This cache was inspired by the Blue Switch Day and the butterfly effect.
On May 2, 2000, the “Blue Switch” was flipped, ending Selective Availability and making GPS far more accurate for everyone. The very next day, the first geocache was hidden — and a new kind of adventure began. From that single moment, geocaching grew into a worldwide game, turning the entire planet into a playground. It’s a perfect example of the butterfly effect — how one small change can lead to massive changes and expansion over time.
So it’s fitting that this puzzle features blue butterflies.
Blue butterflies are among the most striking in the natural world. But their color isn’t always what it seems. Unlike many creatures, blue butterflies often don’t rely on pigment.Instead, their wings use microscopic structures to bend and scatter light — creating the illusion of blue. Structure matters.
The posted coordinates are not correct. Solve the puzzle to reveal the final five coordinates for both North and West:
N 48 _ _. _ _ _
W122 _ _ . _ _ _
Below are ten specimens. Apply the same method to each one to reveal a single digit. Put them together, in order, to uncover the final coordinates.
1. Karner Blue Butterfly: Lycaeides melissa samuelis
2. Ceraunus Blue Butterfly: Hemiargus ceraunus
3. Holly Blue Butterfly: Celastrina argiolus
4. Small Blue Butterfly: Cupido minimus
5. Large Blue Butterfly: Phengaris arion
6. Short-Tailed Blue Butterfly: Everes argiadus
7. Long-Tailed Blue Butterfly: Lampides boeticus
8. Western Pygmy-Blue Butterfly: Brephidium exilis
9. Glandon Blue Butterfly: Argriades glandon
10. Spring Azure Butterfly: Celastrina ladon
Scientific names have been provided for consistency. Each specimen follows the same underlying structure.
The dificulty rating is for the puzzle and the hide. The terrain rating is for the actual cache. TOTT may be needed. BYOP
You can validate your puzzle solution with certitude.