Butterfly Love
Do you love butterflies as much as I do? There is just something so magical about seeing these beautiful creatures flitting about in the Spring and Summer. I just love them!
I really appreciate that there are so many different patterns and colors on butterflies. Each one is unique and beautiful in their own way.
I have been doing a study of butterflies with my students and we read in a book that there are over 10,000 different species of butterflies. Other sources give different numbers ranging from 750-20,000. According to NABA, (North American Butterfly Association) there are 20,000 butterfly species in the world and at any given time in the United States, there will probably be about 100 different types close to your home. I've never tried to keep track of the different types I see near my house, but it would be fun to do so.
It can be difficult to distinguish between butterflies and moths. Of course, most butterflies are more colorful than moths and are active during the daytime, while the opposite is usually true of moths. But, some moths have brighter colors and some butterflies have more dull coloration. Also, I read that some moths are more active in daytime. Go figure.....they like to keep us guessing!
A good way to distinguish between butterflies and moths is to notice the ends of their antennae. Butterflies have golf club shaped ends while moth antennae taper off to a point. And, did you know that butterflies can smell with their feet? That gives a whole new meaning to"tiptoe through the daisies" doesn't it?!
If you do a Google search, there are many, many plants which attract butterflies such as Bee Balm, Butterfly Bush, Phlox and Day Lillies, to name just a few. It's always good to include plants that the caterpillars can eat, as well.
It's meaningful to me that there is a connection between Christianity and butterflies. The stage of the cocoon or chrysalis opening to reveal the butterfly is symbolic of both Christ's resurrection from the dead and of our hope, as Christians, of our own resurrection when we die.
Butterflies also are a symbol of transformation which is also related to Christianity. These two Bible verses are meaningful to me in terms of transformation.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:2)
Since I'm such a fan of butterflies, I not only enjoy looking at them in the great outdoors, but also have images of them on display in my home and classroom, as well. I'll share some of those images with you in a future post.
Is this more than you ever wanted to know about butterflies? I definitely think God knew what He was doing when He created the butterfly. Such a beautiful insect that gives me hope and a smile whenever one flits by!
And speaking of smiling....I always have a smile on my face when you drop by my blog! And double smiles if you leave a comment (hint, hint :) Hope you will.....
Until Next Time,
Debbie
4 comments:
Beautiful pictures, and a great reminder of Jesus' resurrection, and ultimately our own. I think God gives us beauty in nature as a way of reminding us that he is present in our everyday lives. He made the beautiful things in nature that enhance our lives. Enjoyed this post.
So glad you enjoyed the post. Hope you'll come by again!
Wonder why I went through as anonymous? It's Karen!
Hey Karen! Glad to know it's you!
Post a Comment