PAINTED LADY
Vanessa cardui
A widespread species that is expected to occur throughout both Alabama and Mississippi. Typically scarce in the southeast but in some years can be quite abundant. Lower surface of hindwing has a row of four small eyespots. The upper surface of the hindwing has a row of four submarginal spots clearly separated. The forewing has heavy black mark that is not broken at center. Similar species: American Lady
Adult - ventral
(mouse over to see field marks)
Slide Show
Adult - dorsal
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Caterpillar
Chrysalis
Chrysalis
Adult - recently eclosed