This beauty was feasting on a ripe fuchsia seed on our front porch.
It was so fixated on eating that it totally ignored me.
It just hung out there under the fuchsia.
Josie tried to tempt it with Black-Eyed Susana . . .not interested.
I had assumed it was a Spicebush or Pipevine Swallowtail--the black and blue butterflies I'm familiar with. But then I realized, there was no swallowtail. None.
Call Mr. Google! A little sleuthing led me to a butterfly I'd never heard of-- a Red Spotted Purple. I believe that's our visitor. And what a beauty!
Below is a photo from the internet that helped me identify this beautiful critter. Lots more info HERE.