Yesterday evening butterflies made an encore appearance in they yard. This time the red admirals were joined by several clouded sulfurs, a handful of question marks and commas, and a few individuals that I couldn’t identify. The action was fast and fierce as they defended their favorite perches, which might explain the increasing incidence of wing damage.
I know it can’t go on forever, this butterfly explosion, but I hope it lasts a few more days…
Rae Spencer 
Though it couldn’t go on forever…how wonderful for you to witness ‘this butterfly explosion’! Thanks for sharing!
Stay tuned! Yesterday’s warmer weather brought a new wave of them into the yard. I hope to post more photos this afternoon…
Hi Rae. I’m not much of an expert on American butterflies but I think your last one is another “American” Painted Lady (V. virginiensis). Beautiful photos!
🙂 Samuel
Thanks for the ID! I wondered if it would be possible to say for certain, with species other than commas and question marks, based solely on the under-wing view. Even though this week has provided a daily mini-course in butterfly identification, I’m still very much a beginner.
You’re welcome! 🙂 Yes – most butterflies can be identified by their undersides. Less so with moths but some moths can ONLY be identified by their undersides.