Photograph by Mark Cowan
GoingViral
Photographer captures caiman wearing crown of butterflies
As photographer Mark Cowan travelled down the Amazon, studying reptile and amphibian diversity with the Herpetology Division at the University of Michigan, he captured a phenomenal photo that is as visually stunning as it is educational.
Chennai
According to mymodernmet.com, the image showcases a lounging caiman with a vibrant crown of butterflies. Biologically, the winged creatures need salt to survive, and the water that collects on the caiman's skin is a key provider of those minerals.
Many other animals must rely on similar commensalism in order to receive the proper nutrients. While the caiman doesn't benefit nutritionally from the relationship, his coy expression shows that he doesn't seem to mind the attention.
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