I am taking a break from processing images from Italy this evening and instead have focused my attention on images that I shot this Sunday of a Great Spangled Fritillary butterfly (Speryeria Cybele). I have seen this type of butterfly many times, but they were either very skittish when approached or in poor condition. This one was perfect and seemed to enjoy posing for me. I was able to get fairly close, and even had time to switch from my Nikkor 28-300mm lens to my Nikkor 105mm macro lens.
(Nikon D700, 105mm, f8, 1/200, ISO 200)
The Great Spangled Fritillary is a large (wingspan 2 1/2 to 4 inches), bright orange butterfly that has a pale band and large silver spots or “spangles” on the underside of its wings. It is the most common fritillary in northern Virginia and is typically found is large open meadows.
(Nikon D700, 105mm, f8, 1/500, ISO 200)
(Nikon D700, 105mm, f8, 1/500, ISO 200)
(Nikon D700, 300mm, f9, 1/320, ISO 200)
(Nikon D700, 300mm, f9, 1/320, ISO 200)
Tomorrow–back to the Italy images.
Stephen L Tabone Nature Photography 
Beautiful, great shots
That last shot is amazing!
You can totally see his/her eyes!!
That’s my favorite lens, btw 🙂
The last shot of the butterfly is actually scary! Can’t wait to look at them on my mac later today.
You are magic with those close ups! A little Chianti in that necter to get him to stay still?? Where was this taken, your house?