This 2.3 gigapixel macro photograph was created from over 7,500 individual photographs.

Explore the image by clicking and dragging in the window below.


About one of the butterflies featured in the photograph...

The Monarch (Danaus plexippus) is a milkweed butterfly (subfamily Danainae), in the family Nymphalidae. It is perhaps the best known of all North American butterflies. Since the 19th century, it has been found in New Zealand, and in Australia since 1871 where it is called the Wanderer. In Europe it is resident in the Canary Islands, the Azores, and Madeira, and is found as an occasional migrant in Western Europe. Its wings feature an easily recognizable orange and black pattern, with a wingspan of 8.9–10.2 centimetres (3½–4 in).(The Viceroy butterfly has a similar size, color, and pattern, but can be distinguished by an extra black stripe across the hindwing.) Female Monarchs have darker veins on their wings, and the males have a spot in the center of each hindwing from which pheromones are released.

Special thanks to Rich at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo, CA.