To sex the Painted Lady

[Neil Reimer]

MMintz4912 at aol.com wrote:
> 
> Is there any way to sex the painted lady? I have about 10 and I can't tell for
> my life. Also, do they only lay eggs on thistles? Thanks in advance,
> 
> -Michael.

Yes, look at the tip of the abdomen.  Males have a slit which opens up
to two flaps.  Females have a more or less round opening, no slit.  The
wing shapes also tend to be a little different.  The males narrower than
females.  I know, it's vague but takes experience looking at many 
butterflies to see.