Sharing my lifer Red-spotted Purple butterfly! I took photos of it on a nature trail at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, where I found it resting on the path.

Walking the trails at the refuge has been great fun for me; I had missed photographing while on foot. I’m also certain that I am seeing more insects and spiders than I could ever spot using a vehicle as a mobile blind.

I do want to note that both methods have their benefits and pitfalls, though. Perhaps one day I should write an article about them.

Red-spotted Purple butterfly on a nature trail, Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, OklahomaRed-spotted Purple butterfly on a nature trail – Canon R7, handheld, f9, 1/1600, ISO 1000, -0.3 EV, Canon 100-400mm at 400mm, natural light

I’ve taken photos of brush-footed butterflies, including other admiral butterflies, but until the last day of September, I had never photographed this particular subspecies of Limenitis arthemis. I knew about Red-spotted Purples, though, and I have always admired how lovely they are.

After taking photos of this gorgeous butterfly, I did some research on the subspecies and found out that they mimic the colors and patterns of Spicebush Swallowtails. There are conflicting ideas on why this tasty (to predators) butterfly species may have evolved to mimic the unpalatable Spicebush Swallowtail butterflies.

Scientists can debate that; I’m just going to enjoy the beauty of these butterflies.

The gorgeous blue color on the upperside of the wings of this butterfly is so stunning that it is almost breathtaking.

I also read that there is a second flight of this species in October, so I hope I will be able to photograph more of them before they disappear for the year.

I’m actually having a great time photographing butterflies that are ‘new’ to me here. Even though identifying some of them is hard, I believe they are very much worth the effort.

Life is good.

Mia

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