Our weather has definitely turned cooler, and the number of insects is definitely decreasing. I therefore treasure each encounter that I have, knowing that it could be the last one of the season.
I spotted this beautiful Red-spotted Purple butterfly (Limenitis arthemis astyanax) during a recent visit to Jackson Miles Abbott Wetland Refuge. It seems to have suffered a bit of wing damaged, which did little to damage its beautiful colors. I believe that this butterfly species has two broods, one in the spring and one in late summer, which may help to explain why this butterfly’s colors are still so vibrant—some of the other butterflies that I see have colors that are worn and faded.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
A beauty!
Thanks, Eunice.
Beautiful butterfly! I remember seeing one of these one time here. Even though the subspecies astyanax is reported from all over my state, I see the subspecies arthemis every year.
Thanks, Gary. It looks like you see quiet a different set of creatures that I see regularly, which is not too surprising, considering the geographic differences between our local areas.
Gorgeous.
Too pretty for words, Mike.