Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta)
Not completely wordless this Wednesday, last evening I spotted a butterfly enjoying newly opened flowers of Lantana camara (Common lantana). The striking pattern and distinct coloring made it easy to identify this as Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta).
Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta)
Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta)
The light was low and the Red Admiral jumped around out of range as I approached so it was hard to get a good photograph, but in several images I was excited to see reflections in the fence post.
Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta)
Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta)
Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta)
Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta)
Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta)
Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta) on Lantana camara (Common lantana)
pbmGarden 
Beautiful photos Susie.
Thanks. It was fun to see this little beauty.
Great capture of the red admiral Susie. Amazing how the colours are reflected onto the fence, I wouldn’t have expected that.
Thanks Christina. I’m reviewing a photography class on DVD and the instructor pointed out a shot in which he captured reflected color on the subject and was so thrilled about it. Not quite the same but I was happy when I noticed the reflection.
Looks like the lantana kept the admiral busy long enough for you to get some great shots. No matter how much patience I muster, they always flit away far too soon.
I read the admiral has very erratic flight patterns and I believe it. Would have liked the images to be sharper but it’s fine. I am not sure I’ve ever seen this butterfly before at all.
The red admiral looks thoroughly enamoured with the lantana! They are beautiful photos
Thanks Matt. Butterflies do love Lantana camara. It’s invasive in Florida but so far not in NC.
Nice effect and a pretty butterfly, I like how all the colors work together. One year admirals were all over the place here, I think they’re a very cyclical butterfly.
Thanks. How lucky to have so many. Haven’t seen another admiral since photographing this one.
Great shots! Red Admirals are amazing acrobats when they’re flying, aren’t they? This one was kind to pose for you, and it’s great to see the butterfly from several different angles.
Thank you. I was doing acrobatics along with the butterfly. Such a pretty one.
GREAT photos. And your Lantana is huge.
Thanks Jason. My first Red Admiral! The lantana died all the way back last winter so is only now finally in full bloom. It will get another couple of feet taller and wider before winter (unlike the hybrid lantana that come in yellow or pink used for landscaping).
Beautiful photos. Surprisingly, the Red Admiral slowed down and let you take photos. Red Admirals up here never stop flipping their wings.