The people of this world are like the three butterflies in front of a candle’s flame.
The first one went closer and said: I know about love.
The second one touched the flame lightly with his wings and said:
I know how love’s fire can burn.
The third one threw himself into the heart of the flame and was consumed.
The alone knows what true love is.
Rumi’s “Poem of the Butterflies”
Springtime will soon be upon us, and it will be the time to see beautiful pollinators, such as the Red Admiral butterfly.
The Red Admiral butterfly, scientifically known as Vanessa Atalanta, is a colorful and striking butterfly with black wings marked by red-orange bands and white spots. These butterflies are known for their migratory behavior, often traveling long distances. They can be found in various habitats, including woodlands, parks, and gardens.
They are avid pollinators feeding on nectar from various flowers, as seen in the photos here. Additionally, Red Admiral butterflies serve as a food source for various predators within the ecosystem, thereby contributing to the overall biodiversity of their habitat. Their wingspan is 1 ¾ – 3 inches (4.5 – 7.6 cm) open.
“We delight in the beauty of the butterfly,
but rarely admit the changes it has gone through
to achieve that beauty.”
Maya Angelou
restlessjo
Beautiful! We were walking in the hills this morning and the most lovely yellow and green butterflies were flitting around. I can never capture a shot but the image is in my head.
Egídio Leitão
That sounds like a beautiful butterfly. Thanks for your feedback.
restlessjo
🤗🩷
Egídio Leitão
Jo, I cannot do night photography well. I am stubborn and continue to try. Thank you for the kind words.
restlessjo
I’m impressed, hon 🤗💙
Amy
Beautiful images of red admiral! Love the close-up captures.
Egídio Leitão
Thanks for the comment, Amy.
Tranature - quiet moments in nature
Beautiful photographs of the butterflies Egidio, we’re looking forward to seeing the first ones of the year appear here too 🦋
Egídio Leitão
Spring is not too far away, Xenia. Thanks for the comments.
Tra Italia e Finlandia
La conosco bene perché vive sia in Finlandia che in Italia. Grazie delle suggestive citazioni.
Buon weekend!
Egídio Leitão
Grazie per le gentili parole. Buon weekend anche a te.
Tra Italia e Finlandia
Grazie.
Yanti
“The third one threw himself into the heart of the flame and was consumed.”
and the butterfly in the third photo has its wings so tattered it’s so fitting! (will it be okay, I wonder? Of is it just a shape variety?)
Lovely poem and photos, Egidio! 🙂
Egídio Leitão
Much gratitude for your comment, Yanti. Thank you.
Marie
Love the Rumi poem.
Egídio Leitão
I’m glad you liked it. I like Rumi’s quotes and poetry.
margaret21
So you have Red Admirals too? Excellent.
Egídio Leitão
They travel long distances. I’m glad we share their beauty across the oceans.
Marie
Actually, not sure. My butterfly knowledge is minimal. So is my poetry background. But I really like this one.
Egídio Leitão
So glad you liked the photos. Thank.
Anne Sandler
What a beautiful butterfly Egidio. Well done!
Egídio Leitão
Very thankful for your comment, Anne. Thanks.
nesfelicio
Striking colors! Great photos.
Egídio Leitão
Much gratitude for the feedback, Nes. Thank you.