Two spots or four? A simple count of the eyespots on the underside hindwing can differentiate between the look-alike American and painted ladies. 

Find tips for identifying Oklahoma’s look-alike species in our video series on YouTube.

Similarities: These look-alike pollinators are similar in size, and both species have orange and black wings. The adult butterflies feed on flower nectar, while the caterpillars of both lady species feed on plants in the aster family.    

Differences: Despite their look-alike coloration, the wing pattern can help differentiate American and painted ladies. American ladies have two eyespots on the underside of the hindwing, and a white spot in the orange section of the forewing. The American lady also has a cobweb pattern and a pale band on the underside of the hindwing. In contrast, painted ladies have four eyespots on the underside of the hindwing. Black marks on the inner forewing that form an arc from above can also help identify the painted lady.  

Are you ready to make your backyard more butterfly friendly? The Pollinator Partnership shares a recipe card for planting a native pollinator gardens. 

If you see a pollinator in your backyard, local park, or the larger Outdoor Oklahoma, consider sharing the sighting on the free nature platform iNaturalist. Adding a photo to your observation can allow others in the iNaturalist community to help confirm the identification.