Nearing the end of it's life.

[JohnP]

It's amazing to see so many butterflies that are near the end of their life cycle still flying and feeding when they are in such poor condition. This is a Silver-washed Fritillary, I spotted lots of several species looking like this yesterday.

[NannyFerret]

They are lovely sharp shots,. John.
Do you think the poisonous sprays that ar e being used to spray crops has something to do with their condition?

[JohnP]

Tina... all butterflies only fly for a number of weeks, they feed, mate and the females lay eggs and then they eventually die. I see lots in poor condition towards the end of summer, it's quite normal following their busy short life. I believe there are only five species of butterfly that can overwinter as adult butterflies or a chrysalis, all the others overwinter as a chrysalis only. The five are Brimstone, Comma, Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock and Red Admiral. Anyone please correct me if I'm wrong.

This made me chuckle: http://www.turtlediary.com/kids-videos/butterfly-life-cycle.html

[Phil]

Tis a tatty thing, but as you say, probably not got long left.

Lovely images though 

[JohnP]

Tis a tatty thing, but as you say, probably not got long left.

Lovely images though 

Thank you Phil... I really appreciate your comments.

[VWGolf]

Butterfly Life (by some Victorian poet whose name I forget)

What though they tell me each gay little rover
Shrinks at the breath of the first autumn day?
Sure 'tis better, when summer is over
To die when all fair things are fading away?

Some in Life's winter may toil to discover
The means of procuring a weary delay
I'd be a butterfly - living, a rover!
Dying when fair things are fading away.

Amazing how your mind remembers things like this, but I'm glad I did as it seems to fit your photographs so well  :-)