Survivor

This Eastern Tiger Swallowtail is missing a large part of one wing and all of its tails. It spent a lot of time fluttering at different flowers before I caught it in a more relaxed pose.

According to Google AI: "Butterflies can still fly with tattered wings by beating their wings much faster to make up for the lost surface area. They use their strong flight muscles and adjust how they move through the air to stay balanced."

So I'd guess this is one tired butterfly.

[gloria jones]

Stunning nature shot...fabulous bokeh, colors

[KoalaGardens🐨]

so well blended in

[Susan]

Beautiful composition

[Barb]

Lovely dof!

[Suzanne 🇦🇺]

So good!

[Christine Sztukowski]

Beautiful presentation

[Mags]

Beautiful capture and I love the bokeh.

[Junan Heath]

Gorgeous!

[Corinne C]

Beautiful butterfly matching the flowers

[Ann H. LeFevre]

And the bee! Timing is everything! fav

[Karen Hofmann]

Wow, this is fabulous! They are so amazing in that they can fly with a large portion of their wings missing.

[Babs]

Well spotted he blends in so well

[Peter Dulis]

lovely

[Heather]

Wow, KV! This shot is just stunning! I love the yellows and greens and your amazing bokeh! The swallowtail itself is a beauty, even though so terribly wounded. It's good to know that they have a way to compensate for the loss and / or damage of their wings. But yes- how tiring for it! Fav

[Cathy]

I think I’m to the tattered wing stage of life. A lovely photo to remind us to push forward with the life we have left.

[Islandgirl]

Lovely, he blends in nicely!

[Diane]

Poor guy. Awesome photo.

[Dorothy]

Glad it’s getting some nectar for its strength. Beautiful photo.

[eDorre]

Amazing shot! Thanks for the info

[Diana]

Gorgeous capture and colours.

[haskar]

A wonderful capture. Lovely bokeh.

[Kate]

Great capture

[Jo Worboys]

I like all the yellow hues

[Wylie]

Well camouflaged

[mittens (Marilyn)]

Such a lovely capture.

[Elisabeth Sæter]

Lovely

[Renee Salamon]

Beautiful