Butterflies: A Photographic Challenge

Butterflies A PHOTOGRAPHIC CHALLENGE by Willis Peterson

Arizona offers a unique geographical position for students of Lepidoptera. It lies in close proximity to the Pacific Coast, and many Coast insects can be found as far east as the Colorado River, Arizona's western boundary. Then there is the multitude of tropical and sub-tropical species which over-flow from Mexico. Normally found farther south, many have taken up residence in the Chiricahua, Santa Rita and Huachuca Mountains. These large mountain masses are adjacent to, or near, the Mexican border. Various forms which are normally found at the edge of the Great Plains and the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and New Mexico, also spread into Eastern Arizona, making a state rich in this fauna. Arizona's exquisitely colorful world of Lepidoptera has always been fascinating to me. From a photographer-naturalist point of view it is a challenge to translate their fragile, ephemeral beauty onto film. Their spirit of loveliness and delicacy can be enhanced if the photographer chooses his colors to complement the color of the butterfly. The photographer has every bit as much latitude as a painter, but whereas a painter uses pigments and brushes, a photographer must use time and background. In the color study, the subject should always be the dominant hue the butterfly in this case. And therefore, the insect's wings are rendered against subordinate color background.

When the eye sees a subject in nature our mental process eliminates the rest of the surrounding area. This the camera cannot do, and consequently selective focus must be used to transfix the butterfly into a single plane of focus for a feeling of depth. This actually is reverse of stopping down for depth of field, but it produces a third dimensional feeling and eliminates distracting backgrounds.

Many methods have been used to photograph these insects. Probably one of the best methods is the capture and then chilling of the specimen in a refrigerator. This in no way harms the individual, but slows down his movements so that he can be placed in given positions. The other method is to watch the insect and shoot pictures accordingly. As the illustration shows, I use four cameras which I set off simultaneously. Three cameras are 34x44 Speed Graphics for color, while the fourth is a Hasselblad for black and white. Each camera presents a slightly different angle, but by using the three in unison all focused upon the site where the subject will be, a good action pictorial is bound to develop.

MOURNING CLOAK Aglais antiopa This butterfly hibernates during the winter. It is found throughout the entire United States and has two broods a year with the second brood appearing in August. It is also called the Camberwell Beauty. Taken with a 3½ x 4% Speed Graphic, Ektachrome film, 1/400 sec. at f.5.

PEARLY MALACHITEVictorina steneles Found only in the southernmost points of the Southwest states, it comes up from tropical America where it is very common. Prominent appearing wing veins form distinctive patterns. The upper side of the wings do not have the opalescent quality of the underside. Taken with a 34 x 4% Speed Graphic, Ektachrome film, 1/400 sec. at f.5.

GIANT SWALLOWTAIL Papilio cresphontes It is one of the largest butterflies native to North America. Some specimens meas-ure as much as six inches in wingspread. Range is wide, and may extend as far north as Ontario, Canada. Taken with a 34 x44 Speed Graphic, Ektachrome film, 1/400 sec. at f.5.

DAGGER-WING Athena chiron A tropical common butterfly in Mexico, it occasionally can be seen in the southern parts of Arizona. The dagger-wing is easily distinguished by its long hind-wing appendage. These insects also are easily recognized by dark upper surfaces while the undersides are of less color saturation. Taken with a 34 x4% Speed Graphic, Ektachrome film, 1/400 sec. at f.5.

QUESTION MARK Polygonia interrogationis One of our common butterflies throughout the entire United States, except the Pacific coast. It hibernates, but with the first warm days of spring it will be out searching for nectar. These butterflies are also known as "anglewings" because of their ragged, angular-shaped wings. Taken with a 34x4% Speed Graphic, Ektachrome film, 1/400 sec. at f.5.

FRITILLARY-Argynnis phrodite, var., GULF FRITILLARY - Dione vanillae The Fritillaries are medium or large-sized butterflies. Upper surfaces of their wings are usually reddish brown with well-defined black markings. Their underside, however, is usually marked quite profusely with large and small silvery spots, thus they are often called "Silver-spots." Taken with a 34 x 4% Speed Graphic, Ektachrome film, 1/400 sec. at f.5.

