The Lepidopterist
A Story Every Day in 2024 Dec 11th ?/366
There had been reports of the butterfly in Science Journal, a publication designed to highlight the botanical and animal discoveries of intrepid explorers.
Unfortunately, the illustration was in black and white and so, Vincent was unsure of its exact colours; but from the weighty description, he imagined it to be the most beautiful specimen. Iridescent, bright, sculpted. He needed it for his collection.
As he looked at the insects already pinioned in his expensive display drawers, he decided: he would become an explorer himself.
*
The jungle was dense and noisy. Vincent had been excited but as his guide, with whom he had been unable to share a word, led the way, hacking vine and tree limbs with his machete-like blade, all he could think about was itchy insect bites and body sweat. He felt dirty and uncivilised and hated it. It was only the picture taken from Science Journal that kept him going. Every night, he unfolded it and examined his quarry, imagining it under glass, stretched out, pinned in all its magnificence!
But even that was losing its lustre. With each passing day, his hopes of capturing his prize waned, diminishing with each trudge through undergrowth and repeated swatting at blessed mosquitoes!
Just when his despair was at its lowest ebb, that was when the butterfly chose to appear.
It was resting, wings flexing on a twisted vine. His guide was still thrashing his way further and Vincent let him, for fear of disturbing the butterfly.
"At last," he whispered to himself and stood, poised with his net, ready to pounce. It was blue, shimmering despite the dense canopy limiting the light. Bigger than he thought, almost palm sized and with a shape that was graceful but strong: wide wings tapering off to delicate tails.
"Magnificent," he said softly as he went to capture it. But before he could, some foliage behind parted and a savage (Vincent's word) grabbed the butterfly, cramming it into his mouth. Vincent watched as the native chewed it, a tailed wing barely visible, disappearing.
"No! NO!" Vincent shouted and lunged at the figure.
But, before Vincent had time to act, the native had disappeared.
And so had his butterfly.
***
366 words
Which prompts the question: which one is the more savage? The one who eats the butterfly or the one who covets it to pin it for his display?
About the Creator
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insights
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
Eye opening
Niche topic & fresh perspectives
Keep reading
More stories from Rachel Deeming and writers in Fiction and other communities.
Ice Fishing
Anders was hungry with a craving for fish. Not dried but fresh. Not smoked but pink and plump. Saliva welled in his mouth as he thought of it. Spurred on by the prospect of his potential dinner, he threw some more logs onto the fire, not too high and not too many; just enough to smoulder. He moved the chair he'd crafted a little further away. Wood burnt well and fire didn't care in what form it found wood.
By Rachel Deemingabout a year ago in Fiction
The Lunar Lord
There is a story that has been passed down from generation to generation amongst the zuxia. This story tells of a lord that was said to be the God of the lunar. This God, however, was not like the other Seven Gods. It was believed that he was the very same God that fell into the world and shattered it. This God is known to be the very father of corruption itself so the story is not often spoken about, however, whispers still get around that this Lord of the moon is still worshipped till this day.
By Kelly Johnson3 days ago in Fiction
Comments (13)
A paradox to be sure. This was so creatively wrought.
Shockingly hilarious! I love butterflies… hoping Ulysses butterflies don’t make good eating 😵💫🥹!
What a wonder your mind is! Once again you’ve concocted an incredibly compelling micro while also providing a thought provoking question! It was perfectly odd and mesmerizing
The male gaze strikes again! Butterflies are far more beautiful living than pinned in a collection. Loved your story, Rachel!
I’d say pinning is more savage here, but for a second I thought maybe the explorer would be eaten as well and the butterfly was just an appetizer
ha! Great question! I think capturing it and pinning it is far worse! (maybe - I guess.) Really enjoyed this - I have just read Rachel Joyce's Miss Benson's Beetle and it reminded me of that. Great stuff.
I'd say the latter is more savage.
This was oddly disturbing but very thought provoking. Loved this! Wonderful writing!
Oh no! 🤯 They are soooooooo beautiful and gentle and I hate seeing them in the butterfly exhibits being touched excessively. I liked your story with a twist (but not the demise).
Oh my, the butterfly got eaten! That was a gut punch! Great story!
I'd say both but I think eating the butterfly is the lesser of two evils. Loved your story!
What a twist. Butterflies are beautiful but eating them? Ewww.
Ohh! This is gold! Vincent’s all about capturing beauty, and boom—the butterfly becomes a snack instead. Classic twist. Who’s the real savage? The guy eating it or the guy wanting to pin it for show? Love the cheeky perspective shift!✨