Underwing

Two differnt butterflies
Location: eastern, canada
September 24, 2011 8:26 am
There is two different type of butterflies and I don’t know what is type is.
Signature: M.o

Underwing

Dear M.o,
You have mistaken an Underwing Moth in the genus
Catocala for a butterfly.  Underwing Moths usually have forewings that are patterned like tree bark.  When the Underwing Moth rests on the trunk of a tree, it is perfectly camouflaged, and when it flies, its brightly colored underwings present a flashy appearance.  A predator will be fooled once a flying moth comes to rest hiding the brightly colored underwings.  Your other butterfly is a Red Admiral.

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