
The pictured
spicebush swallowtail is a female feasting on
Ligularia dentata 'Desdemona' blossoms. The
caterpillers look like cartoon characters. They stay rolled up in the leaves during the day and feed at night. As symbols of transformation, they remind me of our change to retired life. The butterfly's days are short but the most beautiful phase of its life. I'm thankful for the butterfly days.