Graecian Shoemaker male / Catonephele numilia

You'd never guess that this plain underside belongs to a colourful male butterfly. I've added a previously posted photo of the upperside of this male in a comment box below. Taken in the ENMAX Conservatory at the Calgary Zoo on 25 September 2012. I was surprised by the clarity of this image - wish all my photos came out like this, ha.

"Grecian Shoemakers are a favorite in butterfly gardens around the country. They represent a stunning example of sexual dimorphism, as the males and females look completely different." The wingspan of these butterflies is 2". Their life span is 4 weeks.

www.auduboninstitute.org/animals/butterflies-flight/greci...

"Butterfly wings are usually very colorful with pretty patterns on the top side of their wings while the underside of their wings are usually darker, more drab colors. Butterflies usually rest with their wings closed and the dark colors help them blend in with their surroundings, making it harder for birds and other predators to see them. The colors on the surface of a butterfly's wings are made up of lots of little tiny scales. If you were to touch a butterfly's wings, you would notice some colored powder-like substance on your fingers. Those are the tiny scales!"

www.hometrainingtools.com/a/learn-about-butterflies