Orange Butterfly

Started by web0178230, 08/30/2003 10:29PM
Posted 08/30/2003 10:29PM Opening Post
This morning I noticed a couple of these guys doing aerial acrobatics and chasing each other around some Lantana flowers. They would swoop and tangle and then land and feed. They'd go back to fighting for a minute or two and then drop down and feed some more. This shot is more luck than any skill on the part of the photographer. I'm in S TX...anyone know this species? Just curious.
Bill in SA

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web0178230's attachment for post 8826
Posted 08/31/2003 04:16PM #1
Bill, Those butterflies were most likely not fighting, but engaged in a mating dance. Black Swallowtails, in particular, put on quite a show. The females will hover over the male, swinging like a pendulum, and fanning him with her pheremones to encourage mating.
Posted 09/01/2003 03:51PM #2
Beautiful shot Bill.... just lovely detail!

"The expression of the beautiful is in direct ratio to the power of perception acquired by the artist." (Gustave Courbet)