Painted Lady
Vanessa cardui
UK Green ListEasy to see📍 Lake District
Season
May to October. Migrant. Numbers vary.
Best time of day
Sunny days. Fast.
Overview
Painted ladies migrate. Sahara. Numbers vary. That orange. Gardens. Thistles. May to October. Good years they're everywhere. Bad years few. Migrant. Don't expect them every year.
At a Glance
| Order | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Nymphalidae |
| Habitat | Gardens · Thistles · Everywhere |
| Conservation | UK Green List |
Where to See It
Everywhere. Gardens, thistles. Throughout the Lakes. That orange. Migrant. Sahara. Numbers vary year to year.
Identification
Orange. Pink on underside. Migrant. Similar to red admiral. Painted lady has more orange.
Viewing & Photography Tips
May to October. Numbers vary. Migrant. Thistles. Good years they're everywhere.
Conservation Status
UK Green List
This species has a favourable conservation status in the UK and remains an important part of Lake District biodiversity.
Plan your visit to the Lake District
RSPB Haweswater, Grizedale Forest, Leighton Moss. Practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.