Painted Lady
FamilyNymphalidae
Scientific NameVanessa cardui
RangeWorldwide
HabitatVaried
About the Painted Lady
The most widely distributed butterfly on Earth, found on every continent except Antarctica. They migrate 14,000+ km from Europe to sub-Saharan Africa — longer than Monarchs. Their caterpillars eat over 100 different plant species. Can reach speeds of 48 km/h. A single generation can produce a billion offspring. The species that has been sent to the International Space Station for research.
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