Paul knows birds, but does he know butterflies?

[schrackman]

These were shot yesterday in Topanga State Park in the Santa Monica mountains, near Encino, CA. They're very common to the area. I'm not quite positive on the first species but I am on the second one. Any care to take a stab at identification?

These were as sharp as I could get handholding the 70-300 in macro mode. Next time I take the tripod.

Ray

[kkraczek]

I'm still searching, but I think that the second is a type of "checkerspot", maybe Edith's checkerspot... not sure yet... http://home.sprintmail.com/~awiner/b...eckerspot.html

http://vireos.com/butterflyframeset.html

[kkraczek]

The first one's a blue or a hairstreak, but I can't figure out which one. I tried!

Edit: Aha! I think I've got it... a summer azure.
http://www.images.on.ca/JayC/pages/Summer_Azures.htm

http://vireos.com/summerazure.html

[schrackman]

Wow, Kristen, you are on the ball! Yes, the second one is a checkerspot and thanks for identifying the first one. Not sure how you did it so fast but good work. And thanks for that website...it'll come in real handy for future butterfly photos.

Ray

[kkraczek]

hehehe you can just call me the "google queen" ;) It doesn't hurt that my daughter's a butterfly lover, so I had some idea of what I was looking for... You're welcome!

[paulnj]

SORRY Ray.... I have very little insect knowledge

but my computer has google too

nice images though