Ben HoareNov 27, 2022

Bilateral gynandromorphism is a pretty rare occurrence where an animal is a half-male, half-female, split right down the middle. Like this common blue butterfly - male on left, female on right. Weird! But seriously wonderful…

Very excited this is going to be in my big children’s nature book for autumn 2023 which I start writing next week.

#nature #wildlife #butterfly #entomology #AmWriting #ChildrensBooks
Photo: Burkhard Hinnersmann / Wikimedia Commons

Show threadAriel Kroon

@BenHoare Beautiful, thanks for posting! I recently read Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao and a butterfly with gynandromorphism is a touchstone for the main character as she struggles with gender issues in a very rigid, misogynist society.

What a lovely reminder that reality is messy, and beautiful because of it.

Nov 28, 2022 at 2:42pmWeb
Show threadJulietteNov 28, 2022
@arielkroon @BenHoare how do you pronounce this word auto correct messed w/ my attempt to replicate before Trying again:: Gynandro.. is it pronounced Ji””?
Show threadAriel KroonNov 28, 2022
@juliettejenn03 @BenHoare It occurs to me that I'm not sure that I have ever said it aloud! That said, the way I say it in my head is with a hard "g" as in "guy" or "gynecologist".
Show threadBen HoareNov 28, 2022
@arielkroon @juliettejenn03 Erm, not sure I have ever said it either! I also use a hard 'G' but it maybe depends on your accent. Is there a dictionary site that will read it aloud?