Flight of the Butterfly

To the casual observer the flight of a butterfly appears haphazard and inefficient, something like the bobbing of a cork on turbulent waters.

August 3, 2018 | | Notes from the Wild

John Clark was a kick-off return specialist for the Queen’s University football team in the 1970s. He was also one of my best friends.

John and I shared a similar body type. Both of us were rather small for football at about 5’ 10” and 165lbs. Both of us were good receivers. But that’s where the similarities ended. John had university level talent and I didn’t. One reason for his success was his running style. He moved like a butterfly in flight.

To the casual observer the flight of a butterfly appears haphazard and inefficient, something like the bobbing of a cork on turbulent waters. Butterflies seem unable to go from one point to another in a straight line. Instead they appear directionally challenged, as if they’ve been tippling on fermented nectar.

Like a butterfly, my friend seldom moved in a straight line when running with a football. He’d zig left, zag right, take two steps in one direction and then abruptly change course to run in the opposite direction. He’d even back peddle if he had no other option. This erratic movement worked. He was very difficult to take down.

In common with butterflies, my friend’s success depended on unpredictable movement – a strategy honed by butterflies over evolutionary time to avoid capture by birds, and by my friend during five years of high school football, to avoid being tackled by opposing players.

Deleware skipper giant swallowtail shortly after emergence from chrysalis great spangled fritillary red admiral red spotted purple silvery blues mating tigerswallowtail
<
>
Giant swallowtail shortly after emergence from chrysalis. Photo by Don Scallen.

I doubt if John consciously realized he moved like a butterfly. Nevertheless, I find it fascinating that he arrived at a similar solution to the shared problem of avoiding pursuers. And me? Pity I didn’t learn from the flight of butterflies. I may have scored more touchdowns.

About the Author More by Don Scallen

Don Scallen enjoys sharing his love of nature through his writing and presentations. Check out his blog "Notes from the Wild".

Related Stories

Black swallowtail

Butterflies

Jul 8, 2015 | Don Scallen | Notes from the Wild

Butterflies are some of the most beautiful and interesting creatures on earth and can be easily attracted to your garden.

red admiral

Butterfly Invasion

May 2, 2012 | Don Scallen | Blogs

Twenty times more admirals than normal are moving into the province.

Tiger swallowtail nectaring on petunia

Caterpillars & Butterflies

Jul 25, 2011 | Don Scallen | Notes from the Wild

Most butterfly caterpillars will mature and form chrysalides within two or three weeks.

giant swallowtail

Giant Swallowtail Butterflies

Aug 9, 2012 | Don Scallen | Notes from the Wild

Giant swallowtail caterpillars are branded as “orange dogs” in the American south because they eat the foliage of citrus crops including orange trees.

luna moth close up

Luna Moths

Jun 8, 2011 | Don Scallen | Notes from the Wild

If you have seen a luna moth recently in Headwaters please let us know.

Monarchs: Children of the Sun

Aug 30, 2010 | Don Scallen | Notes from the Wild

Monarchs are children of the sun. The boldness of Sol this summer has energized their life cycle.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

By posting a comment you agree that IN THE HILLS magazine has the legal right to publish, edit or delete all comments for use both online or in print. You also agree that you bear sole legal responsibility for your comments, and that you will hold IN THE HILLS harmless from the legal consequences of your comment, including libel, copyright infringement and any other legal claims. Any comments posted on this site are NOT the opinion of IN THE HILLS magazine. Personal attacks, offensive language and unsubstantiated allegations are not allowed. Please report inappropriate comments to vjones@inthehills.ca.