Painted Lady Butterfly

About the Painted Lady Butterfly

The most widely distributed butterfly on Earth, found on every continent except Antarctica. They undertake migrations of over 15,000 km - longer than monarch butterflies. Radar studies revealed they fly at altitudes up to 1,000 meters. A single individual can cross the Sahara Desert. They can reach speeds of 48 km/h. Their global distribution is partly due to their ability to use over 300 host plant species. They have been sent to the International Space Station for study.