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Limenitis arthemis astyanax
Quiet butterfly feeding on sedum in my back garden, allowed 30 shots (very unusual for this type - they normally just flutter). http://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/speci... Family Brushfoots, Nymphalidae Sub: Admirals, Limenitidinae Wingspan: 76 to 102mm (3 to 4 inch) Above: Dark Velvety bluish black with iridescent blue scaling on hindwing and small orange and white spots near forewing apex Below: Brownish black with an iridescent blue sheen and basal red orange spots; hindwings have a row of red / ornge spots toward the apex. Sex: similar Host plant: Black cherry, wild cherry and willow. Mimics toxic Pipevine Swallowtail to gain protection from predators. Likes rotten fruit, dung and tree sap.
Open woodland forest edges and open areas.
3 Comments
Nice photos. Always a good day when you can capture good butterfly photos.
Thanks Alice - it is a beautiful buttterfly, some difficulty getting a good ventral shot!
Good picture, Good information!