How I got Started on Butterflies

I started my adventure with butterflies around 1971 (6 years old) in Kitwe, Zambia, where I lived. I saw a large black & yellow thing glide down in front of me and was immediately taken back by it's beauty.

I rushed into the house and grabbed my fathers safari hat. After several attempts I finally caught my first butterfly; Papilio demodocus (Citrus Swallowtail). From that day onward I was hooked.

Unfortunately I did not pursue this hobby in my 20's and only took it up again in 1994 when I happened to stumble across a reference to the Lepidopterist's Society of Southern Africa (Now "Africa" only) in a Bookstore.

What I love most about being associated with butterflies & the Lepidopterists Society of Africa is the camaraderie of the people and the adventures associated with our outings, especially our contribution to helping conserve the fragile habitats these delicate creatures attempt to exist in.

I am hopeful that the SABCA project will go some way to preventing rampant habitat destruction in our country and indeed the whole world!

My message to people out there is to encourage kids to get in touch with nature again. Contact & join our society - It's a good place to start.

Yours sincerely

John Paul

Editor - Lepsoc News