Butterfly migration

         

        I have heard and read from several sources that CAR is the butterfly capital of the world. Since being here, it seems that every time I turn around there is another kind of butterfly I have not seen before.

   The last week here in Gamboula we have been experiencing an annual event in many parts of central Africa. There is a period of about a week or two when thousands of white and black butterflies hatch from their cocoons, and are everywhere you look.
        A few land on fruit, or damp places for a drink, making the ground speckled with little white spots before taking off again. These little white flakes dance by, going up and down, and always moving one direction. I am not sure how they all know which direction or where they are all going in such a hurry, but it is sure fun to watch.

   This migration is also a sing that caterpillar season is almost here. These butterflies will lay their eggs in trees, and soon there will be tones of eatable caterpillars.