Jim Wulpi  


Eggs of the Polydamas Swallowtail by Jim Wulpi

April 2026 - Eggs of the Polydamas Swallowtail

April 2026 - Jim Wulpi

Original

April 2026 - Jim Wulpi

Original 2

April 2026 - Jim Wulpi

Original 3

About the Image(s)

This month's image is a bit different for me in that It's both a macro image as well as a botanical and biological item of interest in the entomological world.
I did have my macro setup (Canon 70-200 F4 lens with extension tubes) to change the focal length so that it becomes a close-up lens (nice versatility of usage). The image itself is of the eggs of a specific butterfly -the "Polydamas Swallowtail", which is highly dependent on this type of pipevine for its nutrients. It lays its eggs on the new vines of (only) this specific plant. Each egg in this cluster is about 1mm diameter. I like the story this tells (with some explanation) of biological processes at work. The plant itself is very interesting in that the flower it produces is very large (see reference image - my hand for reference, holding op the top portion) originating from a Bulbous seed sack. The seed sack and flower bud combination looks like the plants common name "Dutchman's Pipe" (Aristolochia Gigantica) (see attached image).
Anyway, I like how the image turned out with a nice soft background while the essence of the story, the egg cluster on the vine, is nice and sharp.
I didn't have to do much to the original except cropping and lightening as well as texture/clarity and sharpening in LR.

Canon 6D MkII with Canon 70-200 f4 lens and 56mm (total) extension tubes.
Shutter speed : 1/400 sec @ ISO 2000 (yes, I know, that's excessive, but, in the moment, it worked)

Your Thoughts?


6 comments posted




Karen Botvin   Karen Botvin
Interesting science lesson, Jim! These butterflies are fairly common in my area, but I never knew on what plant they laid their eggs. Nice macro capture.   Posted: 04/07/2026 09:52:29



Martin Newland   Martin Newland
Jim, your "entomological world" is completely alien to me. However you have come up with a lovely photo.
I like the soft colour palette and the background is nicely separated from the subject. It is an interesting image made up of lines and spheres!
Well done and I hope we see more Macro images in the future.   Posted: 04/08/2026 01:12:16



Piers Blackett   Piers Blackett
Fascinating background story! Since the unique eggs are the subject I think more cropping would help to say that, allowing the eggs to have a larger proportion.   Posted: 04/08/2026 19:57:11



Piers Blackett   Piers Blackett
Based on your thoughts on my image, I think cropping and a few minor edits could be good. After a landscape 8.5x11 crop, I used a radial gradient with 75% feather to increase contrast, decrease shadows and increase clarity by +31, -49 and +22. What do you think?   Posted: 04/15/2026 15:36:45



Piers Blackett   Piers Blackett
  Posted: 04/15/2026 15:38:03
Comment Image
Jim Wulpi   Jim Wulpi
Thanks Piers. I'm always open to suggestions. That's what I like about this forum.   Posted: 04/16/2026 00:56:47



 

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