I was planning to take supplies out to the car this morning but before I even stepped through the doorway, I saw something that stopped me in my tracks. I turned around, put down the items I was carrying and picked up my camera.
Right in front of the door on an old piece of carpet in the garage was a beautiful Red-spotted Purple butterfly, Limenitis arthemis.
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| Limenitis arthemis strutting her stuff on the 'red' carpet |
The garage doors were open, but even so, I have no idea why a butterfly would be spending time in that semi-inside space instead of outside in one of the many nearby gardens. For whatever reason, this pretty lady seemed quite intent on examining the carpeted floor.
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| What lovely spotted wings |
As I snapped off photos and a video, the butterfly - who seemed completely unconcerned by my presence - circled around on the carpeted floor while opening and closing her colorful wings.
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| Pretty no matter what direction she faces |
After a few minutes of putting on a show, she flew away, exchanging the garage floor for more fertile ground. I put the camera away and picked up the supplies I needed to take out to the car. Yet even as I got ready to head out myself, I couldn't help smiling at the unexpected wildlife encounter I'd just experienced.
Below is a short (0:33) video of the Red-spotted Purple strutting her stuff on the 'red' carpet.
What good timing you had. She's a beauty. Glad you didn't miss her.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad I didn't miss her too. But it was pure chance that she happened to be in the garage just as I was heading out. Sure makes me wonder how many other potential encounters I miss by not being in the right place at the right time or, worse, being too preoccupied to notice one at all. :)
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