Winged wonders

Some time ago, while driving on a rough track in the Athi Basin, I noticed a large, predominantly green worm with incredibly beautiful markings on an acacia tree branch.

After stopping and looking properly, we noted that it was the worm, or should I say, caterpillar that eventually becomes an emperor moth. Heniocha dyops, the marbled emperor, is a moth of the family Saturniidae.

Then I thought, wow! Isn’t this an amazing part of creation? Eggs hatch and a tiny worms emerge and then rapidly consume large quantities of leaves to grow into massive worms.

The worms then make silky coloured cocoons and, after a short period of time, change completely as they wiggle out of their cocoons as flying creatures we call moths and butterflies. What an incredible metamorphosis to change from wiggly fat worms into magnificent winged wonders.

Interestingly, there are people who believe that humans are similar to greedy fat worms: they take, take and take. Until we find the true purpose that God has given us on earth and discover who we are. Then hopefully, over a period of time, many people are transformed to use their gifts and talents for good purpose to make this world a better place for all to live together.

Worms and butterflies are also a vital part of many ecosystems. Many birds and creatures feast on worms to survive. Butterflies land on flowers to suck delicious nectar through their proboscis, and accidentally gather pollen on their bodies as they rub against the anthers.

The butterflies then rub some of the pollen on the next flowers they move to and then collect some more. Through this process, the butterflies are able to pollinate numerous flowers as they move along. This action of pollination allows plants to reproduce by producing seeds.

The natural transformation, a dramatic metamorphosis of worms changing into winged wonders, is an incredible part of what God has created on Earth.

For more information on the park link to the following website www.kws.go.ke