Monarch Caterpillar on Milkweed Near Seoul Inlet

A sweeping beam of artificial light cuts through low-hanging clouds, illuminating a monarch caterpillar clinging to a milkweed stem. The insect's vibrant orange, black, and white bands stand out against the pale green leaves. Behind the plant, the dark water of a tidal inlet reflects the intermittent glow of a nearby lighthouse. The concrete edge of the inlet wall runs along the bottom of the frame, at the base of the scene in an urban coastal environment. Shadows stretch across the foliage as the light beam moves, revealing the fine texture of the caterpillar's skin and the serrated edges of the leaves. One droplet of dew rests on a leaf tip, catching the edge of the light.