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.
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 t photographing more winged beauties.
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.