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Project Noah Nature School
Nymphalis antiopa antiopa
"Nymphalis antiopa has a wingspan of 62–75 mm. The upper side of the butterfly is colored in a very dark red, with a bright, yellowish border around the wings. There is a darker band with bright blue spots between the border and the dark red inner side. Sexes are similar, although the females are slightly larger." - Wikipedia You can view the colors and patterns on top of its wings at: http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/687...
Top of cut tree branch in backyard.
This one has been flying with another of the same species and stopped to fan its wings. The caterpillar can be seen at http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/950... and the chrysalis at http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/692... "The immature form of this species is sometimes known as the spiny elm caterpillar. Other older names for this species include Grand Surprise and White Petticoat" - Wikipedia
Spotted on Jan 19, 2012
Submitted on Jan 19, 2012
8 Comments
Thanks Satyen :) I was happy to see this undamaged butterfly in the winter.
Lovely series.
Thank you Emma.
pretty!
Wow, I didn't know that. It seems like a great choice!
State Butterfly of the State of Montana.
Thanks Karen! These seem to be the most common butterflies in our garden but I hadn't been able to get a side profile until today :)
Lovely! I've not seen one of these yet!