Creation Moments

Mark W. Cadwallader: Learn about a vine that keeps pet butterflies. That's next on today's Creation Moments. And now here's our Creation Moments host, Ian Taylor.

Ian T. Taylor: Two groups of tropical vines rely on the only known species of pollen-eating butterfly to reproduce. Neither vine has very showy flowers, nor do their flowers have any scent. However, they don't need to attract pollinators because the Heliconius butterfly depends on pollen produced by the vines for its food.

Since the butterfly depends upon the pollen produced by the male flower, the vines produce many more male flowers than female. This keeps its army of pollinators well-fed. Being messy eaters, the butterflies end up with pollen all over them. But what would attract the butterfly to the female flower, which can be up to 20 feet away?

Two different tricks are used. First, a female flower usually grows close to where a male flower has just withered. Second, the female flower, while producing no pollen, looks just like the male flower to invite the butterfly's attention.

Did you see the intelligence in this arrangement? If only chance were involved, why would the only known species of pollen-eating butterfly be found with the only known vines that rely on their services? This is a very big planet.

If there is no design in this arrangement, why should these vines offer female flowers that look just like male so that they will be pollinated? It is so clear that these butterflies were custom-made for these vines, and the vines were made for the butterfly. This is a witness to a personal Creator, who is personally involved in the life on planet Earth.

Mark W. Cadwallader: Interested in reading more about creation science and biblical worldview issues? Visit creationmoments.com for weekly blog posts, articles, and answers to frequently asked questions.