Small tortoiseshell and friend

This one is straight from the camera. I rather liked the way the little creature was sneaking up on this dramatically beautiful butterfly.

(Even better in the larger version)

A gorgeous sunny morning. Swimming in the pool at the health club was blissful and I decided I would head out to Christian Fields, to the reliable buddleia bush, to see if there were any butterflies making the most of the September sun. There were lots and lots of Red Admirals and Small Tortoiseshells. A couple of Speckled Woods were lurking nearby but didn't want to pose.

Not sure how long we will be treated to these wonderful butterflies, but today was marvellous