Telepathic pleading failed to get this Dusky-blue Groundstreak to turn to a more photographically shootable angle. In this photo we’re at the National Butterfly Center, Mission, Texas near the border wall. It’s the last week in December, 2017. New butterflies appear every day, and I’m not getting jaded. Nope, I’m thinking that several more days there, or in the near future: sing, just sing to me.

Yep, the head and anterior end of this precious butterfly are not in view. The intense reds, black and white you see are rich and eye balm. A fine band of that rich red shows, encircling the blue field. Is there a tease of blue peeking out, that blue from the upper wing surface?

A butterfly only found in southern Texas. Well, I just happened to be in Mission, and I happily met the Dusky-blue Groundstreak.

Jeff