www.ukbutterflies.co.uk

Hi

My wife and I have just returned from a South American holiday, where we spent a day at the Iguazu Falls in Argentina.

Stunning place, but it was 36 degrees and very humid, so I didn't take many pictures. I just enjoyed the whole experience as the butterflies were all doing a million miles an hour.

I did however get a picture of the one butterfly I really wanted to see, 88!

You have reminded me of an extraordinary event some years ago at the British Gliding Association Annual Conference.

An experienced glider pilot was giving an illustrated talk about his flying in Argentina. Then he flashed a butterfly photo on the screen.
John said: "I think Jack Harrison is in the audience. He'll know. So what what species is it Jack?"
With impressive confidence (but I was far from sure) I said "It's an Eighty-Eight."

Jack

Bob- as you know, I am hugely envious that you saw and photographed this iconic beast!

Lovely shot of a beautiful butterfly - pretty sure the species is Diaethria clymena, the Widespread Eighty-Eight.

I would love to see one some day...

When I was a little boy I had some colour-in butterfly templates, which I painstakingly coloured in and stuck up on my walls. One was this species (another, I still remember, was what was then called Agrias sardanapulus lugens). It's always had a special place in my imagination, but I've never seen one in real life, even in tropical butterfly houses. Magical!

I agree with Pete's ID.

Guy

Phenomenal butterfly.

Looks like a wrapped sweet.

Thanks for the replies.

It was a magical place, the birdlife was amazing too.

Later on in the holiday we were on a site in the Falkland Islands where their Fritillary flies. We were too late!