Thursday, May 28, 2009

Zebra Swallowtail Butterfly






Of all the swallowtail butterflies that call the state of Tennessee home, this one has eluded me for the past 10 years that I've taken an active interest in the natural world. That is until a few days ago.
I was lucky enough to capture these images while the butterfly was feasting on clover. It didn't seem to mind that I followed it as it moved from flower to flower, amazed at how beautiful it is up close (look at the stripes on its little body!). All the while I was hoping that the batteries in my camera would hold up just a little bit longer...then suddenly it flew off into the woods. A totally magical few minutes of my life! Thank you my stripped little flying friend. I'll remember you forever.

9 comments:

It's All In The Blog said...

gorgeous photos!
I love butterflies, and that is such a pretty one

Arelel Designs said...

Those are awesome pics of the zebra butterfly. I have never seen that kind of butterfly. Thanks for sharing.

Sarah Knight said...

butterflies are sublime : )

pretty pictures!

Christine said...

Discovered your blog from the Etsy forums. Enjoying your photos at your blog and now following your blog. I've gotten a few pics of some butterflies on the nature trail where I take bike rides. They are hard to capture since they flutter away so easily. One time I was trying to get a photo of one as it fluttered along the trail. I spent awhile there waiting to get a photo.

SumpinElse said...

Absolutely stunning pictures, thank you so much for sharing with your readers.

The Great Ethan Allen said...

Wow! Great Photos! I'm so jealous. We have an extensive collection from around the northwest. The zebra has also eluded us as well. ( we did find a pale swallowtail out west!) thanks for sharing!

livingglassart said...

Thank you so much, everyone, for all of your lovely comments on these pics! I hope I can find some more interesting creatures to share.

Wear Your Wild said...

They are gorgeous butterflies. I had never seen them either until a few years ago. I was out taking pictures of some flowers and one flew into the photo. I snapped as many as I could of it too. :)

KeeperEdge said...

Congrats on the great snaps! It's an amazing butterfly!