When I first saw this Variegated Fritillary, it was open and not moving. I thought it had died. I even touched it lightly and there was no movement. I came back an hour or so later, and found it like this. I think it was just cold. It was a cool autumn day with on and off drizzle.
I took this pic with my kit lens set on macro. If the butterfly hadn't been cold, I would never have been able to get this close. I got down on my knees in the wet grass and snapped away. I had my fingers crossed that it was too cool for the snakes, because I was at the edge of the woods. :0)
Beautiful shot....lovely to see a butterfly this time of year. I have see a couple of mourning cloaks the past two days but with the next 4-5 nights set to go below freezing, I doubt I will see any more.
The one good thing about colder weather is the decrease in chances for snakes! Right? Liked your description - saw loads of butterflies today - probably the most I've seen in one day. We're due the cold front by Friday - guess they know that. You sure had a cooperative subject for a beautiful shot.
Beautiful capture. Yes, I guess they are slowing down in your hemisphere now. (Just tagged you on someone else's site for a butterfly ID. Hope you can help.)