RED-BARRED SULPHUR Callidryas philea A very showy butterfly as it flits among our garden flowers. This butterfly is easily identified by the reddish-orange bar which crosses its wings. They have a wingspread of from 3 to 3½ inches. Taken with a 34 x 44 Speed Graphic, Ektachrome film, 1/400 sec. at f.5.

MEXICAN FRITILLARY Argynnis coerulescens This butterfly is often found in the Huachuca Mountains of our State, another semi-tropical species which flows into Arizona. All the Fritillaries are similar in appearance. Taken with a 34 x 4% Speed Graphic, Ektachrome film, 1/400 sec. at f.5.

The three species of butterflies shown here are very similar in appearance. The PIPE-VINE SWALLOWTAILS Papilia philenors-are greenish black with pronounced reddish spots on the underside of their wings. The AJAX SWALLOWTAIL-Papilio asterius-presents a somewhat similar color pattern on the underside of the wing, though with more reddish spots. The RED-SPOTTED PURPLE-Basilar-chia astyanax looks very much like these Papilios, but it is a different genus. It also has red spots on the underside of the wings. Taken with a 34 x44 Speed Graphic, Ektachrome film, 1/400 sec. at f.5.

WEIDEMEYER'S ADMIRAL Basilarchia weidemeyeri This insect is found on the West Coast of the United States and as far east as New Mexico. Flying in a conspicuous manner, it glides then beats the air with a rapid motion, continuing in an undulated flight. Taken with a 34 x 44 Speed Graphic, Ektachrome film, 1/400 sec. at f.5.

Continued from page eighteen COMMON SULPHUR Colias philodice These lovely butterflies are most often seen in small groups hovering over puddles during the summer months. Alfalfa fields are one of their favorite feeding grounds. Taken with a 34 x 4½ Speed Graphic, Ektachrome film, 1/400 sec. at f.5.

TIGER SWALLOWTAIL Papilio turnus GIANT SWALLOWTAIL Papilio cresphontes The Swallowtails are especially fond of a number of common garden flowers and that is where they are most often spotted. In colder climates they pass the winter as chrysalises. They are one of the largest butterflies and often have a wingspread of more than 5% inches. Taken with a 34 x 44 Speed Graphic, Ektachrome film, 1/400 sec. at f.5.

ZEBRA Heliconius charithonius Of course this butterfly is named from its having dark brown wings with yellow stripes. Also, it is sometimes called the yellow-barred heliconian. Forewings are twice as long as they are broad. The caterpillar of the Zebra feeds upon the passion-flower. Taken with a 3% x 44 Speed Graphic, Ektachrome film, 1/400 sec. at f.5.

DOG-FACE Zerene caesonia It supposedly gets its name from the markings on the wings which has the appearance of a rough likeness of a dog's face. They are most often found in the Southern states. Taken with a 34 x4% Speed Graphic, Ektachrome film, 1/400 sec. at f.5.

MONARCHS Danais plexippus Probably the best known of all butterflies native to America, it has spread to Europe, Asia and Australia. The caterpillar feeds on milkweed, a common plant throughout the world. The Monarchs are also remembered for their successful long range migrations. Taken with a 34 x 44 Speed Graphic, Ektachrome film, 1/400 sec. at f.5.

THE QUEEN Danais bernice Resembling the Monarch, but smaller, it has similar markings. It is one of the "protected" insects, so called by entomologists because it has a secretion which is distasteful to insectivorous predators. This fact the caterpillar feeds upon milkweed which is quite rank, and may even be poisonous. Taken with a 34 x44 Speed Graphic, Ektachrome film, 1/400 sec. at f.5.

HUNTER'S BUTTERFLY Vanessa virginiensis Often called the American Lady and very similar to Painted Lady, this insect and the Painted Lady are one of the most widely distributed of all known butterflies. It is easily distinguished by its two large eyelike spots on the underside of the hind wings. Taken with a 34 x 4% Speed Graphic, Ektachrome film, 1/400 sec. at f.5.

