butterfly’s wingspan measures 1 3/4 to 2 5/8 inches.
“I was just learning to use my camera when I captured this gorgeous American lady butterfly (above) on a white coneflower in my yard. Photography is a great hobby that gives me a closer look at the incredible beauty of butterfly wings, which I could not see otherwise,” says Birds & Blooms reader Deborah Billings.
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Habitat, Caterpillar & Host Plants
Habitat: Open areas, including fields and gardens
Caterpillar: Coloring on the American lady caterpillar varies, but it is typically yellow or black with bands wrapping around. Look for white spots on abdominal segments and large spines accented by reddish bases.
Eggs: Pale green
Host Plants: Plants from the Asteraceae family, including sweet everlasting, ironweed and pussytoes
Range: Most of the U.S. and southern Canada
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American Lady vs Painted Lady
At first glance, American lady and painted lady butterflies look similar. However, there are a few distinct differences that help distinguish them from each other. For the American lady, check for two large, bold eyespots on the underside of each hindwing.
If there are more spots on the hindwing, you’ve likely spotted a painted lady instead. The painted lady’s hindwings have four spots, rather than two. In addition, keep an eye out for a small white spot within the orange patch. It’s a key field mark of the American lady’s that the painted lady lacks.
“Butterflies are one of my favorite things to observe and photograph. Getting a picture of this American lady (above) in my current home of North Carolina brings back childhood memories of my family farm in upstate New York,” says Birds & Blooms reader Jason Baden.
Next, learn all about the common buckeye butterfly.
