This butterfly is a resident of southwest Europe and northern Africa. Each spring it migrates northwards at a steady 12-15 kph covering a distance of up to 1000 kilometres. By mid-summer it can often be seen in significant numbers around the UK, in eruption years the numbers can be staggering and painted lady butterflies appear to be everywhere. Their salmon pink colouring make this one of the easiest butterflies to recognise, even when flying.