A Beautiful butterfly isn't he? A young Spring season "Citrus Swallowtail" that has not developed his full colors yet!
Today I will show you the seasons of this beautiful butterfly species (Papilio demodocus) in our South African garden.
They are big butterflies that flit around constantly, but every now and then they will take a brief rest and that's when I strike with my camera.
Come and look!
First up is the Spring season.
This was taken just before he flew off again.
Here's another youngster in a more colorful setting.
Now we move to the Summer season!
As you can see, fully developed colors here in summer.
The Citrus Swallowtail at his best in color during this season.
Finally, we have the Winter season!
This old soldier has fought many battles for survival.
Strong winds whipping him around and yet he clings to life.
There's no nectar in that flower and still; he can fly.
A poem here to show us that we should appreciate life every short day that we have.
Source
From beauty to the grave, not a very nice subject here, but indeed a wake up call for all of us.
Not surprisingly, the swallowtails biggest enemy is mankind with the chemical spray in the gardens, but then they also have to dodge insect hunting birds and many other predators.
We all have to face evil some times and just like this butterfly we will get through it and wear our scars with pride.
Kindness to all others is the balm that can heal many hearts.
And That's All Friends!
Note: All photos except the cited poem are my own and taken with a Canon Powershot SX60HS. Bridge camera.
We hope that you have enjoyed the pictures and thank you for visiting a post by @papilloncharity