When presented with a downward-facing flower, this Eastern Tiger Swallowtail butterfly (Papilio glaucus) was forced to choose an unusual angle of attack. Seeming defying gravity, this acrobatic butterfly hung upside down as it probed upwards earlier this week at Prince William Forest Park in Triangle, Virginia.
If this were an Olympic competition, I would give him a 10 for both his technical skills and overall artistic impression.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
And very nice interpretation by you, Mike!
Thanks, Ellen.
I love it!
As is often heard, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” What a beautiful butterfly this Eastern Tiger Swallowtail is and what a beautiful portrait you have made of him. Thank-you! P.S. I was wondering if you would send me your email address, there is something that I would like to send to you if you will.
I sent my e-mail address to your yahoo address, Ellen.
I will give you a 10. Lovely image.
You’re too kind, Michael. Thanks.
Beautiful photo Mike!
Beautiful butterfly and image Mike!
Thanks, Chris. This early in the season, the butterflies are in perfect condition. Later in the season the butterflies become tattered, but retain their beauty.
Unusual and utterly captivating. The main focus appears to be on the leaves and flowers and they really pop, with the strikingly beautiful butterfly in its unusual position below, slightly fuzzy. This really captured my interest and I love the shot!
Thanks, Liz. The butterfly kept moving about and it took me a lot of shots before I got one that gave a good view of its body in profile. I think you are right that I kept my focus on the flower as I shot.
Perfect timing, perfect angle, perfect capture and perfect explanation