Red-spotted Purple Butterflies are most often seen sitting on bare patches of earth or on plant leaves rather than around flowers.  The males spend a lot of time "puddling", that is imbibing mineral-laden water from puddles, to obtain minerals to pass along to the female at mating time.

Species information from eNature.com:  Red-spotted Purple

Nature Photography, Wildlife Photography, Waterfowl Photography and Bird Photography from Marsh, River, Field and Forest Habitats.
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