19th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Empress Leilia Butterfly perching on Staghorn Cholla Cactus

Empress Leilia Butterflies patrol open paths in the Sonoran Desert when looking for mates. The Staghorn Cholla wasn't in bloom and it isn't the butterfly's host plant (which is Desert Hackberry), but provided a safe haven to perch for few minutes.

Photo Detail
Date Uploaded: 11.2021
Photo Location: Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
Camera: Canon EOS 90D
Copyright: © martin horowitz