The orange and black American Lady is a popular butterfly across many landscapes. When the wings are open, the upper side shows uneven yellow, brown and orange coloration. The forewings show a black mark along with a white spot below it, a white bar by the edge of the forewing. When the wings are closed, the undersides of the hindwings exhibit a pair of large eyespots.

 

“American Lady” by John Flannery, licensed under (CC BY-ND 2.0)

 

American Lady Facts

Butterfly Family: Brush-footed Butterflies (Nymphalidae)

Butterfly Subfamily: True Brushfoot (Nymphalinae)

Butterfly Wingspan: 1 3/4 in. to 2 5/8 in.

Butterfly Habitat: Open areas and gardens

 

American Lady Host and Nectar Plants

Host Plants:

• Ironweed
• Mallow
• Pearly Everlasting
• Pussy-toe
• Silver Brocade
• Sunflower

Nectar Plants:

• Aster
• Bee Balm
• Common Milkweed
• Dogbane
• Goldenrod
• Joe-Pye Weed
• Marigold
• Tall Verbena