Day 2, 11:15 AM - Lycaena houdinii in mid act
View previous item Looking back into Lower Paradise Valley Window Peak above Castle Domes meadow Looking back into Lower Paradise Valley Lycaena houdinii in mid act Looking up to Castle Domes Anonymous water hole at 9000 ft Waterfall on the John Muir trail Waterfall on the John Muir trail 2nd night - The proud homeowner View next item

Okay, so there isn't really any such animal as Lycaena houdinii, but I found this butterfly's escape routine pretty fascinating. I saw many of its kin throughout the canyon, but I've never seen one emerging from its coccoon. Its thrashing motions reminded me of old film reels of Harry Houdini as he escaped from a straight-jacket while suspended by his feet. I would have stayed to watch the whole show but it was pretty hot out there and I needed to move on.