compton tortoiseshell butterfly
September 19th, 2011 § 24 Comments
I have been looking for a tortoiseshell butterfly for years. I knew we were supposed to have them in this area, but had never run across one. On Sunday afternoon, I took a short walk to the edge of the woods to see if the maples there had started to turn. They haven’t by the way. This compton tortoiseshell rose out of the grass and landed in a tree just about eight feet up. I never did see the back of it, but am satisfied with the shot for below.
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He’s absolutely gorgeous and I’ve never seen one here in Kentucky ever. Wished I had. Carol
Carol, I hope you see one sooner than I did! It is a pretty sight.
What a pretty butterfly! I’ve never seen one.
According to my book, you have this one there. They are related to the mourning cloak, and seem to be more of the woods than the garden.
I will have to look more closely!
Beautiful shot Sandy. It’s wonderful to catch a glimpse of rarely seen creatures. Very pretty butterfly.
I feel the same way, Meanderer!
This looks very similar to the Question Mark butterfly we have here in Kentucky. I love the jagged edged wings. The Question marks usually fly all crazy like. I observe the question marks mostly on woodland edges also. Did you get to observe the flight pattern of the tortoise shell? Great find and photo.
No, I didn’t, and that is too bad. This butter flew straight up, and after the stop just above me, disappeared in the treetops. Maybe I will get another chance at it.
Lovely photo, you were able to get here, Sandy.
Lots of detail. and the butterfly is so pretty.
This is nice you were able to see a butterfly you’ve always wanted to see,
Brenda
Beautiful…love the clolours
Hi Sandy
What a beautiful butterfly, it has such lovely colours and you got a nice shot with the light on the wings.
Regards
Guy
Oh what a treasure! So nice you could get this photo and share it. A beauty.
i was lucky enough to get the compton and the Milberts tortoiseshell… i live in michigan .. beautiful shot !
He is beautiful. I just took a photo of a tortoiseshell yesterday and am trying to figure out what kind it is. I don’t think it is this one. I will probably post it on my blog today. Milbert’s tortoiseshell is one of our most common butterflies here.
Yes, I think that is what it probably is, at least according to my butterfly book.
Finding something very special when actually looking for something else is a gift. What a great shot you took of the Tortoiseshell – I’ve never seen one.
Sandy, your blogs are so inspiring. I’m looking forward to your new path – I’m sure it will be one to follow.
What an utterly gorgeous shot!
What an exquisite shot!
A wonderful macro Sandy.
Beautiful and intimate, as if you are privy to something very private. I love it.
love this. absolutely love this.
This is my first tortoiseshell!