This Red-Spotted Purple butterfly is intent upon getting minerals from the moist trail substrate.

They appear in early summer and the last of them, looking less splendid, may be seen in early September.

Those rich red spots are at the front of each forewing and can also be seen on the ventral (underside) wing surface. No 2 butterflies are identical.

This is another butterfly that flies quickly away from you to a new spot some 30 feet away. If you have the patience to pursue, eventually you’ll get the photo that you seek.

Jeffrey