Opening the door into the back lane, I noticed that a little shred of dead leaf had attached itself to the wood.
It posed obligingly, as photos were taken from every angle.
And then with a rapid flick of its wings, it was off.
I have no idea what it was, but it was a pleasure to watch at rest for a few brief moments.
The camouflage butterflies use is amazing, mind you I think maybe this one needs a few lessons, it doesn't quite work on your back gate.
ReplyDeleteI think it's a Comma butterfly! We sometimes see them here, they look ragged and ripped but open up to a lovely rusty red colour. Beautiful - what lovely pics.
ReplyDeleteWow! Great wildlife photography.
ReplyDeleteI had a similar experience a couple of months ago though 'mine' was different. Yours is a Comma, so called because of the white comma on the underwing.
ReplyDeleteThank you - I hate not knowing what something is called, and I couldn't find it when I looked it up.
ReplyDeleteRachel - it is definitely a Comma! There are photos of one sunbathing , with its wings wide open, on my blog post from yesterday. We have had several of them in the garden recently. I love their raggedy wings.
ReplyDeleteYep. My trusty Collins Complete British Wildlife says it is a Comma. The caterpillars feed on common nettle, elm and hops. Oh and it is double brooded and hibernates.
ReplyDeleteThat's absolutely amazing it's so completely like a leaf!
ReplyDeleteOh, what lovely photos. Very special moment. Where are you planning to go when you leave Newcastle - the place my gorgeous son is at University at the moment!
ReplyDeletewow !! amazing & beautiful !! great photos
ReplyDeleteAmazing photos! I've never seen one of these before - I will have to look carefully next time I see odd leaves about the place!
ReplyDeleteWell spotted - intriguing. Glad you know it's a Comma, saves a restless few hours wondering. I like its pretend eye. I shall look it up now as I'm curious about how it got its name.
ReplyDeleteWonderful - and so easily missed. I shall view small dark dead leaves with more respect in future.
ReplyDeleteI am in awe of your photos! Fantastic.
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting butterfly. I've never seen one like that. You good some great pictures of it!
ReplyDeleteOur garden is home to some enormous moths at the moment. I try to remember to close the windows in the evening as the eldest won't sleep if one is anywhere in the house! She doesn't take after me with wildlife at all.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness ~ I have never seen anything like it! Excellent photos!
ReplyDeleteHave a nice evening.
xo Catherine