One of the great wonders of nature is the symbiotic way that species evolve. I cannot tell you which developed the orange and black pattern first. I do not think it matters. No, what matters is that at some point in time, the Great Spangled Fritillary developed a color pattern that matched the inner leaf of the Orange Daylily. From that point forward the butterfly merged so beautifully with its banquet host that it could dine on her nectar without fear of predation.

The beauty of nature comes in many forms. Sometimes it is as simple as an image unfolding in front of you that invokes a fantasy of Fairie nymphs in a magical land of orange cottages. Sometimes it stems from the awesome majesty of seeing how well two species can work together towards common goals. Either way, I am blessed that I get to see it so often on my walks.

I hope you enjoy it as well.