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Blue Swallowtail

Gallery: Macro & Close-upPosted September 12, 2014124 views8 comments

The Pipevine or 'Blue' Swallowtail is one of several very dark (nearly black) butterflies. Up close, the upper side of the hind wing appears iridescent blue or blue green. The hind wings have the orange markings typical of most other swallowtail butterflies.
I have other 'classic' side views of this species, but liked this one for the look at the upper iridescent hind wing blue..
F/11, 1/1250th, ISO 1000, 1D M3, 300mm f/2.8 + 1.4x and fill.
Monopod for support.

Comments

8 comments

Comment posted by Keith Tate on September 12, 2014 at 10:55 AM

The out of focus stem in the BG looks like a Japanese symbol,,,, looks like a painting.. NICE Howard

Registered on December 11, 2004, 150 Posts, 1667 Comments

Comment posted by Mark Zelinka on September 12, 2014 at 1:48 PM

Very well done, I really like the comp.

Registered on August 20, 2007, 206 Posts, 998 Comments

Comment posted by Philip Hodgkins on September 12, 2014 at 8:58 PM

Good detail and a different perspective. It grows on me, Howard. I've seen these, but I don't believe I have ever seen the color of the hind wings before.

Registered on July 24, 2006, 2741 Posts, 12349 Comments

Comment posted by scott lanz on September 12, 2014 at 9:03 PM

Wow, another unique capture, Howard. I've never seen a blue ST either in person or in a photo. Magnificent! Certainly a fine addition to your impressive portfolio.

Registered on November 14, 2003, 840 Posts, 12902 Comments

Comment posted by Yun Gao on September 13, 2014 at 12:11 AM

Howard, Nice iridescent blue and color combo. Excellent DOF and SS. Another very fine swallowtail image.

Registered on September 11, 2012, 267 Posts, 1621 Comments

Comment posted by Mark Seaver on September 13, 2014 at 11:51 AM

Another fine butterfly shot, Howard, positioned well in a colorful setting. It's good to see the blue on the wing tops, plus it looks like there may be a touch of blue on the top of the abdomen. We get a few of these, but they're rare because there's very little pipevine.

Registered on January 23, 2011, 1103 Posts, 17270 Comments

Comment posted by Ian Wolfenden on September 14, 2014 at 4:05 PM

Maybe the composition does not quite have the impact of your best work, Howard, but this is still a lovely image. The spread of the wings is a compelling sight and the variation in the tones a visual delight.

Registered on May 18, 2007, 1108 Posts, 7647 Comments

Comment posted by Albert Darmo on September 14, 2014 at 4:30 PM

Hi Howard. Another remarkable capture

the upper hind wing color is stunningly beautiful.

Albert Darmo
Canada

Registered on November 25, 2008, 1386 Posts, 11978 Comments