Any idea? From a distance we thought they may have been Monarch's. Close up it does not appear to have the coloration of a Monarch. Does anyone know what they might be? Idle curiosity...

NotAnselAdams Loc: Pueblo, CO

From a distance we thought they may have been Monarch's. Close up it does not appear to have the coloration of a Monarch. Does anyone know what they might be? Idle curiosity on my part. The pictures were taken yesterday (68 degrees) and I think it is too late in the season for newly hatched.

Fred Harwood Loc: Sheffield, Mass.

Perhaps one of the Painted Lady butterflies.

Tom DePuy Loc: Waxhaw, N.C.

NotAnselAdams wrote:

From a distance we thought they may have been Monarch's. Close up it does not appear to have the coloration of a Monarch. Does anyone know what they might be? Idle curiosity on my part. The pictures were taken yesterday (68 degrees) and I think it is too late in the season for newly hatched.

I'm with Fred,
I believe they are Painted Lady..
I had one in my yard the other day, never have had one here before..

Oh nice shots

I.A.Teacher

No Pun intended, it looks to be a cross between a Monarch and Great Horned Owl. I have seen such years ago, on a TV Nature program. If you look carefully on the back part of its wings there is a design that looks like the eyes of an Owl. The commentator said it was to ward of predators (Birds) who like to eat them.
It's pretty.

jeryh Loc: Oxfordshire UK

Painted Lady; they usually are the last of the Transient butterflies in the UK.

I.A.Teacher

Makes sense.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Whatever it is, the wings are beautiful.

NotAnselAdams Loc: Pueblo, CO

Thanks all for the input. Whatever the butterfly is, it is far ranging. Jeryh see's them in Oxfordshire and I find them in Colorado, they get around. Since we can't agree on what to call them, painted lady or a monarch owl how about called them hedgehog butterfly?

I.A.Teacher

Okay By Me!

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

NotAnselAdams wrote:

From a distance we thought they may have been Monarch's. Close up it does not appear to have the coloration of a Monarch. Does anyone know what they might be? Idle curiosity on my part. The pictures were taken yesterday (68 degrees) and I think it is too late in the season for newly hatched.

I only know the German name of these (Pfauenauge), that basically describes/compares the eye-like part features on the end of a peacocks feather! So I would assume that the English name would be similar!

NotAnselAdams Loc: Pueblo, CO

Cool. Thank you.

sailorsmom Loc: Souderton, PA

I don't know what they are, but these are beautiful shots, NotAnselAdams!