Lucy's Butterfly Farm

The stages of development of the Painted Lady butterfly (Vanessa cardui) from egg to larva to pupa (Chrysalis) to adult are shown here.

Painted Lady butterflies mating

Painted Lady butterflies laying eggs on Malva leaf wrapped with  string

Painted Lady butterfly eggs are tiny and blue

The eggs turn dark before larvae emerge

Painted Lady caterpillar on a malva leaf

Painted Lady caterpillars (age about three days) on a special diet food

Painted Lady pupa has lovely gold spots

The pupa turns dark before adlult butterfly emerges

Can you see the wing inside?

Painted Lady side view after emergence

See it's little proboscis curled up?

Painted Lady  butterflies nectaring

Painted Lady butterfly on a flower after release