
Based on 2,489 research-grade iNaturalist observations in Minnesota, Painted Lady is most often recorded in September; in Minnesota it behaves like a seasonal. It ranks #4 among butterflies recorded in the state in our data.
Vanessa cardui
Painted Lady in Minnesota by month
Bars show research-grade observations per month. They mix true seasonality with how often people are outdoors, so treat small numbers with caution.
Also seen in Minnesota in September

Monarch

Small White

Black Swallowtail

Eastern Tailed-Blue
Mourning Cloak

Orange Sulphur

Fiery Skipper

Viceroy
Places to look in Minnesota
Chippewa National Forest
University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Itasca State Park
Judge C. R. Magney State Park
Superior National Forest
Flandrau State Park
FAQ
When does Painted Lady appear in Minnesota?
Mainly August–September, with the most records in September.
How common is Painted Lady in Minnesota?
It ranks #4 by number of iNaturalist observations among butterflies in Minnesota (2,489 records in our sample).