FRITILLARY Argynnis aphrodite, var. The Fritillaries have well defined black markings on an over all reddish-brown field. Their silver spots appear on the underside of the wings which makes the butterfly have the appearance of being two different species depending upon which side is examined. Taken with a 34 x 4% Speed Graphic, Ektachrome film, 1/400 sec. at f.5.

BUCKEYE Junonia coenia This is a very common flyer in the Southern states, but often ranges as far north as New England. The eye-like spots are found on both the upper side and the under side of the wings, but are much smaller on the underside. Taken with a 3% x 44 Speed Graphic, Ektachrome film, 1/400 sec. at f.5.

FRONT COVER CITRUS SWALLOWTAIL Papilio thoas Its common name is derived from its frequency in citrus groves. This is one of the largest butterflies found in the United States. Its larvae feed upon citrus leaves, and are often referred to as "Orange dogs." Taken with a 34 x 4% Speed Graphic, Ektachrome film, 1/400 sec. at f.5.

BACK COVER HAWK MOTH Sphinx cerisyi, var. The hawk moths have relatively short and stout abdomens. Their wings are narrow. In flight they beat the air with such rapidity they resemble hummingbirds and are often called hummingbird moths. Most are exploring the flowers for nectar when dusk falls. Taken with a 34 x4% Speed Graphic, Ektachrome film, 1/400 sec. at f.5.

Exquisite Sails

smaller. Both pairs of wings are indirectly attached to the thorax in a linkage system of muscle tissue. The wingbeat takes place as the thorax is flattened or narrowed by internally controlled muscles. There are other muscles which function to change the wing's angle of attack in relation to the air. These muscles supply directional control. The veins along the wing's leading edge are stiffer than those along the trailing edges. The result is a bending of the entire wing to create a flexible airfoil. Butterflies with large wing areas fly the most leisurely, with ten to fifteen beats per second being average. The hawk moths, heavy in body, and with relatively small wing area, beat the air with furious rapidity. These moths are expert at aerial acrobatics, and can even hover over flowers while sipping nectar in the same manner as the hummingbird. Many are called hummingbird moths. Both front and hind wings vary considerably in shape. There are species with long, narrow, roundish and diamond configurations. The hairstreaks are embellished with filament-like tail extensions. There are the butterflies called the commas and question marks, which flaunt ragged wing borders, resembling irregular coastlines. The swallowtails trail elegant peninsulas on their hind wings. Though moths and butterflies are closely related, there are general physical differences which are easy to To discern with the eye, but they should not be used as an ultimate guide. For the most part, butterflies are equipped with decidedly large clubs at the tip of their antennae. Along with brilliant tones, most are day flyers. Many moths differ from the butterflies in that they possess antennae which are feathery, remindful of radar aerials with lateral screens. The day-flying moths usually display glowing shades much the same as butterflies. Butterflies have more slender bodies, though here again there are a few families that resemble the heavier bodied moths. Butterflies usually keep their wings in a vertical position when closed, while moths prefer to fold wings in a horizontal position, pulled snugly against their bodies. While we do not think of the butterfly as having many enemies, he is certainly not immune from predators. The adult insect, as well as its larva and pupa stage, is never safe. Small mammals constantly search for and eat the pupa and larva. There are birds and lizards which capture and devour the butterflies. A host of insects, wasps, dragonflies, beetles as well as scorpions, centipedes and spiders all feast upon the larvae and adult members. Others capture the larva, drug it with poison and lay their eggs upon the inert form. These later hatch to consume the victim. As butterflies fly near, or over water, they may fall prey to fish, frogs, or toads, all of which exact their toll.

