There are many Monarch's around at this time of the year and I was trying to take pictures in order to show you the difference between the male and female. The underside of the wing was no problem but as they so seldom open their wings, getting the top side was a challenge. I hope these will help though. For more information on them, please follow this link.
The male has four black marks (dots) on his wing and the female three.
The pictures below show the female on the left and the male on the right.
On the bottom of the wing, if you follow the main vein in the wing, the female has no dot in the first split to the left of the largest one.
Looking at the same vein, the male does have another dot. If you can get both the top and bottom pictures on your screen, you can see what I mean.
Comparing the top of the wing, the same thing. Male in the first picure and female below that.
It really is a difference if you look closely. Love that first shot.
ReplyDeleteFantastic photos, I am sure I will never be able to sex them though. With our mild winter this year the Monarchs' were around very late. Diane
ReplyDeleteInteresting post.
ReplyDeleteVery "technical".
I like this way to explain insects.
Love them!
ReplyDelete