American Lady and Dandelions

[Williamson, Craig]

Though not as strong a migrator as the Painted Lady, the American Lady is also migratory and thus one of the earliest butterflies to appear in NH, as we know from reports over the past couple of weeks by this group.

Today, and in previous years during the first week in May, Valerie and I have seen American Ladies and Red Admirals nectaring on dandelions in our yard. While some people have a love-hate relationship with dandelions, our sense is that they are an important food source for migratory butterflies during a period when few other flowers are blooming. For an interesting positive take on how dandelions are "good" for pollinators and other ways, consult this fun blog on the benefits of dandelions.

Here are some of the photos on iNat from our American Lady visit today.

Craig Williamson and Valerie Burns