Newly Hatched Swallowtail

It wasn’t there when I settled down to photograph some orchids kneeling in the rain again, but then the sun came out. As I stood up I thought I was seeing things, just behind me, about 5m away, on the tallest stem in the meadow, was this magnificent specimen. I had packed my long lens in my rucksack and managed to get it quietly on the camera. Walking in a circle I took so many shots then sat in the wet grass till it took off, sailing away over the trees on those big wings. What a delicious, precious moment of nature! 2 extras showing the side and underside views.

Also called, Old World Butterfly, Yellow Swallowtail and its Latin name, Papilio Machaon.

Thanks from yesterday’s Common Blue Butterfly gifts too.