The Atlas Obscura Podcast Following the Painted Ladies
Jan 21, 2026
Photographer Lucas Foglia joins to discuss his captivating journey with the Painted Lady butterfly, known for its remarkable migration. Growing up on a farm, he merges nature and humanity in his work. Lucas shares insights from his research, including locating butterflies in urban wild patches and notable spots like Lampedusa. He highlights the intricate relationship between butterfly migration and human stories, challenging our views on borders. His striking techniques for capturing these delicate creatures reveal the beauty and complexities of nature.
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From WhatsApp To Fieldwork
- Lucas Foglia met entomologist Gerard Talavera by messaging during 2020 lockdowns and then traveled with him to find butterflies in real landscapes.
- They hunted painted ladies in unlikely urban spots like abandoned parking lots and botanical gardens, discovering caterpillars on weeds and thistles in cracks.
Migration Is Floral, Not Fixed
- Painted ladies migrate up to 9,000 miles round trip over about 10 generations from Kenya to Norway and back.
- They follow blooming flowers rather than fixed routes, so any place with flowers can host them along the journey.
Use Local Sunset Spots As Search Guides
- Ask locals where people go to watch the sunset to find high spots where butterflies gather to mate.
- Use those human romantic spots as practical guides to locate butterfly congregation points.