Nature's Sweet Lies: Ogre Skipper, Pearl and Swallowtail Butterflies

Nature's Sweet Lies 

 Ogre Skipper, Pearl and Swallowtail Butterflies

Dr Abe V Rotor

"If I could pluck your pearls, if these were true,

     in the garden rather than in the deep blue." - avr

  Ogre Skipper

Photo of actual specimen taken by the author at the Living with Nature Center. 2025. A unique discovery heretofore unidentified, thus it may be considered new in the list of Philippine Lepidopterans (Order of butterflies, moths and skippers).  It is either a new species or variant as a result of continued isolation bordered by heavy application of pesticide in the region, an of evolutionary process in our postmodern times.  

Ugly, scary, one for a Dracula movie,

two large eyes to scare its enemy:

 bat, bird, reptile, human - the unwary,

 subject of science or bedtime story.

 Pearl Butterfly

Photo  by the author of actual specimen against a painting background 

at the Living with Nature Center botanical garden 2025

If I could pluck your pearls, if these were true,

     in the garden rather than in the deep blue;

but then I would rob your beauty and liberty;

     what is sanctity - and my sense of duty. 

The "pearl butterfly" can refer to several different types of butterflies, but the most common are the Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary and the Pearl-bordered Fritillary, both belonging to the Fritillary family. These butterflies are known for their distinctive "pearls" (small spots) on the underside of their wings, particularly the hindwings. AI Overview

 Swallowtail Butterfly

Papilio sp.*

Photo of actual specimen by the author against a painting background 

to heighten its appearance resembling a swallow bird or swift.  By the way, 

the swallowtail butterfly is a favorite kite design.

I found you in the garden,

studied your design,

made you into a kite,

a most important find.

*Papilio Latin for butterfly, generic name of the swallowtail butterfly.  This specimen, like the others mentioned, have not been officially identified and classified in accordance with international SOP and Protocol. ~