The orange and black American Lady is familiar in gardens, fields, and meadows. With wings open, the upperside reveals a blend of orange, brown, and yellow tones. The forewings are marked by a bold black patch containing a white spot, along with a white bar near the edge. When the wings are closed, the underside of the hindwings showcases a dramatic pair of large eyespots, an effective defense against predators.

 

“American Lady” by John Flannery, licensed under (CC BY-ND 2.0)

 

American Lady Facts

Butterfly Family: Brush-footed Butterflies (Nymphalidae)

Butterfly Subfamily: True Brushfoot (Nymphalinae)

Butterfly Wingspan: 1 3/4 in. to 2 5/8 in.

Butterfly Habitat: Open areas and gardens

 

🪴 Host Plants

These are the plants where females lay eggs and caterpillars feed:

• Cudweeds (Gnaphalium spp.)

• Pearly Everlasting (Anaphalis margaritacea)

• Pussytoes (Antennaria spp.)

• Sweet Everlasting (Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium)

 

🌸 Nectar Plants

Adult American Lady butterflies feed on nectar from a variety of native flowers:

• Asters (Symphyotrichum spp.)

• Bee Balm (Monarda fistulosa)

• Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)

• Blazing Star (Liatris spp.)

• Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)

• Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca)

• Goldenrod (Solidago spp.)

• Ironweed (Vernonia spp.)

• Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum)

• Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum spp.)

• Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

• Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)

• Thistle (Cirsium discolor)

• Vervain (Verbena spp.)