Yesterday I spent some time photographing nature by a wetland near Saylorville Reservoir. I got a photograph of this bronze copper, Lycaena hyllus, somewhat beaten up by its life experiences.
I was almost ready to leave when I witnessed two individuals of the same species in a ferocious fight. They were chasing one another in ever tightening circles.
1/250th of a second was not enough to stop the action, but I snapped away with my camera anyway. The images are slightly cropped but not changed otherwise.
This chase was quite spectacular to watch.
There are some people out there, scientist types mostly, who say that insects don’t feel pain or experience emotions. I disagree strongly with that notion. I think these two butterflies were very angry with each other.
I think butterflies have some serious anger management issues.
