Butterflies and lantana

Zebra Heliconian in Resaca de la Palma State Park.

While spending a couple of misty, windy days in the Rio Grande Valley, we quickly discovered that if we found a sheltered patch of lantana in the sun, the chances of seeing butterflies increased.

Red Admiral, below, and Painted Lady at Choke Canyon State Park.

This Monarch also was along the birding trail at Choke Canyon State Park.

Four orangish brush-footed butterflies at national center

Empress Leila

On a cloudy March day the bright butterflies looked even brighter at the National Butterfly Center. 

All of these orangey fliers are brush-footed butterflies or nymphalidae.

Sorry I didn't get pics of their little front legs that are covered in hairlike scales. Maybe next time I can get  them to show some leg.

American Lady

Pearl Crescent

Red Admiral. I really like the Red Admirals, but I'm never able to get a good pic.