Lessons & Reflections from the National Butterfly Center

Who could have imagined that a scaly, cold-blooded reptile would one day become the harbinger of health and balance in my eco-system? Not I! That’s for sure. But nowadays, the ever-present, reassuring ‘fixture’ in my life that says, “Everything is alright,” is the lizard. Green Anole, Spiny Texas, Spotted Whiptail, you name it…I have lizards scaling the windows. Lizards sunning on rocks. Lizards hiding in the garden beds, climbing on the butterfly feeders, and scurrying across the caliche paths and paved roads that I cross, daily.

Truth be told, they really creep me out, these diminutive dinosaurs that seem to be here, there and EVERYWHERE! How did my life come to this? Is it strange that I can’t think of a day in recent memory where I have not encountered lizards? I bet it’s strange that I am even thinking about thinking about lizards! Nevertheless, they’re often on my mind.

A friend says my heightened awareness of these primordial creatures is linked to my new environmental consciousness. I say, “No, it’s rooted in the fact that I am scared of these sneaky little weirdoes—and seemingly, surrounded by them!!! Why couldn’t they be bunnies?”

But I’m slowly coming around. After nine months of daily interaction, the lizards are starting to win me over. Not as loveable as puppies or pretty as butterflies, still they serve a purpose. Their presence tells me the temperature is manageable, the insects are plentiful, and the food chain is functioning as it should.

Ironically, I accepted this position to become a conservator of the Center, and the plants, caterpillars and butterflies that can be found here; I did NOT sign on to be the keeper of the lizards. Now, I see they are related. Growing connections. Man, how cool is that?