Two Bad Mice - Painted Ladies Butterflies Card

Description

A splash of colour in a quiet moment.

Painted Ladies (Vanessa cardui) on Knapweed (Centaurea nigra)

• Painted Ladies on Knapweed artwork created by Julian Williams
• Two Bad Mice cards are individually packaged in cellophane and come with green envelopes.
• Blank inside for your message
• Size: 150 x 105mm

This butterfly has become one of the most studied insects on earth following the discovery of their extraordinary multi-generational migratory lifestyle that has been mapped out through using isotopes as markers and the help of thousands of citizens contributing towards the "Worldwide Painted lady Migratory Project".

The butterflies overwinter in North America, Morocco and Sahel south of the Sahara desert.  By the Spring the Winter population has exploded and the butterflies start migrating North, using a sun compass to choose appropriate wind currents on which to hitch rides. On arrival in northern latitudes the migrants breed and multiply, building up their populations sufficiently for their offspring to migrate back to recolonise North America during the winter.  The whole migratory cycle of up to 12,000km can take place across six generations. A similar migration happens between Mexico and Canada. 

The Painted lady is said to have been given its name by Victorian Butterfly collectors who likened the bright pink spots on the undersides of their wings to the painted rouged cheeks and bright red lips of the ladies of the evening. 

The caterpillars feed in silken tents on a wide range of food plants, including thistles, nettles and soya. 

Two Bad Mice produce a wide variety of cards and gifts for Dog Lovers and Animal Lovers by contemporary Artists.

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