Foto Friday – Butterflies

June 26, 2009 - 5:54 AM by Rachel Neiman

Gideon Pisanty is a biologist from Israel with an interest in botany, evolution, ecology, genetics, and conservation biology. He is also a prolific photographer of Israel’s flora and its fauna as well. Pisanty is a steady contributor of lepidiotric images to Wikipedia — just search Wikimedia Commons for “Israel” “butterflies” and you’ll see what I mean — along with a few other enthusiasts. Before butterfly season ends (it began a few weeks ago before the high heat of summer) here are a few images to enjoy.

Archon apollinus bellargus – Photo by Gideon Pisanty

Gonepteryx cleopatra taurica – Photo by Gideon Pisanty

Melitaea phoebe (mating*) – Photo by Gideon Pisanty

Apharitis cilissa – Photo by Gideon Pisanty

Apharitis acamas acamas – Photo by Gideon Pisanty

There are plenty more photos at Wikimedia. To learn more about the local Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths to you and me), visit the Israeli Lepidopterists Society homepage. Or read this book: Lepidoptera in Israel; it was very well-reviewed. Or go out for a hike – the butterflies are all around.

*Yes, they are having sex.

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