“Vanessa”

As in Vanessa cardui, the scientific name of the Painted Lady butterfly. Yes, I know I posted a Painted Lady two weeks ago. But catching this one with wings down against such a fantastic background is just too irresistible! (Now I’m really glad I didn’t post a Painted Lady 3 days ago when I had a good side shot of the bottoms of the wings! I posted the Eastern Carpenter Bee instead.)

Confirmed at BAMONA as Vanessa cardui or “Painted Lady”; http://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/sighting_details/936324

Confirmed at BugGuide as Vanessa cardui or “Painted Lady - Hodges #4435”; http://bugguide.net/node/view/850949

Hodges #4435.
Other Common Names: “Cosmopolitan”, “Thistle Butterfly”
Explanation of Name: cardui = Latin for “of thistle” referring to the caterpillar’s food plant. From BugGuide: http://bugguide.net/node/view/2649

Had yesterday’s flat tire repaired: the culprit was a “body bolt,” likely from a Jeep, according to the guy who plugged it and sent me on my way. I’m just glad it didn’t have to be replace: all 4 tires on my car are only 6 weeks old!

One year ago (“Up before dawn…”): http://365project.org/rhoing/365/2012-09-30
Two years ago (“Stained glass”): http://365project.org/rhoing/365/2011-09-30

[Rick Schies]

Well, Vanessa is quite the pretty Lady

[Tammie]

Very cool!