Weekend Adventure

Living Jewelry

I have found few things in this world able to invoke feelings of whimsey, and delight like butterflies. They are amazing delicate creatures capable of both metamorphosis, and flight. Butterflies are found all over the world, and have significant symbolism in many cultures. Artistic depictions of butterflies have been found in Egyptian hieroglyphs dating back over 3500 years. The ancient Greek word for "butterfly" is ψυχή (psȳchē), which primarily means "soul" or "mind". In Chinese culture, two butterflies flying together is said to symbolize love.

I recently spent an afternoon with these fancy flying creatures. 

Here are a few butterflies that introduced themselves.

Clipper (Parthenos Sylvia)

The Clipper (Parthenos sylvia) is a species of butterfly found in forested areas around Southeast Asia.

The Scarlet Mormon (Papilio deiphobus rumanzovia)

The Scarlet Mormon (Papilio deiphobus rumanzovia) is a butterfly found in the Philippines. The species was named by Johann Friedrich von Eschscholtz after Nicholas Rumanzow, Chancellor of the Russian Empire.

Paper Kite Butterfly (Idea leuconoe)

The Paper Kite butterfly (Idea leuconoe) is found around forest clearings, and above the forest canopy in Southeast Asia.

Tanzanian Diadem (Hypolimnas antevorta)

Tanzanian Diadem is found in the tropical forests of northeast Tanzania, in the Usambara Mountains of Africa. 

Plain Tiger (Danaus chrysippus)

Plain Tiger (Danaus chrysippus) has a wide distribution. Found in the lowlands of Africa, Asia, Australia, India, Malaysia, Japan and Australia. This butterfly has a tremendous amount of variation in color patterns. All are orange and black, and most have dark forewing tips with white spots.

I hope these photos have inspired you to take flight this weekend, and discover something amazing.