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Red-spotted Purple


Red-spotted Purple
Photo Information
Copyright: John Reasbeck (ubc64) Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 76 W: 21 N: 208] (789)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2008-08-18
Categories: Insects
Camera: Canon A650 IS
Exposure: f/5.0, 1/500 seconds
Details: (Fill) Flash: Yes
More Photo Info: [view]
Map: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2008-08-22 22:09
Viewed: 3375
Points: 4
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
I was reluctant to post this shot, because it has a couple of obvious deficiencies. However, it does serve as a record of this butterfly's visit to our yard.

Initially, I thought that it might be a female Black Tiger Swallowtail. However, I had not seen any other photos that showed markings exactly like those on this butterfly. In particular, I noticed the double lines along the bottom of the wings -- unlike any Swallowtail's markings. There are no tails also. There are more reddish spots along the upper portion of the wings than I had ever seen too. With any luck, this butterfly will visit again. Hopefully, I will be better prepared the next time.

In his critique, Ivan (Argus) has identified the butterfly as a Red-spotted Purple (Limenitis artemis). I did some searching, and for the first time saw other butterflies with similar coloring and markings to the one I posted. Thank you, Ivan! I've renamed my photo accordingly.

I looked for another image on the Internet that shows the red and blue dots along the bottom of the wings. I've seen markings that are very close in other photos of the Red-spotted Purple, but nothing that is exactly the same as the one I posted. I suppose that's asking for too much to find one that's identical.
bobair, lovenature has marked this note useful
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ThreadThread Starter Messages Updated
To Argus: Thanks!ubc64 1 08-23 07:31
To bobair: Thanks!ubc64 1 08-23 07:15
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Critiques [Translate]

Hi John, I know about that reluctant feeling of should I or shouldn't I post a deficient shot of mine but then I think if I don't ,I'll get no feedback to help me improve my skills and that is what in part we all are to do at TN.I am glad you posted as this photo has very nice colour and a decent point of view,the deficiencies you speak of ,are the focus and graininess which can be controlled if you have a manual focus capability and aperture setting you can select manually but if the A650 IS is a point and shoot type that is not always possible and I quote myself now-"The thing is to do what you can with what you have available to you at the time:be it dull or spectacular all records of life on our sweet planet are precious and shouldn't be taken lightly even if the photo is not a gold winner."That quote is from my introduction page and has not changed since I joined TN.Thank you for sharing your photo as it counts in the scheme of things here on TN and by those who take the time to drop in. Bob

  • Great 
  • Argus Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 5038 W: 260 N: 15594] (50626)
  • [2008-08-22 23:20]
  • [+]

Hello John,
Though this image has its technical deficiencies, it is nevertheless a striking portrait of a species of butterfly that is not at all a swallowtail.
It is is in fact the Red-spotted Purple (Limenitis artemis), a variable species that has several named subspecies.
TFS,
Ivan

Absolutely beautiful.

Hi John
I can see why you wanted to post this magnificent butterfly...the colours on his wings are just so beautiful. Plus the flowers and greenery around him just add more colour.
TFS Janice

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