How to Manage Pests
Pests in Gardens and Landscapes
Painted lady butterfly larva—Vanessa cardui
Painted lady butterfly larvae can affect vegetable crops throughout California. Larvae are brown or black
spiny caterpillars. On each side is a pale yellow stripe.
Larvae feed primarily on thistle, but do not cause major damage.
Control is seldom needed. Insecticide applications
thuringiensis or spinosad will control butterfly
lady adult butterfly
lady adult larva