The painted lady is one of the most common butterflies. With the exception of Antarctica and South America, it can be found everywhere. As a migratory butterfly, it travels long distances, for example 4,000 km from its wintering grounds in Africa to Northern Europe.
The painted lady’s flight route is not genetically determined. It is guided by food, wind, and sunshine.
The migration of the painted lady butterfly takes place over several generations. While the parent animals die, their offspring continue the journey. Up to six generations per year are involved in this long flight.