Hyles euphorbiae

DSCN3053 [Hyles euphorbiae]

This larva feeds on a plant called Euphorbia; a fact that has given the larva its name. When time comes, it will develop into a beautiful moth of the genus Hyles. [A beautiful moth I haven’t had the chance so far to take a picture of but I still hope…]. The bright colors on larva’s body send a message to predators that it’s poisonous and so it secures its safety. But probably to a point because “mistakes” always happen!

Photographed on Mt. Parnonas on October 25, 2008

An amazing transformation

Pieris brassicae - larva

CCC1140 [Pieris brassicae - larva]

Walking on the rocks of the Acropolis, I nearly stepped on this “ugly”, some might say “repulsive” creature that was moving in front of me carefree and unaware of the danger she was exposed to. I would have bypassed her indifferently if I hadn’t noticed the yellow lines and black spots along her body that reminded me of the well-known and common butterfly called Pieris brasicae.

I took the picture out of habit, having no use of it in mind. Well … not until now!

Photographed on December 18, 2010

Pieris brassicae - adult

802_6977 [Pieris brassicae - adult]

A few weeks ago I was happy to have a “close encounter” in our garden with this butterfly. This airy, beautiful Pieris brassicae that once was “ugly” and “repulsive”.

What an amazing transformation!

What a miracle of life ... which, however, does not often get our full attention!

Photographed in Holargos on October 03, 2016

I came across a short well-written article on the Internet the other day describing a butterfly’s life cycle.
 If you' re interested, you can follow this link:

http://www.thebutterflysite.com/life-cycle.shtml