Pam Corlett takes her camera whenever she goes outside to tend her garden or relax on the patio. She likes to take shots close-up because they reveal intricate patterns and sometimes the unexpected ant or dragonfly amongst the blooms.
This photo by Corlett, titled Eastern Swallowtail after the species of butterfly in the shot, placed third in the Nature category of Maple Grove Magazine’s 2011 Focus on Maple Grove photo contest. “This butterfly remained on the same verbena plant, flitting from one cluster of flowers to another,” Corlett says.
A butterfly typically loses scales during its life from normal wing wear. The tattered edges of this specimen give away its age and leave a hint as to why a swallowtail, which does not occur naturally in such a rosy shade, appears to be at the height of a full blush.
Dr. Vera Krischik, associate professor in the Department of Entomology at the University of Minnesota, says that as butterflies reach their last days they sit in one place batting their wings, which knocks off many scales, sometimes leaving them somewhat transparent. Corlett was there at the perfect moment to capture the pink of the flowers emanating through the wings.
Since moving to Maple Grove 35 years ago, Corlett has enjoyed the wildlife in her garden and woods. “The last few years I've been compiling pictures and making photo books online,” she explains. “When it’s a blizzard outside and 20 degrees below zero I can look at the garden photo books and be reminded that the beautiful plants, birds, and butterflies will be back in a few months!”
