Yesterday, when I shared the pale young Raccoon, I mentioned that I also photographed some butterflies at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge. Here they are!
Viceroy butterfly at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge – Canon R7, f8, 1/1000, ISO 800, -0.7 EV, Canon 100-400mm at 400mm, natural light
While walking along one of the side roads, the first butterfly I saw through my viewfinder was a gorgeous Viceroy. Viceroys are known for being a look alike to Monarch butterflies.
Personally, I think Viceroys have their own beauty and shouldn’t be compared to Monarchs.
Silver-spotted Skipper at Sequoyah NWR – Canon R7, f8, 1/1600, ISO 800, -0.3 EV, Canon 100-400mm at 400mm, natural light
The second butterfly I photographed was a Silver-spotted Skipper. I had never identified this species before and needed to use iNaturalist for assistance.
The striking white markings on the wings were a great key feature for identification. Skippers can be hard to ID, but this one wasn’t! I hope I see more of this species soon.
Pipevine Swallowtail next to the Arkansas River – Canon R7, f13, 1/640, ISO 800, -0.7 EV, Canon 100-400mm at 400mm, natural light
Pipevine Swallowtail butterflies aren’t new to me. I used to see them visiting my garden in Virginia, flitting around the Eastern U.S. when I lived there.
This Pipevine Swallowtail was nectaring on blooming Peppervine along the bank of the Arkansas River. There were many insects buzzing around the Peppervine blossoms.
I’m sure I will be photographing more new butterflies before winter arrives and they disappear. I look forward to that.
Spicebush Swallowtail next to the Arkansas River – Canon R7, f9, 1/800, ISO 800, Canon 100-400mm at 400mm, natural light
Along with the Pipevine Swallowtail butterfly, I also spotted a Spicebush Swallowtail in the Peppervine next to the riverbank. Like the Pipevine Swallowtail, the Spicebush Swallowtail is a butterfly I am familiar with, but I didn’t get to photograph these species when I lived out West.
I’m sure I will be photographing more new butterflies before winter arrives and they disappear. I look forward to that.
Life is good.
Mia
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Such extraordinary beauty – and you captured it all. I love the composition of these pics. Thanks Mia.
Delightful! 💜
Very beautiful photos and butterflies!
The Swallowtails are my favorite!
Butterflies make me present. Thx Mia
All the butterflies are pretty. I guess I did not know the difference on Viceroy and Monarchs, perhaps if I saw them more I could tell. I like the black wings of the Spicebush.
It’s a joy to see all the butterflies – and their names. Never knew that we have Arkansas Swallowtails; i just thought they were losing their blue color.