The Buckeye stops here

 

A sparkling Pacific Ocean, photographed from Bodega Head on 5 October 2013

It was a warm fall day with an offshore wind, conditions that are good for butterflies (among other things!).

I think I saw more Buckeyes (Junonia coenia) on Bodega Head today than I've ever seen before, including several mating pairs.  

Below you can see a pair in the mating position, "tail to tail."  

 

Here's a view from the side, with wings closed, which makes it a little easier to see both individuals (this is the same pair as in the photo above).  Butterflies may stay in this position for ~30 minutes or several hours.

 

I don't know if Buckeye caterpillars ever grow up on Bodega Head, but I'm glad the adults visit here in the fall!