After days of raining, the sun peaked out for a little while today and brought a new species to my garden! I love sitting on the couch in the living room when something outside catches my attention. Camera in hand I went outside to check out what species of butterfly was frequenting my blanket flowers. The American Painted Lady! Imagine my excitement as it fluttered from one flower to the next, not one bit bothered as I snapped more than 70 photos of this beauty.

The butterflies scientific name is Vanessa virginiensis. It’s also known as American lady, American painted lady, painted beauty and Hunter’s butterfly, according to the University of Florida. This butterfly has a wide distribution – southern Canada throughout the U.S. and southward to northern South America. It has also been seen in Europe, Hawaii and some of the larger Caribbean islands.

The adults wingspan range in size from 1.75 to 2.40 inches