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Vanessa cardui
The upperside is orange-brown with darker wing bases; forewing with black apex patch and white bar on leading edge; hindwing submarginal row of 5 small black spots sometimes has blue scales. Underside has a black, brown, and gray pattern with 4 small submarginal eyespots.
I agree with bayucca, worn butterflies are a challenge and there are variants in all species. This was only my best guess. I take the id markers and range and see who comes out with the most in the "for" or "against column.
Depending on age and color variation these spots on the hindwing are one criteria. The other one would be the small white spot on in the orange patch on the forewing. The ventral side is easier to ID. Since there is no white spot there I agree with Cardui, but you should change the scientific name as well.
However, there are always very tricky example to ID! Look at this one:
http://www.wmnh.com/wmiab38.htm
No white spot and the spots on the hindwing are almost of the same size. You might see some brighter tiny spots within the first two spots on the hindwing. So I think the ID is correct, but in my eyes not easy.
Yes it appears to have a life story to tell. We only get the Painted in my part of Texas, but if I go 30 miles to Dallas, they are there and they always surprise me.
Yes dandoucette, sadly this guy looks like he's seen better day...still beautiful though.
Thank you gatorfellows for the ID and a very useful resource. I'll bookmark this one: http://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/
The difference between American Painted Lady and Painted Lady is the eyespots on the lower wing. I did not see the larger eyespots, The Painted Lady does have the range for Canada. http://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/speci...
I think gatorfellows is right, I will remove my suggestion. This butterfly is in pretty rough shape!
Spotted on May 27, 2012
Submitted on Jun 3, 2012
