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These surprising photos show masses of butterflies interacting with various animals. But why do they do it, especially with such risk to themselves?

One answer is that butterflies typically swarm during migration, and these pictures capture such a moment. The other answer is that butterflies can't get all the minerals they need from flowers, so they are attracted to salty things.

In many cultures, butterflies represent the soul or the mind for the more mythologically minded. The Chinese, Greeks, and Romans believed this to be true. In Japan, however, while the symbolism is the same, one butterfly indicates an upcoming visit from your loved one, but a large number is viewed as a bad omen.

Do you have any incredible photos of butterflies in the wild? Post your pictures or vote on your favorite below.

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    #15

    Friends

    Squirrel reaching up toward a butterfly, capturing a magical moment of animals with butterflies in nature.

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    #16

    Butterflies Drinking Turtle Tears

    Turtles covered with colorful butterflies resting on logs, showcasing animals with butterflies in nature.

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    #17

    Dangerous Liaisons

    A vibrant green iguana with a small orange butterfly perched on its nose in a natural earthy setting.

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    AmyWeiss
    Community Member
    10 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's not that dangerous actually, iguanas are herbivores lol

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    #18

    Wild Guinea Pig Playing With Butterflies

    Guinea pig surrounded by numerous butterflies on dirt and grass, showcasing animals with butterflies in nature.

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    MaryAsh
    Community Member
    10 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is not a wild guinea pig.... This colour morph is extinct in the wild it's a domestic mutation, still cute though.

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    #20

    Motherfly

    Elderly woman wearing glasses with a butterfly resting on her nose in a natural outdoor setting with greenery.

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    #21

    Jacaré

    Crocodile resting by water with a butterfly perched on its snout, showcasing animals with butterflies in nature.

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    #23

    Butterfly Rocks

    Young man with butterflies on fingers showing animals with butterflies in a natural garden setting.

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    #24

    Butterfly At The Falls

    Butterfly resting on a weathered wooden surface with blurred natural landscape in the background.

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    NelliKállai
    Community Member
    10 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's so amazing, what nature can create. Wonderful! *-* Congrats to the photographer too! :)

    #25

    Swallowtail Butterfly

    Butterfly with detailed wings perched on vibrant pink and yellow flowers, showcasing animals with butterflies in nature.

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    #26

    George With A Red Spotted Jezebel Butterfly

    A colorful butterfly resting on a person's hand, closely facing an orange cat in a natural lighting setting.

    FairfaxMedia(StawellTimes) Report

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    #27

    New Butterfly On My Hand...

    Close-up of a vibrant butterfly resting on a hand, showcasing bright orange and black wings like Disney animals in real life.

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    #28

    Butterfly And Butterfly On A Hibiscus Flower

    Two butterflies perched on green leaves and a hibiscus flower, showcasing animals with butterflies in natural setting.

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