Shadowmeld Photography

As one of the most easily recognized and iconic butterflies in North America, the Monarch butterfly fascinates observers of all ages with its beauty and grace. The wings appear like orange stained glass framed with black mullion, trimmed by white polka-dotted outer margin and body. Scientific studies have helped contribute to the Monarch's popularity by discovering extraordinarily long yearly migration routes and significant ecological impacts of the butterfly - it's an impressive sight when thousands of Monarchs congregate for roosting. Certainly, the Monarch is a reminder to many of fragility, determination, and beauty in nature.

Found throughout the entire state of Wisconsin, the Great Spangled Fritillary is a beautiful butterfly which gracefully makes its presence known by effortlessly fluttering between flowers. Orange wings with black markings and a thin white trim around the edge help identify this fairly large butterfly in the wild. Spots on the wing undersides seem slightly iridescent, appearing light colored white and bluish, depending on available light.