This Tiger Butterfly is perched on an Ixora flower. Photo: Lenny “Lensworth” Frieling

This black and white butterfly feeding on an orange flower cluster is less commonly known as a , commonly known as the Ismenius Tiger or Tiger Heliconian. As a lover of words, otherwise known as a lexophile, a linguaphile , or even a word nerd,  you’ve got to love the name of this butterfly. 

From the Boulder neighbor, the Westminster Butterfly Pavilion, this Tiger Heliconian is perched on a Ixora, or West Indian Jasmine. And yes, I confess to being just a tad didactic at times!. 

Heliconius butterflies are famous for their slow flight, long lifespan, and defensive toxins that make them unpalatable to predators. In other words, they look great, taste terrible. They are typically seen in the tropical regions of Central and South America.

Ismenus comes up a lot in Greek mythology. He had three spring nymphs as daughters. In Statius’ Thebaiid, in a attempt to avenge the death of Crenanus, he had to cease and desist at the request of Zeus. 

Note the prominent probiscus on the Tiger. 

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Lenny “Lensworth” Frieling

Lenny Frieling Pen Of Justice

• Multi-published and widely syndicated blogger and author.
• Most recently published by Amazon, his first book, "Lensworth"a book of his prize-winning photos.
• University lectures at University of Colorado, Boulder, Denver University Law School, Univ. of New Mexico, Las Vegas NM, and many other schools at all levels. Numerous lectures for the NORML Legal Committee
• Former Judge
• Media work, including starring in episodes of Fox’s Power of Attorney, well in excess of many hundreds media interviews, appearances, articles, and podcasts, including co-hosting Time For Hemp for two years.
• Life Member, NORML Legal Committee, Distinguished Counsel Circle.
• Photographer of the Year, AboutBoulder 2023
• First Chair and Originator of the Colorado Bar Association’s Cannabis Law Committee, a National first.
• Previous Chair, Boulder Criminal Defense Bar (8 years)
• Twice chair Executive Counsel, Colorado Bar Association Criminal Law Section
• Life Member, Colorado Criminal Defense Bar
• Board Member Emeritus, Colorado NORML, and prior chair during legalization, as well as pre and post legalization
• Chair, Colorado NORML, 7 years including during the successful effort to legalize recreational pot in Colorado
• Senior Counsel Emeritus to the Boulder Law firm Dolan + Zimmerman LLP : (720)-610-0951
• Board member, Author, and Editor for Criminal Law Articles for the Colorado Lawyer, primary publication of the Colorado Bar Assoc. 7 Years, in addition to having 2 Colorado Lawyer cover photos, and numerous articles for the Colorado Lawyer monthly publication.
• http://www.Lfrieling.com