Meadow Argus

Description:

This beautiful butterfly has two brownish wings, each covered with two distinctive black and blue eye spots, as well as white and orange marks that appear on the edge of the wings. The underside of the wings are mainly unmarked, except the lower part of the fore wing has similar markings as the upper side.

Habitat:

Mankajarra wetlands.

Notes:

As the butterfly rests, it can sit in four different positions depending on the current situation. These positions include: 1. If the sun is shining, the butterfly will open and relax its wings, 2. If danger approaches while in the sunlight the butterfly will open its wings further revealing eyespots on its hindwings, 3. If the sun is not shining the butterfly will close its wings, 4. If danger approaches while there is no sunlight the butterfly will raise its frontwings revealing hidden eyespots. (wiki) - While I was taking pics it was opening and closing its wings the whole time. First reference for identification: http://museum.wa.gov.au/research/collect...