I caught this butterfly eating out of my rose bush one morning. I tried not to scare it away before catching a photo of it. The wings were constantly moving back and forth and I thought it had back legs. It was beautiful and never seen one before. Can anyone help me identify it? Thanks
great purple hairstreak
i'm jealous! =D
http://davesgarden.com/guides/bf/go/118/
This message was edited May 18, 2011 4:47 PM
Note: The movement of the back tips of the wings is a defense to trick preditors into thinking that is its head. All hairstreaks have that movement. Glad you got to see one, I did a few years ago, but since then haven't spotted a one.
Thanks to all.
Sheila - I understand now the movement of the wings. I had to look closely to figure out which was the right side the head was. The wings kept moving fast back and forth. Glad I took the picture. I have not seen it come back to feast again on my rose. :(
I wouldn't be eating your rose, butterflies are usually nectar feeders. Butterflies only have the proboscis and draw in liquids from various sources. It could have been on your rose for the nectar opportunity or just basking in the sun.
