We were out for a walk in the bush this week, and noticed quite a few of the Red Admiral Butterflies. Although I’ve seen these before, I still had to look them up to make sure that they were indeed Admiral Butterflies. They look like flying flowers to me.
When I checked on the internet, I found that they are migrating much earlier this year, and are in the biggest springtime butterfly migration in a long time. These probably came from Florida or Texas area, and even though we don’t have them in heavy numbers here, they are describing “tidal waves” of butterflies coming through southeastern Ontario. Our early spring and warm weather has probably encouraged this. I’m not sure how they managed in our recent snow storm.
I found it interesting to see the butterfly when it was camouflaged on the tree (picture on left). When it closes its wings up, it is very difficult to spot on the tree. Often we probably walk by things like this, but don’t see them.
It’s good to see how God has provided for many of His creatures like this. If the butterfly has its wings open, it can show up fairly well, but when it closes its wings, the underside of its wings is a dull colour and blends in with the bark of the tree or amongst the dry leaves. This protects it from its enemies.
Great are the works of the LORD; they are pondered by all who delight in them.
Psalm 111:2