We know how organisms can display individual variation, usually a slight, but interesting, difference from the "normal" versions. But...oh my goodness...this butterfly is truly remarkable! Thanks to Sue and Tom Crockett for sharing this observation with the Observatory. Their find was made on June 24, 2021 while conducting the George Washington's Birthplace annual butterfly count in Essex County, on the Northern Neck. They showed the photo to butterfly expert Harry Pavulaan, who identified it as a Summer Azure, which is the only azure species flying here during this time period. I searched for similar photos and didn't find any, so if anyone has some, please share to taberzz@aol.com. The large dark markings are truly bizarre and make a beautiful, striking image. I've included a photo of a lightly-spotted "normal" Summer Azure I took last month, here in James City County, as a comparison. Brian Taber
