Monarch Butterfly
(wingspan approx. 4")
(Butterflies shown at correct relative size)
Painted Lady Butterfly
(wingspan approx. 2")
The Monarch Butterfly is about 3 times larger in wing volume than the painted lady. This means that the visual performance of the monarch is much greater. The monarch also has the unique charactaristic of being a migratory butterfly. It can travel long distances and survive extremely harsh conditions - it can even fly at relatively cool temperatures. The painted lady is not as active at cool temperatures and will generally only fly if it is warm and sunny (above 70 deg F). Both are beautiful butterflies when released individually, however.