Green Hairstreak Butterfly
Callophrys rubi

Date: 12th May 2006
Location: Snape Warren, Suffolk

Camera: Nikon D200
Lens Nikon 105mm AFS VR Macro
Exposure: 1/125 F13 ISO250
Flash: SB600 with diffuser
Flash compensation: -2 stops

Male Green Hairstreaks are remarkably territorial and this little chap looks every inch a butterfly sentry, standing to attention and waiting, alert and ready to see off any intruders that fly into his airspace.

The photograph was difficult to obtain as the butterfly was perched above head height, and the only way could take it was to hold the camera with arms outstretched. Fortunately, I could just see the focusing sensor in the viewfinder, enabling me to take this highly characterful shot successfully.