Pearl Crescent Butterfly

Critiques [Translate]

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• ramthakur (56953)
• [2012-08-25 18:52]
• [+]

I can empathize with your state of dilemma regarding the exact ID of this butterfly, Ruby. I have seen the Workshop version too and with that additional facility, an expert would surely rush to your side shortly.
You have managed a very crisp and sharp image with your compact in macro mode. The picture is perfectly balanced with the light aiding you from the best possible direction.
I give you 10/10 for your first butterfly picture from the US.

*****

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• PeakXV (3135)
• [2012-08-25 19:47]

Hi Ruby,

A nice image of this beautiful butterfly. A well engineered green bokeh being in sharp contrast to the orange & black hues of this insect. Well focused and from a less than easy angle! I believe this is a female Pearl Crescent (Phyciodes tharos) - compare here: http://bugguide.net/node/view/459945 - but let's see what others thing ....

Regards,

Derek

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• tuslaw (19883)
• [2012-08-25 22:34]
• [+]

Hello Ruby,
First of all I would like to congratulate you on your first butterfly photo from the US. Both of your images show this beautiful little Crescent off very well, as they give us a good look at it's wing markings and colors.
When it comes to positively identifying these tiny orange and black butterflies, that can be a difficult job to say the least. I usually look in my guide books first, but must admit the photos are not always the best, as patterns and markings can very widely from different areas of the country as well as what time of year the photo was taken.
I believe you are on the right path at assuming this particular specimen is either a Pearl, Mimic or Northern Crescent.
I checked out the site Derek suggested and your WS photo matches the closed wing image perfectly, but I also noticed that this photographer was also not 100% positive of it's identity. Even Bug Guide suggested that a positive ID is not always reached when dealing with the Phyciodes.
The only one I would rule out is the Tawny, since they seem to have much more black in their color patterns. To make matters even more complicated I found an image of a Mimic male that looks almost exactly like yours. If you care to check it out it is photo #1465 on this site.
http://www.carolinanature.com/butterflies/mimiccrescent.html
Anyways...the main thing is that your having a blast exploring your new environment (Treasure Island), while finding many beautiful and interesting ceatures along the way.
Ron

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• Merlin (1713)
• [2012-08-26 3:53]
• [+]

Hi, Ruby
We can narrow down the ID by considering the geographical location of where you took this photograph. If you enter the region details into the menu on the Butterflies and Moths of North America website here you will find that only two species are likely - P. tharos and P. phaon. Tharos is the commoner species, and phaon is very distinctly different from your butterfly - so Phyciodes tharos, it is! From the wing shape and pattern (upperside and underside) I believe that it's a male.
Best wishes, Nigel.

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• PeterZ (49139)
• [2012-08-26 7:49]

Hello Ruby,
Very nice photo of this butterfly in beautiful light and colours. Good sharpness, details and DOF. Beautiful blurry background too.
Regards,
Peter

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• euroblinkie (64279)
• [2012-08-26 12:07]

hello Ruby
very nice and sharpness composition with beautiful colours
thanks greeting lou

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• Silvio2006 (102073)
• [2012-08-26 12:45]

Ciao Ruby, congratulations for your first butterfly, great macro by difficult POV, fine details, splendid sharpness and wonderful colors, very well done, my friend, ciao Silvio

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• lousat (65489)
• [2012-08-28 2:39]

Hi Ruby,i'm in dealy for the ID but i'm ontime to give you my best compliments for this great capture.A rare guest of TN and an excellent quality despite the difficult wings position,i like it!Have a nice day and thanks,Luciano