Swallowtail
by Robert Bales
Title
Swallowtail
Artist
Robert Bales
Medium
Photograph - Photo
Description
This seem to like our Lantana bush in the Foothills, Arizona. It kept returning to it today and I followed it for several minutes trying to get a good capture.
Swallowtail butterflies are large, colorful butterflies in the family Papilionidae, and include over 550 species.Though the majority are tropical, members of the family inhabit every continent except Antarctica. The family includes the largest butterflies in the world, the birdwing butterflies of the genus Ornithoptera.]
Swallowtails have a number of distinctive features; for example, the Papilionid caterpillar bears a repugnatorial organ called the osmeterium on its prothorax. The osmeterium normally remains hidden, but when threatened, the larva turns it outward through a transverse dorsal groove by inflating it with fluid
The Eastern tiger swallowtail (Papilio glaucus) is a species of swallowtail butterfly native to eastern North America. It is one of the most familiar butterflies in the eastern United States, where it is common in many different habitats. It flies from spring to fall, during which it produces two to three broods. Adults feed on the nectar of many species of flowers, mostly from those of the Apocynaceae, Asteraceae, and Fabaceae families. P. glaucus has a wingspan measuring 7.9 to 14 cm (3.1 to 5.5 in). The male is yellow with four black "tiger stripes" on each fore wing. Females may be either yellow or black, making them dimorphic. The yellow morph is similar to the male, but with a conspicuous band of blue spots along the hindwing, while the dark morph is almost completely black.
Eastern tiger swallowtails are diurnal, and are usually solitary. Adults are known to fly high above the ground, usually seen above the tree canopy. Males seek females by patrolling habitats containing the larval host plants. During courtship, the male and female fly about each other prior to landing and mating. The male releases perfume-like pheromones during courtship to entice the female into mating.
Uploaded
January 22nd, 2016
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Viewed 3,025 Times - Last Visitor from Cambridge, MA on 04/25/2024 at 11:12 PM
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Comments (73)
Marvin Blaine
So Impressed with what you see and capture Robert! Outstanding natural colors and textures! Stunning! L/F!
Janet Marie
Robert ! Congratulations for being one of the Spotlight Artists for the "NATIVE FAUNA OF ARIZONA" Theme, for the week of Friday, 07/10/2020, in "BEAUTY OF ARIZONA," Art Group!
Janet Marie
Your beautiful work has been given SPECIAL NOTICE, in the 2020 12th round of, "JANET'S JUBILATIONS!" It can be found in the discussion thread, "Janet's Jubilations April-June 2020" in the "BEAUTY OF ARIZONA," art group. One of 10 different artists chosen for the week of 04/13/20 (THEME: Butterfly beauty in Arizona). A brief thought shared above your artwork. Janet💕
Robert Bales replied:
Thanks so much, Janet for the wonderful feature and the promotion!! It is greatly appreciated!!
Maria Hunt
Exquisite work, Robert. Perfection. Nominating this beauty for a Special Feature in 1000 Views on 1 Image Just beautiful. F/L/
Christopher James
One of your peers nominated this image in the 1000 views Groups nominated images by your fellow artist in the Special Features #9 promotion discussion. Please visit and pass on the love to another artist.
John Bartelt
Wonderful capture, Robert! Love the composition, colors, and light! I have nominated this beautiful image for a Special Feature in the 1000 views on 1 image group. l/f/twt
Anita Faye
Robert, happy to feature your beautiful work on Groovy Butterflies! https://fineartamerica.com/groups/groovy-butterflies.html
Kay Brewer
What a perfect photo, Robert! Congratulations on your lovely art reaching over 500 views! tweet