There is another thing that makes butterflies difficult to identify. Their patterns are different depending on whether you see them with their wings open or folded, as here.
Julia: on 2011-11-13 10:56:17
I was taught many years ago that butterflies held their wings up so they could face into the sun and be almost invisible, casting only a sliver of a shadow. The colour on the wings on the down position would be for the benefit of other butterflies, I guess. Moths being more nocturnal, rest with their wings open against trees and blend in.
Julia: on 2011-11-13 10:56:17