During a recent visit to Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge I noticed that the thistle plants were attracting a lot of butterflies. I managed to photograph what I think was a Spicebush Swallowtail butterfly (Papilio troilus) as it was feverishly feeding on the thistles.
The butterfly had sustained a significant amount of damage to its wings, which made identification of its species a little difficult—it is possible that this is actually a Black Swallowtail or one of the other dark swallowtails in my area. Whatever the case, I was once again amazed that, despite the damage to its wings, the butterfly seemed to be able to fly and feed without any obvious limitations.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Amazing how resilient they can be. Beautiful contrast of this black butterfly against the purple flower.
I, of course, love the inclusion of the thistle in the image. I like the message this portrait sends: even when we thing we are vulnerable and delicate and damaged, we can demonstrate fortitude and resilience and find our strength.
So pretty!