Vanessa annabella

Vanessa annabella is also known as the western lady butterfly or west coast lady butterfly. Larvae of this species prefer to feed on members of the mallow genus, such as hollyhock or checkerbloom. Adult wingspans range from 36 – 51 mm and they feed on flower nectar. These butterflies can obtain necessary vitamins and minerals for their diet from pooled liquids on dung and carrion. This species is rarely found east of the Rocky Mountains. Vanessa annabella prefers open clearings of land such as cultivated fields and is the smallest member of the Vanessa genus.

Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Nymphalidae
Species: Vanessa annabella

Photograph: © 2004 RKD Peterson
Date of Photograph: 23 July 2004
Location: Montana, Gallatin Co. (45^o43'41" N 111^o08'11" W)

Vanessa annabella © 2005 RKD Peterson

Vanessa annabella © 2004 RKD Peterson