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Project Noah Nature School
Vanessa itea
A butterfly with a wing span of 50 mm. Fore wings were dark with two large white patches which make this butterfly very attractive in flight. The rest of the wing was a reddish yellow. Hind wings had about 4 tiny black circles with blue centres. This butterfly had damaged wings. The under sides of the wings were a different pattern - the hind wings are dull with diffuse patterns. The fore wings had a pale blue eye patch in the middle with a yellow patch above and below (Pic 5)
These butterflies have appeared suddenly and are frequenting flowers on Photinia robusta trees that are a popular hedge tree/shrub. All Photinia trees in this area are in bloom at present - looking lovely with their reddish green leaves. Caterpillars are said to feed on nettle.
Also called Yellow Admiral Family: Nymphalidae
Spotted on Sep 29, 2013
Submitted on Sep 29, 2013
6 Comments
I like your thoughts Lori. So true, perfection all the time is so not reflective of true life ! (only Hollywood !!)
A beauty for sure, Leuba. I like images that show or reflect action - what life does to survive and thrive. Damage shows struggle, and the willingness to sustain loss, towards some greater goal.
Very nice series :)
Lovely!
Thanks Lori. A little tired I am sure. After days of waiting to photograph one of these, I was so excited I was when this one landed so close to me on a hedge but was badly damaged. Still, it's a beauty I think.
Goodness, this one has been around the block a few times. Makes me think of the Meadow argus, by the time they get to our place in Tasmania. Nice photos.