The American Lady Poised for a Nectar Treat
by Connie Peceny, Spring 2005
It was my four-year old daughter who reminded me of the beauty of
butterflies. The chaotic fluttering of the multi-colored miracles zooming
by her face sent her skipping happily along the trail. A common sight on
many hikes in the New Mexico wilderness, especially in the early spring
and throughout the summer, butterflies capture our attention with their
brilliant colors and unique markings.
The American Lady (Vanessa virginiensis) butterfly perched on the
tip of this sunflower was sighted on the Columbine Canyon Trail in Carson
National Forest in mid-summer. Its distinctive markings include white
patches on the forewings, and a rich orange and black spotted pattern
on its topside. It also has two large eye-like spots of greenish brown
on the underside of its hindwings that distinguish it from its close
relative the Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui). If you look carefully,
you will be able to see these spots quite clearly on each side.
The American Lady is from the Nymphalinae family also known as ``True
Brush-foots.'' They are called brush foots because their front legs,
which are much smaller than their other legs, are covered with tiny
little hairs. They love to suck nectar from plants such as sunflowers,
as this little beauty is doing. You might also see them on lantana,
purple coneflower, or milkweed plants while on your hike. They like open
spaces, meadows, and forest edges where they can bask for long hours in
the sun.
American Ladies are nervous creatures though, so don't expect them to hang
around and pose for you like this one. As soon as they sense they're
being watched, they are likely to take off in chaotic flight, flying
close to the ground, and searching for more nectar-filled flowers. These
butterflies also practice ``mudding'' which is sucking minerals from
stream banks, mud ponds, and even cowpies.
Your best chance of sighting these beautiful butterflies is in the early
morning and on cool days. You can try practicing your butterfly watching
at home before your hike, too. American Lady butterflies are often found
in backyard gardens and in open spaces where wildflowers offer the nectar
crazy butterflies a tasty treat.
Diana Northup took this photo on the
Columbine Canyon to the Meadows
hike in July 2004.
Bruce Neville identified the American Lady from the photo.
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