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I believe this is a Nymphalis antiopa or a 'Mourning Cloak' butterfly. Also called 'Camberwell Beauty' in Britain. This one seemed to have a strong preference for one particular plant and even though it didn't spook easily, if I got too close, it would take off and circle, but return to the same spiny-leafed bush. The species appears to be quite common & are said to prefer tree sap to flower nectar.