Painted Ladies invade New Mexico

HENRY M. LOPEZ | The New Mexican
April 26, 2005

The scene is the same whether you're strolling by the river or trudging through open fields of flowers. If there's an ample supply of flowers, there are butterflies. And this year, experts say, there are more of the critters about because of increased rain and snow totals across the Southwest and northern Mexico.

Casual observers are most apt to find Vanessa cardui, or the Painted Lady butterfly, flutter around Santa Fe. Not only is the Painted Lady the world's most abundant butterfly species, it is also comfortable around urban areas, said Steve Cary, New Mexico State Parks natural resource planner.

Painted Ladies migrate from northern Mexico each year to New Mexico and elsewhere in the region,