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This species belong to the Nymphalidae family. It is an uncommon, very active fast flying butterfly. This is one of the most widespread of all butterflies and is found in every continent except Antarctica and South America. In Sri Lanka it is primarily found in the hill country but is occasionally met with at many localities in the low country including the city of Colombo.

The conservation status of this species is regarded as Vulnerable (National Red List 2012).

This is a species protected under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance as amended by Act No. 22 of 2009.

This is a species, which is known to be associated with a unique migratory behavior. Even though it is only resident in warmer areas it migrates in spring and sometimes in autumn. It migrates from North Africa and the Mediterranean to Britain in May and June. However there was no definitive evidence whether the offspring of these butterflies ever make a southward return migration. New research has now revealed that the British Painted Ladies do in fact make a migration back, making a 9 nine thousand mile round trip from Tropical Africa to the Arctic Circle in a series of steps which takes up to six generations. Research using Radar technology has shown that this autumn migration happens at high altitude.
I have seen this species at Haputale, Nuwaraeliya, and once in my home garden in Colombo.

In Wilpattu I have seen this butterfly once between Wilachchiya and Kallaru.