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

15th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Painted Lady Butterfly on Dahlia Flower

While working in my flower garden I keep my camera in a thermal cooler so it's handy if a photo opportunity comes along. On a sunny day I noticed my dahlia bloom had enticed both a bee and a painted lady butterfly. I was surprised to see the butterfly land right on top of the bee! In the photo you can only see a bit of the front two legs of the bee underneath the butterfly. The butterfly's beautiful wings glistened in the sun but she soon flew off!! I felt lucky to get such a beautiful butterfly photo!

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 10.2017
Date Uploaded: 11.2017
Photo Location: Norton, Ohio, United States of America
Camera: Canon PowerShot SX50 HS
Copyright: © Mary Lou Jubin