Photo Gallery - Moth and butterfly images

Photographing moths and butterflies

Photographing insect and animals never seemed like a good Idea to me, until I found a strange looking insect and then I became as crazy as I could about photographing butterflies and moths and all kinds of insects.People always think that months are dowdy creatures while their cousins the butterflies are beautiful creatures. I was surprised to find some beautiful moths too. Moths are quite hairy and have earth toned colors.Some 200,000 species ofmoths have been identified but scientist suspect there are at least four times more that number of spices existing today. Moths are night creatures but not all are. They have feather like antennae which I got to see only after I started taking macro pictures of moths. Though not all are beautiful some do look fascinating. Their earth tones are a great camouflage to save themselves from predators.

A stunning moth photo image

Look at this guy, isn't he a beauty? I found him in my basement near a tubelight . He didn't look like much from what I saw of him, but equipped with a camera and perched on a ladder he looked fabulous. I brought him home in a bag and let him fly around and settle on things before I could get a decent picture of him.The texture of his wings and the marking on them makes him look as beautiful as any other creature. Now I have great respect for a moth, I wanted to learn a few things about a moth which I can share with you here.

Hairy moth with a feather like antennae

Moths are hairy and have a huge number of scales that fall off when you touch them.This is not powder as we thought it was. Even without the scales a moth or a butterfly can fly, they may just seem a little colorless. They also have these feather like antennae which I got to see for myself only in my pictures.

Butterfly and moth fact - Butterflies and moths have an organ at the base of the antennae called Johnston's organ, this helps them maintain their sense of orientation and direction.

A small sized moth - brilliant in hue

This little guy here was not more than 15 mm if you measured his wingspan. I was not greatly interested, but took a shot anyway as he was around in our basement. I was in for a surprise, he looked like some fine tie-and-die design on Indian cotton fabric. Now I know where there inspiration came from, this little guy over here. Did you know that all moths do not eat cloth. Some can digest animal protein found in the wool, they adults lay their eggs on your woolens and it is the larvae that eats into your woolens. Some adult moths do not eat at all, they spend their adult life just reproducing. So don't blame the moth. The poor guy is framed on false charges.

The monk moth - I thought he looked like one

This rather fat moth had beautiful hairy body and wings, like the finest silk in fact I put him on some silky material to get the right effect. His wings four of them with a short tail like projection makes him one of a kind.The beautiful colors and design on his body could put any piece of silk to shame.I just couldn't get him to spread his wings, I can assure you that he was stunning.

I am fascinated by moths now, my repulsion is now replaced with admiration, because I see moths through my lens and see them for what they are, a beautiful piece of creation.

The little blue Indian butterfly

This little blue butterfly appears to be grayish and under the sun it dazzles.This photo image shows it to have some shining spots on its wings like some fine metallic powder sprinkled on its wings. This little butterfly is only about 15 mm wide, this little creature does not seem to sit even for a moment, I guess, I caught it in one of the rarest moments, I am glad that I did. What a beauty he is!

Did you know the study of butterflies and moths is called 'lepidoptery'?

I have beautiful pictures of butterflies with wings spread out, But I have never seen their eyes. Look at this one, the orchids on my window sill seem to invite them home. I got a good close up, rather frightful.

Butterfly friends

I had him around my little finger. Believe me this beauty sat on my hands for a long time. And did I enjoy him? you bet. I was so excited I walked all around the house with him trying to take pictures as best as I could. But it didn't last for long. He loved his freedom more than me. I still felt blessed.

A black and white butterfly on a zinnia. I guess I need more zinnia's in my garden to attract them. They seem to be fascinated by the flowers.

Butterfly perched on the ground

His feet planted on the ground this butterfly appears to enjoy being one with the earth. A strange place to see a butterfly in, but that is where he hoovered for long and I could get a shot at him.

I have not seen this beauty since I was a child. I was glad to see this neon butterfly. Small but beautiful. I hope this species survives and thrives in the wild so that in the net season I will have many more pictures of them.

Somehow photographing nature has made me appreciate her all the more. My passion for photography seems to be flourishing. I hope you enjoy these pictures as much as I loved taking them and presenting them for you here. Thanks for staying with me and enjoying the great Indian hike!!