One handsome Red Admiral

More butterflies?
Sure! Winter is coming so I dig up my summer shots. I don't know why I keep them for so long. Like if they had to mature before editing and posting (or maybe just wait to brighten up gloomy days).

I was just showing a butterfly yesterday that I had to chase to get some photos. This one here was a poser! Beautiful, proud and he knows it!

Vanessa atalanta

This is one of the most common butterflies for me. I remember seeing it often around the garden. It can be seen all around Europe, North America, Asia and North Africa.
Common or not it is gorgeous with the very dark wings and contrasting orange and white pattern.

I read that it is a very cam one and that would explain why I was allowed to just sit and shoot it, while other would run away. My mum grows a whole bunch of lavender that you see here and on warm sunny days it is full of all kids of butterflies.
She also has a spot where nettle grows - a perfect plant for them to lay eggs. Caterpillars, before they turn to a butterfly will feed on it.

I never knew butterflies can be so hairy!
You can read more about it in wikipedia.

_{From the side...}

_{And front.}

Please notice how cool the antennas are. All stripy with black antennal club with lighter tip.
Very cool! :)