The Swallowtail
by Robert Bales
Title
The Swallowtail
Artist
Robert Bales
Medium
Photograph - Photo
Description
This Swallowtail returned to these flowers several times a day while we were camping in Salmon, Idaho.
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
July 27th, 2016
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Viewed 2,696 Times - Last Visitor from New York, NY on 03/29/2024 at 9:55 AM
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Comments (42)
Marvin Blaine
Pure joy and beauty Robert! As I've said before it doesn't get any better than this! F
Robert Bales replied:
I always look forward to your wonderful comments, Marvin!! Thanks for the FAv!!!
Christopher James
One of your peers nominated this image in the 1000 views Groups nominated images by your fellow artist in the Special Features #11 promotion discussion. Please visit and pass on the love to another artist.
Constance Lowery
georgous photography, love this. L/F
Robert Bales replied:
Thanks Constance for the commnet and the LF!! So glad you enjoyed the butterfly!!
Christopher James
Congratulation.....your wonderful work has been featured in the 1000 Views on 1 Image Group l/f/p
Anita Faye
Robert, happy to feature your beautiful work on Groovy Butterflies! https://fineartamerica.com/groups/groovy-butterflies.html
Charles Robinson
Great capture and composition, Robert. I love it. A favorite
Robert Bales replied:
So glad you enjoyed the butterfly and thanks for the comment and the promotion!!