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Scarlet Swallowtail
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| [Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note |
The swallowtail butterfly family, Papilionidae, consists of at least 550 species, many of which are large and colorful and recognizable even to non-specialists. While the majority of swallowtail species are found in tropical latitudes, representatives from the family can be found on every continent except Antarctica, and can be common in both tropical and temperate habitats. Swallowtail butterfly diversity is greatest in East and Southeast Asia, a region where many natural butterfly habitats are under extreme threat of destruction due to human activity. Some swallowtails, particularly representatives from the genus Parnassius, may fly at very high elevations.
The name "swallowtail" refers to a tail-like extension on the edge of the hindwing that is found in many, though not all, papilionids. The function of this tail is not known, but genetic studies in some species of Papilio suggest the tail is a labile character whose expression is controlled by a single gene
The one shown in the photograph is Scarlet Swallowtail Butterfly (Papilio rumanzovia), native to Asia
Taken at the Butterfly park in Thames, New Zealand |
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- Aramok
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 896 W: 101 N: 1501]](https://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-g-g.gif)
(5166) - [2005-09-12 11:30]
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Nice photo, good colours and good DOF, but it's too small and feels too closely cropped.
Hi Scott
Although this image is too small, the color and composition are very good. The hot spot under the right wing is a bit distracting, but I like the shot overall. You should be able to repost this shot in a larger size.
Regards,
Greg
![Silver Note Writer [C: 0 W: 0 N: 64]](https://i1.treknature.com/misc/n-n-s.gif){kind=small}
