In the Victorian period "painted lady" was a derogatory term for a "disreputable" woman. Today it is widely known as the English language name of a colourful butterfly, Vanessa cardui. The example in the photograph is feeding on the nectar of a white buddleia, a background colour that probably suits it better than the usual purple variety of that plant. In Britain the painted lady is migratory, arriving in May and June. Researchers think that its southward autumn migration is unseen because it happens at high altitude.
photo © T. Boughen Camera: Lumix FZ1000 2
