SURPRISING CAMOUFLAGE

So excited today to see a butterfly! This is a Red Admiral with beautiful redish orange & white patterning on black on its topside. Fortunately I also got a couple shots with the wings closed, and to my surprise, the hind underwing is a terrific camouflage patterned like tree bark. Who knew such a thin, delicate butterfly wing could have two totally different patterns! Reminds me of reversible giftwrap. (Please check out Flickr to see the Red Admiral’s colorful side.) When it finally landed, it chose side of the shed – definitely not as pretty as a leaf or flower, but I can’t complain. Spotting a butterfly is a rare experience. Wouldn’t you know, I had the macro lens on the camera, but I didn’t dare get closer than 4 or 5 feet, so it isn’t the best quality.