Uploading early for tomorrow as I can't wait to post this photo of Monobrow's mum (click on tag 'monobrow' below to see Monobrow himself and his father). She's a beautiful swallowtail Citrus Butterfly (Papilio aegeus), sometimes called an Orchard Swallowtail. I've been stalking her for weeks but she's a very fast mover. Today she decided to deposit her eggs on my lemon tree and I caught her in the act of making more Monobrows. I'll keep an eye out for the emerging caterpillars before the birds get to them. She moves very fast, fluttering her wings non-stop, so that I haven't got the perfect shot here but it's better than the others I've tried, so here she is. She's way more beautiful than the male of the species.
I've never thought about the sex of butterflies before. If she had not laid eggs, I suppose the coloring would have indicated a female. I'm impressed. Beautiful photograph. What an education I'm getting!
@gingersanders Thanks Ginger. Just reinstated my follow of your photos. I don't know why it was gone and hadn't realised. Happened once or twice before so must be an occasional glitch.
Great catch Robin! What an amazing butterfly. Good on you for your persistence. It has been rewarded with a great pic. I look forward to seeing the caterpillars.
What a beauty! Enjoying learning about the wildlife where you live. I am in the US in Illinois and we are right in the middle of winter here. It's so nice to see all the color.
Robin you did a wonderful job. I think you have to save the eggs and raise the caterpillars before the birds eat the babies. I am counting on you! Thanks for your nice comment on my photo.
@swrws Thanks Susan. I had many scores of shots at this over the weeks before finally capturing this one. @difeeney @friendie @stephd @miraries @pixelchix Thanks Diana, Carol, Steph, Miriam and Heather. @molizard @brittgow @ellida @littlec @kirsty @gill @murnane @flamez @twofunlabs @miranda @peggysirk @specky @alia_801 @hunnybee @sarasdadandmom @bobg @timandelke @shantwin @yoelao @juhlin @lindalu @maryellen @oleary @katrinacristy I've run out of time to address you all by name but thanks so much for your wonderful and appreciative comments. You are all so kind. @trimley11 Thanks Stephen, and thanks for the follow. @wac Wendy, thanks and I'll do my best!