Just hanging around

Fresh Tortoiseshell butterfly pupa, unusually suspended in 2 areas, it's normally just the silken pad at the tail which supports the chrysalis.
In a couple of weeks the butterfly will emerge with crumpled wings, pump blood from the abdomen through the wings to expand them. They will over a few hours harden, the butterfly will become agitated and I will release it to fly away.
7 image in camera stack, no editing.
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[FBailey]

Amazing detail, as always:) x

[Anne Pancella]

Such interesting patterns on this pupa.

[Milanie]

Really nice close-up and wonderful job spotting it.

[Julienne Jones]

Oh wonderful! It's strange to think of that miraculous transformation going on inside.

[KoalaGardens🐨]

fantastic capture - I think we too easily lose sight of the awesomeness of nature unless we just stop and look closely for a moment

[David]

Good work. Can't say I understand stacking. What is it and why necessary?

[Jesika]

@fbailey @annepann @milaniet @julienne1 @koalagardens
Thank you very much. 10 have eclosed (emerged) and have flown the coop with one under cover waiting for tomorrow and more still hanging around.
j

[Jesika]

@lostphojo Thanks, David. Stacking is taking a series of pictures of the same scene with very slightly different focal points. Clever people use focus rails and take many, many pics & then use equally clever software to combine them. I cheat & let my camera do the hard work. It's done to get the complete image, usually a macro or close up, in focus. It's not necessary of course, just adds detail - IF you want to.
j

[David]

@jesika2 The things they can do these days! I still use manual focus and allow myself only one shot! Even when shooting moving objects as in my recent birds of prey photos! It feels more satisfying when I get it right!

[Jesika]

@lostphojo I think that's wonderful and enviable and enormously satisfying. I've tried many times & failed. By the time my eyes have found my target & my hands have caught up, the what ever is long gone! My former GP still sometimes uses film, manual, single shot - of course he photographs our city & the old buildings don't move LOL.