There are worse ways to spend one’s lunch hour than to wander around looking at butterflies. I saw a number of species midday, but only two were wont to pose long enough for me to take satisfactory portraits.
My favourite is this first picture of a Pale Swallowtail on the fresh growth of a Douglasfir. Notice that it isn’t feeding. Not only does the Douglasfir offer no nectar, but the butterfly’s probosces is coiled below its head.
Similarly, this Western Tiger Swallowtail on a Western Red Cedar must merely be resting. It is siesta time.
Look at the coiled probosces of this Pale Swallowtail. It is clearly not feeding.
Entomologists have long suspected that the function of the tails on the swallowtail butterflies is to mislead hungry birds. A bird would grab at the tail and it would merely break off. This swallow–half–tail butterfly is evidence of the success of the butterfly’s ruse.
Alistair, the detail and crispness of these images are wonderful. I still intend to make the journey to Sylvanshine to attend class ‘How to make images come to life’ by ABF. Thanks for sharing. KLU
Kevin, the secret to photographic success lies in using the best equipment you can afford. This picture of my camera should be able to tell you everything you need to know. Oh yes, you also need an operating index finger.
Sylvanshine beckons. Call me.
A note to those for whom this exchange makes little sense:
a. Sylvanshine is the name of my home.
b. Over the years, Kevin and I have devoted some considerable effort to whimsical disagreement about things photographic.
Please Alistair, I am not disagreeing with you, I just have a different way of viewing things. I believe as a child I spent too much time coloring outside the lines while you were drawing the lines.
Kevin, someone who draws outside the lines is acknowledging the tyranny of the lines every bit as much as someone who draws inside the lines. Do try to break free of these constraints.