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 
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.
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…