by Olivia Bredbenner

Created on: May 20, 2008   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

Whisper to a butterfly-

They struggle through stages, only if they move through these stages as planned, do they reach that final stage. And it is only then that they can be free. The transformation from a caterpillar into a butterfly is seldom thought about or appreciated. However, in each stage something is expected of them.

Lepidoptera has an unusual life cycle from an egg to a very hungry caterpillar. It has fuzz that gives it a sense of touch. It squirms through its hurdles and it can even be somewhat startled at times. The caterpillar must create a safe cocoon , a pupal. In time the transparent veil begins to show what it is to be. The bright colors and the bold markings identify the soon to be free butterfly.

The butterfly structure is unique to them as well as moths. In flight, it is hard to believe that they possess such detail in their anatomy. They are exoskeleton, made of a type of protein. They have pores and a trachea for air and gas exchange. A tubular heart, a digestive, nervous and a reproductive system. In order to maintain balance they have a Johnston's organ. They also have three pairs of jointed legs and two pairs of wings and an antenna.

To accomplish their great metamorphosis. The process can take anywhere from a month to a year. In its own time, it will be a colorful winged butterfly. The Monarch butterfly will emerge and have a wingspan of up to 4 1/2 inches. As an adult there role is to reproduce. They sometimes fly far south to escape the cold in the North. They roost in the trees of a warm climate and then they will return to the North in the spring of the year. The trip can be as long as 2,000 miles.

If you are interested in butterflies. There are butterfly kits for those that may be interested in rearing butterflies. Some may then want to release them into a beautiful garden. They are fascinating to watch and to learn more about. Butterflies can hear through their wings. They can find flower nectar to eat, using their sense of smell.

Even butterflies can find themselves in unexpected roles. According to an Indian Legend - If anyone desires a wish to come true they must first capture a butterfly , whisper a wish to the butterfly and then set it free. If a gathering of people do this together, it is said that only the great spirits have heard the wishes, and in trust when the butterflies are set free, all the wishes will be granted.

I would imagine this as a beautiful and meaningful vision. A wedding, with what is a most graceful flight, and the only one that begins with a whisper to a butterfly.

Enchantedlearning.com
Wikipedia
Butterflysto re.com
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