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.