More Wisley Butterflies 2015

Malachite, Siproeta stelenes.  Wisley Gardens, Butterflies in the Glasshouse, 10 February 2015.

More exotic butterflies from the RHS gardens at Wisley.  This Malachite has a more autumnal tone on its underside.  Here's one at a feeding station.

Malachite, Siproeta stelenes.  Underwing.  Wisley Gardens, Butterflies in the Glasshouse, 10 February 2015.

One of the prettiest types was almost monochrome, with just a hint of yellow.

Tree Nymph, Idea leucona.  Wisley Gardens, Butterflies in the Glasshouse, 10 February 2015.

Despite the droplets in the background, it wasn't raining outside.  That was condensation on the glass.  Actually, it was so warm and humid that it was some while before I could take photos without my lenses steaming up.  Next time I will take the camera in the cabin of the car, not the boot, to keep it warm - a tip given me by another photographer.

Common Leafwing, Doleschallia bisaltide.  Wisley Gardens, Butterflies in the Glasshouse, 10 February 2015.

Like some of our native species, this leafwing disguises itself quite effectively when its wings are closed.  Though it did rather stand out on the feeding station.

Glasswing, Greta oto.  Wisley Gardens, Butterflies in the Glasshouse, 10 February 2015.

I saw a few of these Glasswings flying around but they never seemed to perch within reach, until just as I was leaving.  I colled down in the temperate section of the glasshouse and popped back in to the tropical area for one last look, and this one flew down and perched nicely within reach.  The transparent wings look highly unusual on a butterfly, though they are quite normal for insects considered more widely.

I will certainly visit this butterfly display again.