I chased this little orange butterfly through the woods for quite some time this past weekend in an effort to get my first butterfly image of the season, a Pearl Crescent butterfly (Phyciodes tharos). It may not be as big and brightly colored as some of the butterflies that I may encounter later in the season, but I find a real beauty in its minimal color palette and intricate design.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
I would have chased it too. I haven’t seen any here yet.
I think I might have spotted an Eastern Swallowtail the same day, but I didn’t get a close look or a shot, so it doesn’t “count.” It shouldn’t be long until you see some butterflies too.
That’s a beauty!
Thanks, Dan. Once the butterfly landed, I shot a bunch of shots to try to get the wings in the open position and timed this one pretty well (the butterfly kept its wings in motion much of the time, it seemed).
Proving, once again that good photography is only made to look easy by a patient and talented photographer.
Great shot, Mike, and about time butterflies started flying around there. The variety and numbers are really starting to take off here in the southwest, so you should be seeing lots more soon. Sometimes tough to get them to land long enough to focus on, you really nailed this one!
So beautiful. I can’t wait to see my own!!!
ooh, this is a beauty! Crisp detail, gorgeous color — this is a wonderful shot.
I always look forward to seeing these in Minnesota each year, but it will be a while yet before they appear. They appear earlier where you are, of course, but their first appearance is a most welcome event!