Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui)
Peak District local information
When to see: May-September
Where to see: Anywhere except woodland
Behaviour: Perch
Wingspan: 58-74mm
Caterpillar food plant: Thistle (Cirsium spp.)
Peak District status: An annual migrant in variable, usually small, numbers. There was a massive influx in 1996 and high numbers in 2003. Frequents a range of habitats including heather moorland; favours areas of thistle for breeding. Recorded between May and September.
