A TOUCH OF SPRING IN THE MIDDLE OF WINTER

Here’s another butterfly that I saw last July in a butterfly house located next to a botanical garden in Leipzig (Germany).
And since winter is in full swing now, I thought I could serve you a warm little reminder of the vibrant side of nature. 😉

The species captured in these shots is DRYAS JULIS also known as the Julia butterfly or Flambeau – native to Central and South America.
Its elongated, orange wings almost seem to glow when the sun hits them just right. A true beauty to watch especially when it hovers over vivid blue blossoms like in these frames.

🦋 Fun fact:
Did you know that Julia butterflies have been observed drinking tears of turtles? 🐢 This unusual behavior helps them get essential minerals, especially sodium, which they can’t find in flower nectar. In the Amazon rainforest they’ve been seen landing on the heads of river turtles and gently sipping their tears — a strange but fascinating example of how nature finds a way! This behavior is called LACHRYPHAGY, which means "tear-feeding." This proofs again nature is full of surprises!

If the grayness of January has started to wear you down – just remember that sunshine is never really gone. Sometimes it just takes the shape of a butterfly! 😉

This is my entry to PhotoFeed Contest - Wildlife Photography Round 151

@ladytruckview

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This post is based on my own experience and original photography. AI was used for grammar correction and for supporting the translation process

STOCK PHOTOS:
https://www.shutterstock.com/pl/g/Dotka?q=Dryas%20iulia

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