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West Coast lady

West Coast lady

Vanessa annabella

A species of Ladies and red admiral

The West Coast lady (Vanessa annabella) is one of three North American species of brush-footed butterflies known colloquially as the "painted ladies". V. annabella occurs throughout much of the western US and southwestern Canada. The other two species are the cosmopolitan Vanessa cardui (painted lady) and the eastern Vanessa virginiensis (American painted lady). This species has also been considered a subspecies of the South American, Vanessa carye, and is frequently misspelled as "anabella".

General Info About West Coast lady
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Attributes of West Coast lady
Colors
Black
White
Blue
Orange
Habitat
weedy area; garden; roadside; field; foothill; chaparral; disturbed area
Adult Food Sources
Milkweeds (asclepias spp.), thistles (cirsium spp.), aster (aster spp.), red clover (trifolium pratense), goldenrod (solidago spp.)
Larva Food Source
Nettle leaves (urtica dioica), false nettle (boehmeria cylindrica), pellitory (parietaria spp.), california nettle (urtica urens), cudweed (gnaphalium spp.)
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Phytophagous
Not reported
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Siphoning mouthparts
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Life Cycle of West Coast lady
Egg Tiny and oval, the eggs of west Coast lady are often laid on host plants. They’re initially light-colored and become darker as they develop. At this stage, west Coast lady is immobile, with growth occurring internally.
Larva Upon hatching, west Coast lady's larva exhibits a voracious appetite, primarily eating plant leaves. Characterized by a cylindrical body, it grows rapidly, which necessitates several molts to shed its exoskeleton.
Pupal The pupa, or chrysalis, of west Coast lady appears quite distinct, often with a hard protective covering. Inside, the west Coast lady undertakes a dramatic transformation, with structures reshaping to form the adult body.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult west Coast lady’s development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction.
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Predators of West Coast lady Larvae
Birds, arthropods like ants and wasps, spiders, rodents
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Predators of Adult West Coast lady
Birds, mammals like bats, spiders, predacious insects like hornets and robber flies
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Interesting Facts About West Coast lady
Despite its delicate appearance, west Coast lady has a unique survival tactic; it fakes death to avoid predation, folding its wings to blend with foliage.
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Scientific Classification of West Coast lady
Tips for Finding West Coast lady
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How Can You Attract West Coast lady
For adult west Coast lady, sweet substances such as overripe fruit or sugar water can be used as bait. For larvae, host plants that caterpillars feed on are most attractive.
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Habitat Preferences of West Coast lady Through Different Life Stages
West Coast lady eggs are typically laid on the host plants, where the caterpillars will have immediate access to food upon hatching. Therefore, searching for eggs involves inspecting the leaves of host plants. The caterpillars of west Coast lady are found eating the leaves of these plants, often in areas that provide a balance between sunlight and shelter. To find them, search for signs of feeding, like chewed leaves, on or near the host plants. Pupae, on the other hand, are often found in more concealed locations, such as on the underside of leaves or in hidden spots on the host plant. To locate them, one would have to carefully examine the areas around the host plants. Adults, being mobile, are typically found in open fields and gardens where they can feed on nectar, so one should look for them in flower-rich areas.
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When is the Best Time to Observe West Coast lady
The best time to find adult west Coast lady is during warm, sunny days when they are most active, particularly in the late morning and early afternoon. For the larval and pupal stages, time of year is more critical, usually during the local growing seasons when host plants are abundant.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe West Coast lady
Adult west Coast lady are usually found in mild to warm weather conditions without much wind, as they are cold-blooded and rely on the sun for energy. Wet weather can make it easier to find immobile stages such as eggs, larvae, or pupae, as they remain on the host plants.
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How and Where Can You Find West Coast lady at Different Life Stages
Egg West Coast lady eggs are small, laid in clusters or singly on the underside of leaves, especially on host plants. Look for them by inspecting the leaves of known host plants in the region.
Larva West Coast lady larvae, or caterpillars, can be sighted by searching the plants they feed on. They are likely to be found munching on the leaves, so look for signs of feeding such as chewed leaves or frass (caterpillar droppings).
Pupal The west Coast lady chrysalis might be hanging from the plant on which the larva was feeding, or in a sheltered, adjacent area. Find them by carefully scanning for their camouflaged presence on the underside of branches or leaves.
Adult Adult west Coast lady are typically seen feeding on nectar from flowers, basking in the sun on a warm rock or ground, or searching for mates. Spot them in gardens, meadows, or woodlands where there are plenty of flowering plants.
Are West Coast lady harmful?
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Are West Coast lady harmful to humans?

Some larvae of tortoiseshell butterflies feed on milkweed, which is a poisonous plant containing cardiac glycosides, so the larvae are poisonous. Although poisonous, these butterflies will not directly affect humans if not swallowed. Touching the larvae of certain tortoiseshell butterflies may cause a rash.
Beneficial Effects of West Coast lady
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Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Pollination Behavior Reason
Eat Pollen Or Nectar
West Coast lady primarily pollinate flowers while they are looking for nectar to feed on. The vibrant colors of blooms typically attract them. During the feeding process, pollen inadvertently sticks to their body and is subsequently transferred to other flowers, aiding in their fertilization.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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