American Lady (Vanessa virginiensis) is a medium-sized butterfly, with a wingspan of 1.75 to 2.625 inches. In our local area, it is much less common than its two sister species, Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui) and West Coast Lady (Vanessa annabella). It was recorded in the Garden for the first time in June 2024, even though it is not uncommon in East Bay. It can be seen during all 12 months, although numbers are very low in December and January. Numbers are uniformly high June through September. Hosts plants are from the Sunflower family, including Everlasting (Gnaphalium obtusifolium), Pearly Everlasting (Anaphalis margaritacea), and Plantain-leaved Pussy Toes (Antennaria plantaginifolia).
American Lady can usually be distinguished from the other two Ladies we get in the Garden by the white dot in the large orange spot near the edge of the forewing; Painted Lady and West Coast Lady have no spot there.
It is found primarily in North America but there are a few scattered sightings from Central America and the northern tip of South America, and some also from the southwestern tip of Europe.
This butterfly was added to the Garden’s species list in June 2024.
