Sunday, September 30, 2012

Swallowtail Tale


This past Wednesday, Hubby yelled in the door,

"Bring your Camera!" when I hear those words, I gallop walk fast to the kitchen, grab the Rebel off the table and out the door.
He points up in the top of the tree... 10 feet above my head.


At first it looked like two butterflies, just doing their thing.


But then I realized there was a 3rd butterfly behind, enlarge above photo and you can see the 3rd one


while I squealed and screamed there are THREE of them, Number four arrived.... I sent these pics to my friend who is a published butterfly expert and asked this question?

Holly, these butterflies look like they are killing or eating the big one, are butterflies cannibals?
the answer is NO, this is common for other male butterflies to come and try to lure the female away from the one she chose.. who KNEW?

30 comments:

Amy Burzese said...

Who knew indeed. Learn something every day!

Ann said...

Well now, how interesting is that. I certainly didn't know that. Pretty butterlies too

Auntie sezzzzzz... said...

Please explain what you mean by "action"?

Does her answer mean, that butterflies have multiple sex orgies?

-chuckle-

"Auntie"

Auntie sezzzzzz... said...

If so, why can't we use the WORDS?

"Auntie"

Anonymous said...

I did not know!

Cranberry Morning said...

Yeah, who knew!! Beautiful photos. What a beautiful butterfly!

Unknown said...

Wow! Fantastic snaps =) of these beautiful butterflies!
Hope you're having a nice Sunday!

Deb said...

The males are "players" I didn't know that... Cool shots so glad Bob spotted the photo op

Ruth Hiebert said...

WOW! What a special moment you captured here. Perhaps this post should have had a warning on it,'adults only'. LOL

Chatty Crone said...

That is one fantastic photo there Sandra - they are so gorgeous! And I love the added information - I learn something everyday and I love it. Have a good day.

Inger said...

Oh, the poor girl -- too much attention! The photos are incredible.

Susannah said...

Great pictures ...wonderful colors of the butterflies! Great information...as usual! Hope you are having a nice Sunday.

Betty Manousos said...

i find that quite interesting!
great info, toot! who knew indeed!

as for your photos they are all unique and truly gorgeous!

TexWisGirl said...

as bad as the deer in rut. :)

DawnTreader said...

That looks complicated! I wasn't aware that the competition continued as far as that...

Miss Debbie said...

Well that's interesting! Those naughty butterflies! :-)

Miss Debbie said...

Oh, and thank you for your kind comments about my blog! :-)

My Mind's Eye said...

MOL MOL MOL MOL MOL
NO MATTER THE SPECIES EVERY FEMALE LOVES HAVE MULTIPLE ADMIRES FIGHTING OVER HER. THESE PHOTOS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED TO BIRDS AND BLOOMS
EXCELLENT AND TELL BOB HE IS A KEEPER FOR YELLING GET YOUR CAMERA.
HUGS MADI AND MOM
ps YOUR SONG WORKED NO RAIN TODAY BUT RETURNING TOMORROW.

Sr Crystal Mary Lindsey said...

Interesting! AND,,,Those photos are picture perfect. What a wonderful camera! Such wondrous creation on wings.

Angela said...

Oh my goodness! What a great find! Great pictures as always!

Just Mags said...

Those pictures are amazingly gorgeous! And how often is one able to see four butterflies together like that let alone get terrific pictures of them. Great job capturing those. Hugs

SquirrelQueen said...

Insect porn? You should post an adult (insect) only warning. Hee Hee Hee!

Great captures of nature in action. And a Yay to your hubby for spotting it.

EG CameraGirl said...

Fascinating! Butterfly jealousy!!

S. Etole said...

This was the first summer I've seen a swallowtail. They must winter in Florida.

Catherine said...

Pretty!

LC said...

Went to an interesting butterfly program by a phjotographer and writer who have authored Butterflies of Alabama. Your photo and info was not among their images and stories. Way to go Bob and MadSnapper!

Debra Dickinson said...

Kudos to Bob for calling for the MadSnapper! Great job of capturing and telling the story. Love it! :)

Dee said...

Glad they are not cannibals...but it would be difficult explaining this to the grands. :) I love that your hubs first instinct was for you to grab your camera.

Rose said...

I certainly didn't know!

Heidrun Khokhar, KleinsteMotte said...

Only info I am still missing is the name of this butterfly. Awesome pictures.