Must-See Butterflies And Summer Blooms

Readers captured the brief moments when these fast-flying garden guests paused among summer foliage.

This American lady visited my garden a few summers ago. I love this close-up because it shows the intricate details of the butterfly's wings and eye. The purple coneflower also provides an interesting contrast to the blue-green background.

Katerina Kretsch BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT

I took this photo of a skipper the summer I got my first digital Canon DSLR. I never knew what these tiny butterflies looked like up close! It was neat to catch all of the details, such as the way the light shines on its eye and proboscis and through its wings.

Gina Howell HUNTINGTON, WEST VIRGINIA