Here is much about butterflies that you are already aware of, but what you probably don't know, is that each specie is unique in its own way. For instance, the painted lady butterfly Vanessa cardu, which is probably the most common butterfly in the world. It is found in North and South America, Europe, Asia and Africa. In fact, it is so widespread that it is sometimes called the cosmopolitan. The painted lady is a member of the Nymphalidae family. This pretty, orangish-black coloured butterfly is dotted with a few white spots. In size, it ranges from two to two-and-a-half inches, much the size of average butterflies. All butterflies must raise their body temperatures to about 27'C before they can fly and the painted lady does so by holding its wings at a 45' angle. Painted ladies love to gorge on nectar from plants. They prefer temperate and tropical climates. In fact, when winter temperatures in North America and Northern Europe become too cold for comfort, these butterflies actually migrate south to warmer, more suitable climates.