A few days ago, when I was looking for a completely different butterfly, this one landed in front of me, all ready for its meal.
It was a painted lady (Vanessa cardui), known as cosmopolitan in the colonies, distelvlinder in Dutch, showing off its colours and patterns.
The ones we see in The Netherlands normally reside in Africa and around the Mediterranean, but they migrate north in spring. Very strong long-distance flyers, these, they don't just flap about a bit.
As it was busy eating, I was able to get some photos at my leasure:
I don't know if this one was going to stay, or continue north towards Scandinavia. If you live there, let me know if you see it flying past 8-).
Thanks for watching!