Butterfly

[Trent Watts]

This rather plain brown butterfly landed on my neighbours fence. It was barely visible until the wings expanded in the afternoon sun. The brown body is useful to hide among leaves and debris but it puts on quite a show when seen from above with the wings open. iNauturalist says it is a Compton Tortoiseshell.

 

[AlanLichty]

Amazing difference between the sides of its wings. It's almost invisible until the wings are spread. Good eye for spotting this specimen.

 

[JimFox]

I have seen similar ones in the butterfly pavilion here in Denver, but hadn't really seen them in an environment where they do turn invisible basically.