Peacock butterfly on buddleia

The peacock butterfly is not only one of the most commonly seen butterflies in my part of the world, it is also one of the most striking. It is both colourful and, because of the "eyes" that are reminiscent of those found on the tail feathers of a male peacock, very distinctive. The latter feature ensures that it is one of the few butterflies to which the layman can give a name. The man in the street is also quite likely to recognise the buddleia, the flowering shrub that seems to attract more butterflies than any other.

photo © T. Boughen     Camera: Olympus OMD E-M10

Peacock butterfly on blackthorn

One of the problems of running more than one camera is keeping up with the shots you take because, of course, there are multiple memory cards to manage. Today's photograph is a recent one that I'd have posted earlier if I'd remembered I'd taken it. In these coronavirus times a colourful, uplifting shot carries more weight than it might otherwise. Butterflies seem more abundant this spring though I have no hard evidence to support my feeling. Peacocks in particular are everywhere and this one minded my presence rather less than usual.

photo © T. Boughen     Camera: Nikon P900