Marbled White

Marbled White. Thixendale, Yorkshire. The tiny red mites are Trombidium Breei which are not a problem unless there is a heavy infestation when weight becomes an issue. They use the butterfly as "transport" from one site to another.
Oly 60mm macro lens

250714EM1060mm031218

[Sue Cooper]

Beautiful close up.

[FBailey]

Lovely shot x

[KoalaGardens🐨]

now isn't that a pretty pattern? love the tongue right down in the flower :)

[Jesika]

@susiemc Thank you, Sue, that's very kind
j

[Jesika]

@fbailey Thank you very much. I took this at Thixendale where the MW live along the road edge just outside the one street village. I was brave, used my 60mm macro lens which you can do at Thixendale because there is so much food and so many MW they hardly move. The farmer is good too, he doesn't cut the verges until MW season is over. Why can't all farmers councils land owners do the same?
jx

[Jesika]

@koalagardens Gorgeous, isn't it? Many butterflies have prettier under wings I think and Marbled White is certainly one I seek out. The tongue - posh name proboscis - is in 2 halves when the butterfly ecloses and it "zips" together very quickly after hatching.
Thank you
j

[JoeV]

The detail is so fantastic.

[Jesika]

@joev Thanks, Joe. It's a stunning butterfly and to my mind the underwing is prettier than the upper. The tiny red hitch hiking mites are harmless passengers not blood suckers.
j