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

15th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
The Great Mormon - Papilio Memnon

This picture shows a male Papilio Memnon, a butterfly native of south Asia. I was visiting a butterfly house in London, and I noticed this butterfly standing still with its beautiful deep blue and black colours. Compared to the other butterflies, this one appeared to me so elegant, majestic. It was standing there to be admired by the visitors. I called it "the Queen" for the impression it gave to me, but later found out it was a male butterfly.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 09.2017
Date Uploaded: 09.2017
Photo Location: London, United Kingdom
Camera: Canon EOS 600D
Copyright: © Antonella Gagliardi