How far can a butterfly fly?

Posted by anne on August 29, 2011, 7:45 pm
187.146.71.36

Was swimming to the Rocks today (Water temp 89F) and I saw a butterfly flying above my head. I watched her for a while. Then, it hit me....How far can a butterfly fly without landing? I wondered if this one would make it to land or fall from exhaustion and be fish food. I wondered if they can fly from Tenacatita to our hill south of town, for instance. Anyone know the answer? I'm sure it varies with type of butterfly. I know, of course, that they migrate great distances. But, that doesn't take into consideration how far they fly before they need to light on a tree, etc. Also, this afternoon was a near perfect one on the beach. As I sat at Cato's, I looked north and south along the beach. As far as my eye could see, there was literally NO ONE, yep not one single person on the beach. I kept looking, then I went to the water's edge. Sure enough, not one single person in the water, near the water nor even up near any house or restaurant walking around--all the way to Boca. Not even one single fisherman in front of the coop. It was almost eerie. Almost an abandoned feeling. Nothing stirred. I watched a long time. Nothing, no one. Not even a lancha in the bay. Glorious. I got up and swam to the Rocks. Total freedom.....

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