Duke of Burgundy

When I was up in the Pyrenees with my cousin the other day we came across a number of places where butterflies were gathering to collect the minerals in the damp earth.
Lots of different blues I'd never seen before and one that took a fancy to David and clung to his hand, refusing to budge.

It looked like a fritillary and I took several photos hoping to ID it.
When I looked at the photos I was amazed at the detail - which allowed me to see that it is a male Duke of Burgundy Fritillary. Despite the name not a fritillary at all, but the only species of the Metalmark family to occur in europe.
The males have very small front legs, appearing to have only 4 legs instead of 6!

What a gorgeous little guy! How did he come to land on your hand like that?

It's my cousin's hand and all the butterflies were after minerals, perhaps as it was hot there were some tasty salts sweated out LOL

I tried loads of times to catch him with his wings open, but he seemed to know :(

at first glance it does look like a frit. What a wonderful day that must have been. Did you get any photos of the blues?? I'd love to see those as well.

Unfortunately they're all blurry and unviewable MM :(

We did have a really good day
here's a pic of near the butterfly spot
http://davesgarden.com/t/438504/

I need to go again...

Wow! That place is unbelievable! I wish I could go there.

Come and stay with us CaptMicha and it's only a two hour drive to get up there :-D

http://www.ingascony.com/
(though for some reason I've just discovered our website's down at the moment - will look into that!)

I just visited your website.. how wonderful! I will have to make it a point to contact you in advance when I next go home to visit family outside of Lyon and then up north at Rouen.

So you have French Connections MM!! LOL
Would love to see you next time you're over :)

I've been to Rouen (very nice) but only past Lyon.
Do you speak French?

*LOL* yep, sure do (french connections) I still speak French with Mom and my brother when I don't want other people knowing what we are saying.. bad, huh? I was born in Rochefort. I won't be coming back over for another two years and can't wait till I do.

Please be sure to visit - you'll be very welcome :)