Bliss the Birdwing Butterfly

All butterflies go through four stages of development—egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa, and adult. Birdwing butterfly caterpillars are covered in pointy spikes called tubercles that help keep predators away—those spikes look painful to eat!

After six weeks, a caterpillar forms a thick skin that develops into a structure called a chrysalis (KRIH-suh-luss). This is our pupa stage. Inside the chrysalis, the caterpillar goes through an amazing transformation called metamorphosis (meh-tuh-MOR-fuh-sis). This process takes about a month. Then, the adult butterfly emerges from the chrysalis and spreads its wings. God has designed our wings to be light and flexible enough for flight but strong enough to lift us off the ground.

My transformation should remind you of another, much more amazing transformation that’s coming. It’s the last C, Consummation! It means that someday Christ will return, and God will restore his original good creation!

When God first created the earth, it was very good. Sadly, because of sin, sad and bad things happen now. But it won’t stay this way! God has promised that someday “he will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4).

Until that day, God gives us hope and joy while we live in our fallen world because he has made it possible for us to live forever with him. Just like I transformed from a caterpillar into a beautiful butterfly, people who believe in Jesus will someday be transformed and live forever with God. In the new heaven and earth, everything will be very good once again. Now that’s bliss.

Cairns Birdwing Butterfly Facts

Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Papilionidae
Genus: Ornithoptera
Species: O. euphorion
Size: Wingspan up to 7 inches
Diet: Nectar (caterpillars eat a plant called the Aristolochia vine)
Habitat: Northeastern Australia
Lifespan: 4–5 weeks

Drink up!

As adults, birdwing butterflies eat delicious, syrupy nectar found in some plants. God gave them special sensors on their feet so they can do a quick taste test to see if a plant has the food they need. When a birdwing butterfly lands on a flower, its feet tell it if the flower is safe to eat. Once the butterfly finds food, it uses its proboscis (prah-BAH-sis) to gather food. Having a proboscis is kind of like having a straw for a tongue.

For More Information:

• Were Butterflies on Noah's Ark?
• Glasswing Butterflies: Mirroring the Maker
• Metamorphosis

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