Ants Scavenge a Dandelion in Late Winter

Before Winter's heavy curtain falls revealing the promise of Spring, the storehouses deep within the labyrinth grow thin and the pangs of hunger set it. The laborers are sent out to scavenge for whatever can be found in this dreary hour. Dandelions and other winter flowers are combed for any treasure they might contain. Finding little, the ant invaders move on tirelessly attempting to meet the needs of the tribe.

Eastern Tailed Blue Butterfly on a Purple Coneflower

When looking for information about the Eastern Tailed Blue Butterfly, after taking a photo of this one on an Eastern Purple Coneflower, I found a pretty interesting fact about this rather common butterfly. It secretes a substance that ants really favor, so in return the ants will protect the larva of the Eastern Tailed Blue from predators. But those of you who curate flower of vegetable gardens should watch out, because she will lay her eggs on the leaves or buds of your plants so that newly-hatched caterpillars will have something to feast on.

Eastern Tailed Blue Butterfly :: Canon Rebel T2i, Tokina AT-X 35mm f/2.8 Macro, f/11 @ 1/80s, ISO 400

Consider Her Ways

On this final day of the year, the ant continues to forage for the last vestiges of a fruitful autumn, lest a long winter catch her unawares. "Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise." Proverbs 6:6.