Tuesday 10 May 2011

Butterfly

Today, when I was running late to catch a train to Storytime at the State Library, a butterfly caught my eye. It was in the park near my house, sitting on the grass. It allowed me to pick it up and I took it home. Our dog, usually keen to eat whatever I might have in hand, seemed to understand that the butterfly needed to be left alone.

The markings were striking and I have no recollection of ever seeing one quite like it. It sat on my hand while I unlocked the house, unharnessed the dog, collected my camera and went outside again. Indeed, it didn't seem at all keen to leave my hand!

The up side (what do you call the top part of their wings?) was just like the under side, except that it had no red or yellow. Almost as if waiting for the painter to return and finish the flipside.

I have no idea what sort of butterfly it is. Anyone help me out?

Oh, I did make my train, just.

6 comments:

Sally Murphy said...

Nope - can't help you out, but what a lovely butterfly - and wonderful photos!

Claire said...

It was quite tricky really to get the first photo...with one hand and no glasses. I'm pleased that it turned out at all!

Leonie said...

Beautiful photos Claire! No idea of its variety, but it sure is pretty.

Claire said...

Google is not being helpful so far. Although I did find one pic of a butterfly very similar to this one, the only info it had was the header 'black white red yellow butterfly'. That much I knew!

jen storer said...

Gosh! Thats like Meg Ryan in You've Got Mail. The butterfly joins her on the subway and gets off at Bloomingdales to buy a hat! But I suspect meg's butterfly was, well, animated. Yours is beautiful, claire, and it's REAL! jxx

Claire said...

I did have to tell it finally that I had to shower before storytime at State Library. Only then would it consent to leave my hand. :)