The Red Admiral or previously called the Red Admirable. From information found on Wikipedia this butterfly is known as an unusually calm butterfly, and will often allow very close observations before flying away. Unfortunately, I did not get very close, but was excited to discover a new-to-me butterfly on my walk this morning.
As I look at this butterfly, and consider his names, I imagine that he has suffered some battle scars and yet survived to carry on.
The term “admiral” is described as a commander, evolving from terms such as king, prince, chief, leader, nobleman, lord and governor. I also looked up the term “atalanta” and found it described as a character in Greek Mythology, “a huntress who would marry only someone who could beat her in a foot race”.
When I look at the worn and ragged wings I can only imagine the life stories this lovely beauty might be able to share.
May we all fight hard our own battles and finish the race set before us.
A warrior does not give up what he loves, he finds the love in what he does.
~Dan Millman
Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.
~Confucius
peace of life today 
Looks like you got close enough to get a good picture of it. As you say, it will have had an interesting life with plenty of tales to tell!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, yes, I got close enough, then cropped it a bit more 😊 I was excited to see him. I guess anytime I see a winged creature flutter by I get excited!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That feeling sounds very familiar and I tend to do the same – take a photo, as close as I can get, then crop it to show it off to its best. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Definitely always a Red Admiral over here – I hadn’t heard those other names!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You know your butterflies, Sarah! As I go through my summer photos, I keep finding new butterflies to identify. And even this weekend I’m still finding new ones!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I don’t know a large number of butterfly names but that one was quite common here when I was a child, they were often in our garden. We see them less these days it seems; others have taken over.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Even with his scars, he has beauty.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, his wings look faded and a bit beat up. But he can still fly!!
LikeLike
An excellent message Lisa – and the photo works perfectly with it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Tina!
LikeLike