Continued from page seventeen

To defend themselves from such a harsh world, the butterflies have developed patterns and colors which help to save the insect's life. Some scientists feel that the Papilios' conspicuous tails are devices to confuse predators. If grasped by an enemy the appendage simply breaks away. A few adults evade their enemies by making a beeline for the nearest shrabbery and hide in the darkest shade of the plant. Pulling their wings tightly about their bodies, they wait for danger to pass. Larger specks rely mainly on speed and maneuverability in the air to outwit their foes. The defenses of caterpillars are manyfold. The cater pillar of the spice bush swallowtail displays two large eye-like spots on its hack portion which seem to emit some evil connotation to birds. Other caterpillars make tents by spinning silken webs among tree branches. Some of the hormworm caterpillars suddenly swing a menacing looking cudgel which they whip to and fro to and fro by moving their bodies. This fierce demonstration puts to flight many birds which otherwise would find a succulent tidbit. The caterpillar of the Papilios has an extremely specialized defense mechanism. It eludes capture by suddenly projecting a forked "horn," which discharges obnoxions odors.

One defense which no doubt defeats many predators is the feigning of death practiced by a number of larvae. Many card into a tight ball and lie motioneas for several minutes. Some drop their heads and become limp. There are larvae which feed only at night and hide during the day. Larvae also escape by hanging from silken threads. Some caterpillars are covered with dense hair, and aside from the hair being unpalatable, it is often barbed and covered with an exuded sabstance which inflames the skin. In the Southwest, vineyard growers are troubled by a caterpillar armed with such stinging barbs. A mere brush with the hand against the caterpillar reduces the victim to intense itching and stinging sensations.

Camouflage is another method of defense for both caterpillar and butterfly. Moths in particular make excellent use of this evasive tactic. Coloration matches perfectly with bark of trees where they are prone to rest between flights and during the day.

Should this camouflage be deacted, some species jerk front wings forward to reveal two startling, ominous appearing eye spots, located in the center of each hind wing. With such a baleful apparition suddenly materializing even the most aggressive birds think twice about arracking. These eye spots resemble amble the eyes of owls, and seem to strike terror into birds.

There is no question about man being affected by the Order of Lepidoptera. Agriculture's worst enemy is the larva of moths and butterflies. Fairly content to leave wheat, corn, oats, rye and barley alone as it grows, the larvae of Lepidoptera viciously falls upon the grain after harvest. Maize and rice are attacked with just as much fervor. Sugar cane and sorghum have their enemies as well. No vegetable garden is without its host of trouble some worms. The army worm, tomato homworm, the peach borer, the larva stage of the codling moth, the larva of sulphurs, ravage fruits, trees and silage, while the pink bole worm attacks cotton.

The giant swallowtail often lays her eggs on citrus, where they hatch into dark brown caterpillars called orange dogs. Considerable damage can be done by these ever-hungry pests.

Hordes of caterpillars scurry along the country roads and lanes between the cotton fields in the Southwest during late fall. Growers strip metal foil along roadways to wall caterpillars from their other plants.

Not content with crops, many larvae specialize in inflicting damage to forest products. The worms bore into the trunks, and not only destroy the timber for lumber because of the holes, but the very hole itself permits disease and fungi to develop. Even in our own clothes closet, the tiny larvae of the clothes moth are serious destroyers of woolens and furs.

Fortunately, for every debit nature seems to offer a credit. The silkworm, for instance, is an important economic asset, though with the advent of rayon, nylon, orlon, etc., its importance has declined. Doing the Middle Ages, rewards were offered to anyone who could spirit away silkworms from their native countries of the Far East. Much later, the Ailanthus moth was imported from China to America for the purpose of silk of silk manufacture. Annual production of silk in the United States before the advent of synthetic materials amounted to almost $700,000,000. The silk thread is made by unwinding the caterpillar's single, continuous filament used in spinning his cocoon.

It took a small moth from Argentina to control the voracious spread of prickly pear cacti in Australia. Unfortunately the cacti had been introduced about two centuries earlier. The transplanted moth quickly went to the rescue. Its larvae became the Nemesis of the cacti by boring into the fleshy trunks. Disease and rot followed. Today millions of acres have been reclaimed for crops and grazing.

Probably overshadowing all the beneficial chores of butterflies and moths is the service these insects contribute in cross-pollinating flowers. It would be impossible to evaluate this in terms of dollars and cents. But together with the bees and a few other specialized insects in this category how else would it be done? And besides, living in a world devoid of these beautiful creatures would be dull, indeed.

So beautiful, so lovely are they that a photograph can scarcely do them justice.

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