Red-spotted Purple Butterfly - by Diane Porter
In the Juniper tree at the edge of my driveway was the most perfect Red-spotted Purple butterfly I’d ever seen.
It must have been fresh out of its chrysalis. Its wings were pristine, and a wispy fur draped the central part of its body like the sheerest veil. I was awed to find a butterfly in such great condition.
I noticed that another butterfly was suspended head downward below the first. It dawned on me that the two butterflies were mating.
I watched them for about ten minutes. They fluttered their wings languidly, occasionally shifting positions. When they departed at last, somehow they managed to stay coupled as they flew out of sight. Some experts say that copulation can continue for over two hours.
When freshly emerged from the chrysalis, butterfly wings have microscopic scales that create color and luster. However, over the days or weeks of life, the butterfly’s wings become worn. So many scales are lost that the Red-spotted Purple no longer appears blue. It looks more brown.
Look carefully at the bottom of the left wing of the brownish (older) butterfly. The edges are tattered, and there’s even a big piece missing. I wish I knew what happened there.
But the two Red-spotted Purples I found mating beside my driveway were still young and beautiful. They were clasped in their own embrace — completely oblivious to me.
I felt grateful to witness this magical moment. To be in this world, alive and awake.
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