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Project Noah Nature School
Vanessa cardui
Because it lost its scales this interesting migrating butterfly has see-through wings. It was about 4-6 cm big.
It is widespread all over Europe and North Africa.
This is the first time I saw this kind of butterfly. I think it is rather interesting sight to see.
thank you for the ID guys! and thank you also for this interesting information! :)
yes, they lose its scales with age, dont't know for sure is it male or female, it's too much damaged. The body is usually dark brown with bright stripes, this one is, also, lost hair and scales, that's why is dark, and white stripes are more visible..
so butterflies can lose their scales and get see-through wings? those scales at the top really look like Vanessa cardui-female, right? but what about its body-is it normal it's so dark?
I agree with Jakubko, this is Vanessa cardui, but it's too old and lost its scales on wings... :)
Jakubko-thank you for orienting me where to look at!
Injica-I haven't seen a butterfly like that as well, so I was quite surprised to find it! :)
This is a worn butterfly in the genus Vanessa. Looking at range and the markings near the thorax and head, I think this is Vanessa cardui.
Spotted on Jul 20, 2013
Submitted on Jul 20, 2013
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