Another spring butterfly

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Another spring butterfly

April 14, 2019 by Mike Powell

As we move deeper into spring, more and more butterflies are starting to appear, like this beautiful Zebra Swallowtail (Protographium marcellus) that I spotted yesterday at Accotink Bay Wildlife Refuge. Zebra Swallowtails are most often associated with pawpaw trees, which is helpful to know, though I must confess I don’t know how to identify a pawpaw tree. What I do know is that these butterflies are constantly on the move and fly in such an erratic way that I have trouble getting a decent photograph of one.

Yesterday I managed to get a shot of a Zebra Swallowtail when it paused momentarily at a small tree, perhaps a possible pawpaw. What I like about the shot is that it shows well the colors of the butterfly as well as its long “tails.” I could not decide how much to crop the image, which was taken from a pretty good distance away, so I am including tow versions of the image. Personally I am drawn most to the second one, but recognize that many folks may prefer the first versions, which draws you more quickly to the butterfly’s beautiful details.

Posted in Butterflies, Insects, Nature, Photography, spring, wildlife | Tagged Accotink Bay Wildlife Refuge, Canon 50D, Fort Belvoir VA, Protographium marcellus, Tamron 180mm, Zebra Swallowtail, Zebra Swallowtail butterfly | 9 Comments

9 Responses

on April 14, 2019 at 8:02 am | Reply Steve Schwartzman

I prefer the first version because two details in the second pull me away from the butterfly: the bright leaf in the lower left and the light streak below the butterfly’s tails. The cropped version of the photograph removes the leaf entirely and also the brightest part of the streak.
- on April 14, 2019 at 8:10 am | Reply Mike Powell
  
  Thanks, Steve, for the feedback, especially your explanation of why you prefer one image. I couldn’t decide if the lower leaf was going to be an issue. My normal tendency is to shoot (or crop) tightly, but I never know if others share my preference, so I will occasionally try another approach.
on April 14, 2019 at 1:06 pm | Reply Ellen

What a lovely butterfly! I prefer the first image because the coloration appears more vibrant. I must also add that Steve’s points have much merit. Thank-you!
on April 14, 2019 at 4:08 pm | Reply joyroses13

Beautiful and I like the first one the best.
on April 14, 2019 at 8:25 pm | Reply Ms. Liz

I’m just staggered at such huge wings coming from a little body! Truly amazing creature!
on April 14, 2019 at 9:44 pm | Reply Eliza Waters

Beautiful creature! Judging from its posture, I think you may have captured it laying an egg. Pretty cool!
on April 15, 2019 at 4:32 am | Reply centralohionature

Great shot of a beautiful butterfly that flies swiftly and doesn’t often rest.
- on April 15, 2019 at 6:42 am | Reply Mike Powell
  
  Thanks. I am amazed by the stamina of the Zebra Swallowtails–they sometimes wear me out when I chase after them trying to get a shot.
on April 15, 2019 at 5:36 pm | Reply Molly Lin Dutina

I vote for #1. Great shot!