Jim Wulpi
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
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




