Magnificent Beauty!!

I am soooo excited about this post!!  My husband called me outside this evening while watering our plants and said "grab your camera."   I knew it had to be good...or at least I was hoping it was good!

Oh, it was better than good - it was magnificent.   But what exactly was it?  This beautiful creature was near our deck just lying in the grass.  When I got close, it fluttered/flapped its wings together rapidly, but did not seem to be able to fly.  

As I said, it was very near our deck and seemed to be trying to get underneath.  I did not want my presence cause this beautiful creature undue harm or stress.  However, I wanted more pictures! 

Again, more fluttering/flapping around as I tried to capture a decent shot of its underside.

The wingspan was 4 to 5".  Again, it was trying to get underneath our deck.    

I got it turned around using a stick - I was scared to touch it.  The markings were incredible - the pictures do not do it justice.

It appears as if a grass-blade pierced its wing.   At this point I decided to leave it alone and let nature take its own course. 

I am so happy to report that a few minutes later my husband watched it fly away without any sign of distress.  Hooray!  I was so relieved and hope that many others get to catch a glimpse of this magnificent beauty! 

And again, just exactly what was it - moth or butterfly?  

xoxo,

SouthernSass