Photo © Andy Barker

American Painted Lady

Vanessa virginiensis

Checklist Number
59.025 [B&F: 1592]

Verification
Record will require further evidence, at least a good photograph, unless CMR is aware recorder has confidence in identification

Classification

Family:Nymphalidae
Subfamily:Nymphalinae
Genus:Vanessa
Species:virginiensis
Authority:(Drury, 1773)

In Europe, established on dry open areas, sand-dunes, flower meadows, parks and gardens throughout much of Canary Islands and southern Iberia. In Britain, a very rare immigrant from south-western Europe, or from North America. Recorded on the Isle of Wight for the first, and so far only, time at Totland in 2004. Not recorded from Hampshire to date. Wingspan 45-67 mm. Very similar to Painted Lady, but underside of hindwing has two large spots, row of many small spots in Painted Lady.