Thursday, November 14, 2013

Gossamer Wings

It's not very often I see the gray hairstreak, even though Wikipedia claims they are one of the most common hairstreaks of North America. They are quite small, and in bright sunlight their wings are like gossamer. Between the harsh light, annoying wind and my little subject's apparent ADHD, it was a bit of a challenge to get a decent photo.




Is she sticking her tongue out at me? Saucy little tart. She does sparkle, though. :)
Whether this is a male or female is irrelevant to me. If you sparkle, you're female in my book! lol

Males perch on small trees and plants all afternoon seeking receptive females. Eggs are laid singly on flowers of host plant. The wingspan is 7/8" - 1-3/8". First described by Jacob Hubner in 1818 as strymon melinus. The name is probably derived from the Greek word melinos, meaning ashen.
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On a completely unrelated subject, is anyone else flabbergasted that a person would shell out $142 MILLION DOLLARS for art? With so many in need around the world—especially in the Philippines where the typhoon hit—I mean, seriously? Am I missing something here? I felt guilty buying a sweater yesterday for heaven's sake. It's something I just can't stop thinking about and it's got me a little miffed at people who obviously have way too much money. Thoughts?

31 comments:

The Cranky said...

I agree Gail, with all the need in the world spending that much money on something which isn't a necessity is just obscene.

Your girl might have had ADD but you still captured her beautifully! May I pin?

Buttons Thoughts said...

I have no doubt about your ability to capture the most challenging of any kind of photo. Well Done my talented friend and yes that is a tongue:) Hug B

Buttons Thoughts said...

142 million oh yes sounds very strange to me too. B

EG CameraGirl said...

Beautiful photos, Gail.

Some people have more money than brains. Also, a recent study claims that the more money you have the less compassionate you tend to be. I believe that!

Indrani said...

Oh! My! Stunning captures!

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

I think the ADHD butterfly has met its match. You captured some amazing images of it. And I love the attitude...in both the butterfly and the photographer. :)

Shug said...

Check out the sassy antennas on this cute little gray hairstreak and the sparkles must indicate a female, for sure.
I so agree with you Gail.....a 142 million? I haven't had time to listen to the news, but my goodness....this sounds a bit selfish on someone's part. My heart goes out to these folks who have been so seriously displaced. Prayers for all.

Amy Burzese said...

Pretty little thing, despite the ADHD. :) And, yes, there is way too much money that could be put to better use. We tend to go about our business and turn a blind eye.

Our photos said...

Beautiful are your photos!
Greetings from Holland, RW & SK

Kim Stevens said...

I love the little grey hair streaks and how they rub their hind wings together...I've always wondered why they do that...guess I need to google. And yes, they are very fidgety and why I couldn't even believe it when one let me pick it up on my finger. And I agree to say $142 million is excess is an understatement, but if they have that much for that maybe it's all relative and we don't know for sure that they don't give as much back? That just may be wishful thinking on my part though! :)

Optimistic Existentialist said...

Beautiful photos. And yes it's insane that someone would spend that much on art with so many in need around the world. Sad...

Unknown said...

I love this sweet little butterfly? moth? You always manage to capture such perfect shots, and yes she does sparkle!

TexWisGirl said...

i love the tiny hairstreaks, too. your shots are awesome!

Karen said...

Really excellent shots of this beauty Gail.

Anonymous said...

Agreed about spending obscene amounts of money when so many are suffering.

Gorgeous shots.

Ruth Hiebert said...

You got beautiful pictures of this little lady.I agree that money is wasted on ridiculous stuff when people are starving.

renae said...

Oh Gail, you are so fun and cute. WE must meet someday. You know these photos show your expertise. I would not have the patience that you do.

Yes, lets see those fleur de lis stockings, lets!

hootnonny said...

You captured her beauty brilliantly, Gail.

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

It is beautiful!
That is crazy about the art.

Pallavi said...

Ooh! So beautiful . The efforts to capture were all worth it Gail . Spendid pictures :)

Coloring Outside the Lines said...

How pretty- great capture!

Evelyn S. said...

Beautiful little "sparkler"...and fabulous macros! (As for the art, I saw the "tease" on the news but DH changed channels, as he is wont to do frequently, so didn't see the whole story. As I recall, the art looked something like a cartoon strip?? Guess I should Google it.) How about considering a 30 million dollar deal for a baseball pitcher...speculating that he'll be fabulous for 10 years??

Carletta said...

Awesome shots of the saucy little tart! :)
I saw the art and I love art but I agree that that much money was ridiculous. If you have that much spare money use it for the better good.

Stephanie said...

WOW! These photos are utterly captivating :) You never cease to amaze me with your talent. Hugs!

Tricia said...

These are so gorgeous, Gail! You're right, that is such a crazy amount of money for art. I was thinking the same thing when I was watching a news show this morning and they were talking about a pair of underwear that costs $475 or some such thing. What?! For underwear?!

Hootin Anni said...

stupendous....especially the very last one!! Incredible photography Gail!!!!

Hootin Anni said...

PS...what I can't understand about the rich, they spend 100s of thousands on an automobile, usually to sit in the garage for a collection...or if they DO take it out on the road, there is a 90% chance of it being totaled. Why on earth. Like you say, the poor and victims from natures disasters could make use of rebuilding lives with help from the rich...ANYONE who gives for that matter.

Wally Jones said...

I don't know anything about art and I certainly don't have any "extra" money laying around.

What I DO know, is, I am richer for having accessed your blog to find such treasures that you share with the world.

Very nice photographs, Gail!

Brian King said...

Gorgeous detail! The macro lens I presume?

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

I laughed at the idea that your butterflies have ADHD...mine surely must, they never hold still (that and my slow reflexes and tiny camera pretty much ensure that I'll have to come here looking for pictures of these beauties.)

Donna said...

So very beautiful and shimmering