With their bright colors and frequent visits to flowers, butterflies are among the most familiar of insects. There are about 17,500 species worldwide. Butterflies and moths are the only group of insects with scales covering their wings. Watching a butterfly in flight can be both enchanting and frustrating—they are quick, restless, and often allow only a fleeting glimpse of their magnificent colors as they pause briefly on a leaf or flower. Their life cycle is one of nature’s most fascinating phenomena and has inspired countless quotes throughout human history. More than once, I’ve found myself gazing at a butterfly for hours, letting go of the urge to capture a perfect photo—simply content to marvel at its beauty.