A Queen's Life

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The Queen Butterflies were active on a patch of flowers during my Waco trip. A Queen Butterfly is very similar in coloration to a Monarch for good reason. A Monarch is toxic to some predators and the similar coloration of the Queen adds a little protection. It is always fun to photograph them as you get to see so many details that are just flashes otherwise. As with all nature, we saw both the near perfection of youth and the battle-worn veterans. This youngster was showing off for us though you see one small scar on its wing.


With battles between other butterflies and occasional escapes from birds and other predators, the butterfly takes a real beating on its delicate wings as shown in the next photo.

Thanks,
Doug White

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