🌿Native Nature

Painted Lady

Vanessa cardui

Taxonomy

Kingdom: Animalia ›Phylum: Arthropoda ›Class: Insecta ›Order: Lepidoptera ›Family: Nymphalidae ›Genus: Vanessa

About

Vanessa cardui is a well-known colorful butterfly, known as the painted lady, or in North America as the cosmopolitan. This butterfly has a strange habit of flying in a sort of screw shape.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the scientific name of Painted Lady?
The scientific name of Painted Lady is Vanessa cardui.
What is the conservation status of Painted Lady?
The Painted Lady has a conservation status of Least Concern.
What kingdom does Painted Lady belong to?
Painted Lady belongs to the kingdom Animalia.
What phylum does Painted Lady belong to?
Painted Lady belongs to the phylum Arthropoda.
What class does Painted Lady belong to?
Painted Lady belongs to the class Insecta.
What order does Painted Lady belong to?
Painted Lady belongs to the order Lepidoptera.
What family does Painted Lady belong to?
Painted Lady belongs to the family Nymphalidae.
What genus does Painted Lady belong to?
Painted Lady belongs to the genus Vanessa.

In the News

Get set for a painted lady summer: big year for orange butterflies in Britain

Migrant insects have been seen in large numbers along east coast thanks to heatwave and benign southerly winds If you’ve spotted a pale orange butterfly dashing at frenetic pace through streets, fields or gardens, you’ve noticed the new migrants that will add colour to the summer in record-breaking numbers. What is expected to be the largest arrival of painted lady butterflies in Britain for 17 years is under way after heatwaves and favourable winds ushered thousands if not millions of the insects northwards. Continue reading...

The Guardian Environment · 6/5/2026