West Coast Lady Butterfly (Vanessa annabella)

As the West Coast Lady’s name implies, this beautiful butterfly is found in the Western U.S. She enjoys basking on open ground, but may flutter off at approaching footsteps. Seen from above, the Lady’s wings are a vivid orange, with a brown and white pattern, and blue eyespots. The less colorful underside of the wing has a mottled pattern resembling gravel or bark.

The adults of this species lay eggs singly, and the caterpillars form a silky nest on their food plants. The adults prefer nectar from a variety of flowers and bushes, and with the right plants, you are likely to see this lovely Lady visiting your garden.