black swallowtail by Richardphotos

Photography • Macro • posted on Jul 02, 2007

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Description

Butterflies go wherever they please and please wherever they go. They are messengers of nature, not only adding brilliance to their surroundings but also pollinating flowers and revealing the healthiness of our communities. Historically, butterflies have been revered in art and lore but otherwise have been ignored. Today, however, we are beginning to realize the many benefits of these smaller wildlife forms. The Black Swallowtail Papilio polyxenes asterius Stoll Color: P. polyxenes has a black body with yellow spots along each side. The wings are black, dorsal side, with two bands of yellow markings running down laterally. On the lower wings, the female has a distinctive blue band of coloration between the two yellow bands, with a red spot near the tails, whereas the male has less blue with more distinctive red spots. On the ventral side, there are brilliant orange-red and blue markings located laterally, on the lower wings, and two rows of yellow markings located laterally on the upper wings (Klots, 172, 1979). Size: The Black Swallowtail is 2.75-3.5 inches in width (Klots, 172, 1979), and 3-3.5 inches in height. http://www.holoweb.com/cannon/black4.htm I have seen these huge butterflies several times but never got a good capture. I was walking in between rain showers and noticed this lady come for a touchdown landing. they look like stealth bombers. I was leaning over a stone ledge capturing her when the rain started again. I threw the camera in the bag just in time as it started pouring before I could get to my FJ one lake that was way below just 2 months ago is now 18'0" above normal

Comments (97)

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auntietk

12:10AM | Mon, 02 July 2007

Congratulations on a gorgeous capture!

janedj

12:19AM | Mon, 02 July 2007

Fantastic capture!!! Hugs Jane

Valerie-Ducom

12:23AM | Mon, 02 July 2007

Wowww, so beautiful picture on this butterfly :)

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three_grrr

12:23AM | Mon, 02 July 2007

Oh Richard! A magical capture! I have not seen a black swallowtail in some time. We have many of the yellow form, but they don't stop long enough for me to even get my camera up let alone get a shot!

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keeneye

12:24AM | Mon, 02 July 2007

Excellent find!!!!!!!! these illusive butties!!!!!!!

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babuci

12:26AM | Mon, 02 July 2007

Excelent shot to study the beautiful dotted patterns running along the wing edges. great info too, thanks for that.

MrsLubner

12:29AM | Mon, 02 July 2007

I am always amazed at the different kinds of butterflies. All we seem to have are small white ones and an occational Monarch in the spring. This is wonderful! Nice and clear and well seen and shot.

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micturn

12:35AM | Mon, 02 July 2007

This is so good!

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valere16

12:35AM | Mon, 02 July 2007

Hello, as we say in France: " the big spirits meet " lol very beautiful photo, bravo, I like very much!

aquablue

12:42AM | Mon, 02 July 2007

Excellent shot !!!

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blankfrancine

12:50AM | Mon, 02 July 2007

Gorgeous capture of a fleeting beauty with its so short life!

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DennisReed

12:50AM | Mon, 02 July 2007

A real Beaut Richard! Thanks for the info too!

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mcv

12:53AM | Mon, 02 July 2007

Congratulations on an excellent photograph of a difficult to capture subject! Your writeup is also informative and top quality too!!

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ToniDunlap

12:58AM | Mon, 02 July 2007

No wonder you capture such beauties. You are ever ready. Certainly I've never seen one this color. Marvelous capture Richard. You share such wonders. Thank you.

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TheAnimaGemini

1:15AM | Mon, 02 July 2007

Beautiful close up.first time i see this beauty from so near. Excellent shot.

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melevos

1:32AM | Mon, 02 July 2007

excellent and very beautiful capture

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jif3d

1:43AM | Mon, 02 July 2007

Oop's..typo ! I was trying to figure out what a blacl swallowtail was, when I first saw the title ! right, this Black Beauty is awesome !! lucky to get this capture with all the rain and 18 foot above is great news too, no more drought ! ~Cheers~ :o)

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