Painted Lady

Wingspan 50–60 mm. The most widespread butterfly in the world. Arrives from North Africa in May–June. Numbers vary greatly from year to year. The Danish offspring fly from late July to early October, after which they head south to the warmth of North Africa. Any that stay behind will die of cold. Mostly seen on the various flowers of the dike and less in the plantation, where it visits thistles and Hemp-agrimony. Eggs are laid on many different plants, but especially on thistles and nettles.