Another wonderful find in Spain for me was stumbling across a swallowtail caterpillar quite by accident. I had already seen the butterflies but had no idea this is what they start as – I usually try and identify all the insects I take photos of and this one was easy.

It was quite the find, and over a few months I was lucky enough to find another. Even though they are so bright, they blend in so well.

It’s amazing to think they start as eggs, turn onto caterpillars, then turn into a chrysalis, then into a wonderfully beautiful butterfly. A four stage life process of being different things in each. Awesome.

Once butterflies start landing and staying for a few minutes, it is very difficult to get me to move, I get obsessed with getting a shot. But my overall excited energy usually disturbs them and I have to make a big effort to clam down and keep as still as possible. So I’m pleased I got any of them at all out and about on walks.

(c) K Wicks