Monday, September 13, 2010

American Lady Butterfly (Vanessa virginiensis)
Insect Art to promote insect growth and development


The American Lady is a member of the Brushfoot family (Nymphalidae) and the True Brushfoot (Nymphalinae) subfamily. Its range includes most of the USA and parts of northern Mexico and southern Canada, migrating north from its winter home in Florida or Mexico. In summer it can be seen as far north as Canada. American Ladies fly south again in the fall. Exhibiting a rapid, nervous flight pattern, it prefers open areas such as fields, meadows, and roadsides and is attracted to low-growing nectar and host plants, here depicted on Zinnia elegans. The caterpillars feed on Pearly Everlasting (Anaphalis margaritacea), Cudweeds (Gnaphalium), and Pussytoes (Antennaria plantaginifolia), pictured. The caterpillar binds several leaves together to form a silky nest and hiding place (as pictured here). The American Lady’s most striking distinguishing features are the two large blue-centered eyespots on its hind wings.

Artist: Mary Christiansen
E-mail: mary.christiansen@yahoo.com