Dry leaf - South Indian Blue Oakleaf

Description:

Video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrCpfCzWMdkI saw a dry leaf suddenly come alive and take to the wings 2 years ago. The brilliant blue colors are fresh in my memory. That 5 second sight was a magical experience.I have seen this master of camouflage a few times after my first encounter. Have tried for a close up many times, but in vain.2 days ago I saw it mud puddling at a distance among the dry leaves. I was thrilled!!I went low on the ground and slowly started approaching it. I photographed the butterfly every time I got a little closer anticipating it would fly off the very next second.After a 5 minute long painful crawl on the rocky terrain I was at an arm's length from this beauty.It was mud puddling on mineral rich dampness in the ground. Every now and then it would slowly flap its wings only to reveal its brilliant colors. I was in awe... Totally excited yet keeping my cool, grinning like crazy. grin emoticonI took many shots and even managed to capture a video for you guys.This Butterfly didn't want to fly away. The mineral supply it was getting from the damp ground was worth risking its life for i guess.I spent a good 10 minutes with it, when without warning it took to the air and landed about 20 feet away from me on a tree trunk.I enjoyed this rare experience to the fullest. :-)