Australian Painted Lady showing upper wings.
Photos: Euan Moore
Australian Painted Lady showing underside of wings.
Photos: Euan Moore
Scientific Name: Vanessa kershawi
Other Common Names: Blue-spotted Painted Lady
Family of Butterflies: Nymphalidae (Browns and Nymphs)
Wingspan: 43mm male, 47mm female.
Local observations: There are numerous observations from the Mount Alexander region on Atlas of
Living Australia and iNaturalist. This butterfly is common around Castlemaine.
Distribution outside our region: There are records from across Victoria although fewer in the drier
areas of the far north-west. There are records from all Australian states (Atlas of Living Australia, iNaturalist) and New Zealand.
Larval Host Plants: Everlastings e.g. Xerochrysum spp, Cape Weed (Arctotheca calendula), Spear Thistle (Cirsium vulgare), Cudweed (Euchiton spp).
Larval association with ants: None.
Adult Flight Times in Victoria: Adults have been recorded during most months in Victoria (August to
May), with a peak from September to January. Usually one of the first spring butterflies in Victoria. Fly
fast, and close to ground. Several generations completed each year. This species is partly migratory
with movement into Victoria from further north following favourable breeding seasons.
Conservation Status:
- The Action plan for Australian Butterflies: No Conservation Significance
Other Notes: Resident and common the Mount Alexander Shire, particular in areas with Cape Weed or
everlasting daisies.
References and further reading:
Atlas of Living Australia – Vanessa kershawi, Australia Painted Lady.
iNaturalist – Vanessa kershawi , Australian Painted Lady.
Braby, Michael F., Second edition 2016. The Complete Field Guide to Butterflies of Australia. CSIRO Publishing.
Field, Ross P., 2013. Butterflies: Identification and Life History. Museum Victoria.