
Plain Tiger butterfly photographed by Jeff Zablow at Mishmarot, Israel
The Danaids, or Milkweed butterflies are best known to Americans as the Monarch, the Queen and the Soldier. Right now, Monarchs are especially on the forefront of butterfly fret, knowing that recent reports have their numbers seriously down. That ‘fret?’ Will they return to us in Pennsylvania, Georgia, New Jersey, New York, Vermont and Ontario, in good number?
Examine these danaids. Have you seen them in your own South Carolina, Michigan, Maine or West Virginia? Well, no. This is the Plain Tiger butterfly, and it flies in Egypt, Israel, Jordan and Syria (if that carnage has left any survivors). Cech and Tudor, in my favorite field guide, Butterflies of the East Coast (Princeton University Press) tantalizes with this: “The Plain Tiger (Danaus chrysippus) was “described” as early as 3500 B.C., in a painting on an Egyptian tomb wall.”
I’m liking my photo here much, as I slowly begin my preparation for my flight in late March to Israel, for a reunion with Plain Tigers, a menu of Middle Eastern butterflies, and my daughter, grandsons and extended family. Once again, I pledge to travel throughout the north, and will not leave my bootprint on the hot borders that demarcate where Lebanon (Hezbollah) and Syria (Russia, ISIL, Al Queda, the Rebels, Hezbollah, Iran, and other despicables) begin.
Reminiscing wth the Danaids, whose flight is “elegant and gliding” (Cech and Tudor), whether at the Butterflies & Blooms Habitat in Eatonton, Georgia or within a short hike of Mishmarot, Israel.
Jeff
an exquisite shot! sending out traveling mercies and family blessings as you re-unite with family and heritage safely and happily sharing all the wings you find!
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Thanks judgeva. I try to visit my daughter and her family every year, and well, those HolyLand butterflies beckon!, and well, I must acknowledge their call!
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Travel safe my friend! Enjoy your family and extended family. Take lots of beautiful photos and be oh so careful if you do happen by the border.
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Thanks Andy, you are the Wyatt Earp of quick post reaction! Butterflies know no borders, but I will not tip the lines between safety and ferocity.
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First time I’ve been called that 😂 I just happened to show up at the same time as you! Lol
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LOL. Me thinks Wyatt said that too! ‘Just happened to show up at the same time as . . .” Sounds like I heard that back on the streets of Brooklyn, too . . . .
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Hahaha!
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Let’s hope you and the butterflies show up at the same time in 🇮🇱
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