Flying Hearts

A dazzling sight in the forests of Central America, the Pink-spotted Cattleheart (Parides photinus) lives an interesting life. As a caterpillar, its colors and spikes seem rude and unruly, and it packs a powerful punch with poisons that make it unpalatable. As a chrysalis, its cocoon looks just like a dried, dead leaf on a twig, allowing it to metamorphize unbothered. And finally, the adult is an enormous, shimmering beauty, full of color and grace.

This butterfly was the star of our February 2022 Bug Box, and we're making some specimens available to all at noon on February 18.