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Project Noah Nature School
Vanessa itea
A butterfly with a wingspan of about 50 mm. Fore wings predominantly black with brownish yellow near the base. A large creamish white patch in the middle of the wing and three smaller white markings nearer the apex make this butterfly very attractive in flight. I noticed the hind wings were more orange, with black margins. Both wings had small white flecks along the margins. The body (dorsal aspect) had a greenish tinge, almost like that of skippers.
Back yard. The caterpillars feed on nettles and the adults on nectar from various plants or on tree sap.
This Nymphalid butterfly has been visiting our back yard every day without fail for over two weeks but it is extremely difficult to photograph. It is very active and does not settle for more than a few seconds so, I was lucky to get this shot. Although not good, this photograph is to document this butterfly spotting and I hope to get a better shot next time !
Spotted on Sep 15, 2013
Submitted on Sep 15, 2013
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