Painted Lady and American Lady Butterflies

The discerning eye can pick out the intricate forms of colors found on the wings of the Painted Lady butterfly and not confuse it with the very similar American Lady butterfly. 

Painted Lady, Vanessa cardui enjoying Buddelia. 

American Lady, Vanessa virginiensis feeding on spring lilac 'Miss Kim'.

Painted Ladies on Buddelia.

Painted Lady on native Ironweed. 

Note the Painted Lady (above) has smaller eyes on the hindwing whereas the American Lady (below) has only two larger eyes on its hindwing.

There are many other differences too. 

Studying butterflies can surely enrich the way one learns to see.