Red Spotted Purple Butterfly

I saw a new butterfly today!

This gorgeous specimen is one of dozens of butterfly varieties fluttering about the @gardenofeden this year. We have quite the selection of swallowtail species, and this guy is similar to the Spicebush Swallowtail.

However, he's not a swallowtail at all! He is a Red Spotted Purple Butterfly...a slightly misleading name because he's more black and blue than purple, and the red spots on his wing tips are miniscule.
He is enchanting, nonetheless!

I'm a big fan of butterflies of any variety. I also like to look up the meaning of animal totems when I see a significant amount of a certain creature, or something out of the ordinary.

Butterfly totem:

NEW BIRTH: New love and joy are coming. Transformation is inevitable but will be easier than expected. Embrace the new beginnings. ~ Ted Andrews of the Animal-Speak Pocket Guide

✨💛✨ Sara!