Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

21st Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Common-Blue on Mari-Gold

Having just moved to France, I grew my first ever flower, the marigold. A beautiful butterly enjoyed its nectar long enough for me to capture it before it flew off. The butterfly looked so very exotic. Surely a rare specimen I thought... Not much later I was told it was a 'European Common Blue'. Well, in the natural world, with such bright golden, orange and blue colours,nothing looks common to me! A true mix of pure exoticness!

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 07.2023
Date Uploaded: 11.2023
Photo Location: Belesta, France
Camera: SM-G930F
Copyright: © Kay van Beersum