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If you read a textbook on butterfly evolution, you will see that the evolutionary model suggests butterflies appeared after flowering plants provided the pollen necessary for their survival. Although there was no fossil evidence to definitively support this, it made sense and fit well with the evolution model. However, a recent discovery has changed scientists' understanding of the timing of butterfly appearance.
New studies of coprolite from prehistoric plant-eating animals challenge this model. Coprolite, fossilized animal dung, was found in Talampaya National Park, Argentina, containing butterfly remains. Interestingly, this fossil predates the existence of flowering plants. This raises the question: what did the butterflies eat? The likely answer is that plants of that era — mainly conifers and cycads — secreted droplets of a sugary substance that would have been an ideal food source for butterflies.
The main point is that the timing of butterfly emergence, based on the fossil record, does not support the traditional evolutionary model. Many instances show accepted models of life development are contradicted by evidence, and this is another example. Insects are vital food sources for higher life forms, so the creation of various insects laid the foundation for later life. Like all of God's timing in creation, butterfly timing was perfect.
We can learn much about Earth's creation by reading the biblical account, and even more by combining that with fossil record insights. One of our publications, titled God's Revelation in His Rocks and in His Word, is available free at doesgodexist.org under "Booklets."
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Scripture links/references are from BibleGateway.com. Unhighlighted scriptures can be looked up at their website.