What you have is a male Diana Fritillary, Speyeria
diana. Keep a lookout for a female. The females are black and blue. I've included a link.

Here is a link that might be useful: Female Speyeria diana

OMG!!! You've found the ultimate butterfly - I'm jealous!
After the hurricane when we were discussing moving, I wanted to move to the mountains, and part of the reason was to live where dianas occur.
Congratulations!

Sherry

Milbert's tortoiseshell are found in more northernly locations. However, you found a way cooler butterfly. Not that Milbert's aren't cool. Just not as rare.
Congratulations,
Elisabeth

Oh wow! I'm sorry I saw it instead of one of you, who would have fully appreciated it. Your excitement is contagious, though! This was near a creek I pass twice on my daily walk. Haven't seen that one again, nor any others, but I'll keep looking and may hang out there awhile, just in case!

Thank you all! and Sherry, whatcha waitin for? ;)

If it had been up to me, I'd have been there in 2006!

Maybe one of these days I can at least come for a visit!

Sherry

Just thought I'd post this pic of the Milbert's tortoiseshell I took a couple of summers ago here in MN.

{{gwi:489255}}

Enjoy!
Tucker

Gorgeous, Tucker! Thanks for posting.

Sherry --it's a long day's drive, but you'd love it.