The painted lady butterfly is a long-distance migratory species, easily recognized by its orange and black patterns and white spots. It has a wingspan of 5 to 6 cm.
The painted lady is found in a huge variety of habitats. Adults seem to prefer open areas with good populations of thistles, which are used as food plants for the caterpillars. However, a very wide range of food plants may be used. Adult butterflies feed on flower nectar and aphid honeydew.